Community College, I Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong
ByWe have many community colleges in the US, but I’d have to say this can be the least understood type of college; while at the same time one of best options for many of us. Actually I’d wager this is one of the best academic gems we have that gets the least publicity.
After you read this article I’m thinking you’ll agree…
Growing up I had no idea what a Community College was, what I found that I wasn’t alone. I’ve taken classes at a community college, but this was only to finish my degree, I lacked one class that my university wasn’t offering for another year or so.
I wasn’t really sure about taking classes at a Community College. I knew very little about this college, the main thing I knew was the cost difference, and if you’re like me then a lower cost typically means lower quality.
I couldn’t be more wrong!
Community Colleges have excellent benefits for those of us who are more cost conscious now, but still need that high quality education to get a great job.
In reality they seem to have a lot of benefits that adult students need, especially when you are just getting started.
They actually have killer benefits
1. Cost
The number one thing that most of us notice right away is the cost difference. For a four year state college, often you are looking at anywhere from $300.00 per credit hour and up.
Now let’s do a simple compare and contrast, in a Community or Junior College you are looking at $20.00 to $80.00 or so depending on where you live.
I know you’re connecting this back to my earlier thought where I wondered if the cost reflects the quality. Well, in looking at a purely academic comparison, both four year state college or university and community colleges have the same regional accreditation.
Quick Little Side Note: You may be wondering why I’m using state colleges or universities and community colleges in my comparison.
I’m glad you asked, J. Well, private colleges, basically any college that is not state funded, chooses who will accredit it, but for state funded colleges they don’t have a choice, they’re Regionally Accredited, thus this is an apple to apple comparison.
So what does that really mean?
Regional Accreditation ensures that the quality of classes is the same. Now there is quite a bit to understand about accreditation, take a quick second and see more here at this blog post. http://www.sophiemaddox.com/2009/11/05/accreditation/
2. Academics: Many that I’ve talked to over the years have had the impression that a Community College is for those who cannot get into a four year college.
Ironically, I found that there are many who choose to go to a community college for one reason or another. Some for a cost savings, others because they don’t want to attend a traditional four year college, and still others find that the support they need is in a Community College.
Since the college is regulated by an Accrediting Agency, the class quality is the same, the basic entrance requirements are the same within a state, now some colleges may change this, but the basic requirements are the same.
Okay so the Accreditation’s the same, but maybe you’re still not sure, so check this out, here’s another thing you can use aside from the graduation, and hiring rates of course.
One thing you can look at outside of the accreditation, are the professors. The Credentials of the professors I’ve not only met but worked with are astounding!
Do this… Go to the website of your local Community college and often you’ll find information, including a brief biography of accomplishments of the college’s professors. It’s amazing to look at their professional careers.
For Example, one of my husband’s professors, spent years in Europe perfecting his craft, and is widely recognized here in the US as well. He loves what he does, and with all the various places he could be with his outstanding credentials he’s chosen to be in a Community College because he believes in what they offer.
3. Family support, this is a great benefit, for mom’s looking to go to college, most of the Community Colleges I’ve been associated with offer child care so you can attend class. Something not many colleges or universities offer in my experience.
So when we need to take a class but just can’t drop the kids off at the local sitter you can bring them with you and they’re taken care of, definitely a plus in my book.
4. Lots of scheduling options Community Colleges often have flexibility, they’ll help you find a class that matches your schedule, they often have numerous availability for classes, especially the introductory classes.
And or they offer Online classes or correspondence study where you work with a professor, say you set up a meeting in his/her office every couple of weeks and study at home with visual aids, and homework assignments.
So what’s your preference?
- Traditional in class study with all the benefits
- Online study
- Correspondence study
- Study from home, each college may call this something different
You decide.
True Story: My husband had the best experience in his community college. He build great friendships, he had amazing academic experience, and loved the community in his Community College.
He’s wrapping up his bachelor’s degree now and even says several of his community college classes were academically more challenging and he was required to learn more than at his university!
I was stunned at first, but he showed me what he was learning at both colleges, and one class they didn’t accept for transfer credit so he took it over at the university and in comparing both syllabus I couldn’t argue.
So when you’re considering furthering your education take a close look at your local community college
Community Colleges, are excellent tools to help you build your career, you can get an Associate’s Degree, typically a two year degree, a certificate for a specific set of classes, or you can simply take classes as you need them to stay current in your field. The only drawback I see from a community college is that they only offer two year degrees, and I know some that are working to become a full four year university.
Oh, do you know what… I almost forgot to mention one important thing.
Community Colleges also have competitive sports teams, so if you’re like me and enjoy a good live game, check one out, they’re a lot of fun and they don’t cost much.
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Sophie
[...] presents Community College, I couldn’t have been More Wrong | Sophie’s Blog posted at Sophie’s Blog, saying, “Discover if you’ve made the same assumptions I [...]
[...] Maddox presents some of the benefits of attending a two-year school in her post Community College, I couldn’t have been More Wrong at Sophie’s Blog. Take a look and see if you’ve made some of the same assumptions as [...]