Community College

Community colleges have many things to offer high school graduates, especially the ones who are not sure where their futures are going at this point in time.  It has many courses required by four year institutions, so while deciding whether college is your best option; you can be furthering your education.

One of the reasons community colleges are popular is that they offer accredited college-level courses.  This is great for those who are still in the deciding stage or for those who, at present, cannot attend a university for reasons of finance or work, family and/or time.

One of the many factors to consider when making choices for a college is the cost.  Traditional college tuitions are very costly-not to mention the added expense of books and dorm costs. 

Many believe it takes good planning to get the basic education needed for college credits (but very costly at traditional institutions) at a two year facility.  It saves the much needed money for future specialized education. Talk about cost efficiency.

Many students do not consider a community college because they feel it is for older people; those who do not have the money for regular college, or have had to plan college around a family taking split or night classes to accommodate a work schedule. This may be true but the fact is that it is  generally closer home for those who are struggling or for those you might not feel comfortable bounding out of high school, cutting all ties and being independent 'overnight'.

A good community college serves many purposes if you stop to consider.  It allows you to get the basic, but much needed education.   It allows you to save money for the next step.  It offers a taste of college life without pulling one away from everything they have always known too quickly, and the chance to move away from old friends gracefully, while opening up to embrace the new ones at a reasonable pace. 

Some students, ready for the break soon after high school, but are unable to leave for financial, medical or parental complications, may not appreciate the opportunity of the community college.  They may get caught up in the 'I'll never get out of here' mode, but it can be a good experience for them, as well.  With the way community school are set up (to accommodate the working parents who have so many outside influences to consider) it is actually easier for the ardent student to take more classes, with a wider variety, in a short amount of time.