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"Many colleges have invested in increased academic advising, so the students have a place to go and ask questions and best determine how they can get from their point A to point B," she added. Parham advised that "if students are looking to transfer or looking to attend a university, it is really important " that they talk to the community college and four-year institutionthey are considering to understand the transfer pathway so that they are set up for success at the community college. You've lost the money that you've used to pay for that course,” she said. If “you’re not able to get academic credit for that course that you took at the community college, you've lost the time that you spent taking that course. Perna warned that this “could have real costs for students.” One note of caution: Not all credits earned at a community college will automatically transfer to the college or university you’re hoping to attend. Two-year community colleges have the lowest completion rates of anyhigher education institution. Though some community colleges are able to offer a limited number of bachelor's degrees, if you attend a community college, it's likely you'll have to transfer elsewhere to earn a bachelor's degree or beyond.Īnd if you’re thinking about starting a bachelor's degree at a community college, it's possible,but community college students can face unique challenges.Īpproximately four out of five students who start at a community college say they plan to seek a bachelor’s degree, but only about one in six actually accomplish that goal, The Hechinger Report reported. Hiring boom: A two-year degree lands a green energy job that pays 'a pretty penny' How do community colleges and universities differ? "So everything from nursing and first responder training, allied health training to electrical linemen, commercial driver's license, slot machine repair technicians, really in programs that are shorter term, credentialing programs that are by design meant for learners that are looking to quickly get into a job market," she said. Martha Parham, senior vice president of public relations at the American Association of Community Colleges, said the institutions also serve students in career and technical education programs.

Many colleges raised tuition for low-income students: Why did wealthier peers get more aid? However, four-year colleges and universities can also offer different kinds of opportunities for students, such as major athletics programs, additional social environments and more. Universities may cost significantly more than community colleges, and students may face taking out significant student loans. They may also offer classes to accommodate parents, people with full-time jobs and others. “So community colleges tend to offer associate’s degrees, as well as a host of different certificate programs, and programs that are oriented to the workforce,” she said. And they provide classes students can use to transfer to a four-year colleges.Ĭommunity colleges also offer education and training needed by companies and groups in the area, Perna noted. Here's how it affects them.īiden administration: Education Department acts to advance transgender, nonbinary inclusion in youth sports Is it better to go to a community college?Ī key difference between community colleges and four-year institutions is the type of degrees and credentials offered, said Laura Perna, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's graduate school of education. So, what is a community college? What are the benefits – and limitations – of attending the institutions? Here’s what you need to know.Įducation: Women account for two-thirds of US student loan debt. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal told USA TODAY thatcommunity colleges are “really versatile institutions that are open to everyone and create a lot of opportunities and choices for people.” Soon after the pandemic began, community college enrollment sunk in many places, and the number of recent high school grads enrolling took the biggest dip.About 5.7 million students were enrolled in community colleges in fall 2021, according to the Community College Research Center. Still, thataccounted for more than a third ofundergraduate enrollment at the time.īut not all community college students are recent high school graduates. Many students will choose to enroll in community colleges. Spring marks the moment when high school students across the country are making choices about their future, whether that’s enrolling in a four-year college or university, entering the workforce or some combination of pathways.
