Reasons to Attend a Community College
There are lots of reasons to begin, continue, or complete your college education at a California Community College. Here are some that may apply to you.
1. Increase Your Earning Power.
College graduates make more money on average than high school graduates. In fact, many employers now hire only college graduates, even for entry-level positions. But that doesn't mean you need four years at a major university. Even if you plan to get a bachelor's degree, starting out at a community college may be your best choice for a number of reasons.
| Professional degree | $76,648 |
| Doctoral degree | $74,932 |
| Master's degree | $59,280 |
| Bachelor's degree | $50,024 |
| Associate degree | $37,492 |
| Some college, no degree | $35,048 |
| High-school graduate | $30,940 |
| $21,788 | |
| Data are 2006 annual averages for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey. |
2. Spend a Lot Less.
Everyone knows that costs at four-year colleges are high and going higher. On the other hand, California Community Colleges have the lowest fees in the nation. California residents are charged $20 per unit, so for a typical course of 3 or 4 units, the cost is just $60 or $80. And for some California residents, the per-unit charge may be waived entirely. Even if you can afford the cost of a four-year college, you've probably got other things you could spend that money on.
3. Take the Most Direct Route to the Job You Want.
Spending four years getting a bachelor's degree may not be the route you want to take. Maybe you want to be a chef, a medical or dental assistant, or work in law enforcement. California Community Colleges offer lots of programs that can have you job-ready within two years or less.
4. If You're Not Sure, Explore.
Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to study, but most do not. If you're not sure about the educational path you want to follow, community colleges are a great place for career exploration. After a year or two of classes at a community college, you're likely to have a much better idea of where you want college to take you.
5. Experience a Different Educational Environment.
Even if your goal is a bachelor's degree, there are often good reasons for not spending four years at the same college. By first attending community college and then completing your degree at a four-year college, you'll have two college experiences instead of one. Your education will be broadened and enriched by two different student bodies, two different campuses, perhaps two different geographic regions-all of which will help prepare you for what comes after college.
6. Find Classes to Fit a Busy Schedule.
Not everyone has the luxury of being "just" a college student. You may need to make college fit in with a job or family responsibilities. With classes in the evening, on weekends, and even online, community colleges offer the flexibility to help you proceed with your education while doing the other things you need to do in your life.
7. Go to College without Leaving Home.
Almost anywhere you live in California, you'll find a community college within commuting distance that reflects the diversity of your community. If you're going directly from high school to college, community college gives you the option to continue living at home. This can help lower the cost of college, as well as let you focus on education rather than the lifestyle changes that come with going away to college.
8. Learn in Smaller Classes from Experienced Instructors.
At four-year colleges, it's common for many of the classes you'll typically take in your first two years to be huge (sometimes more than 300 students), relatively impersonal, and conducted by teaching assistants rather than professors. At a community college, class sizes will be much smaller, and classes are taught by experienced instructors who can give you personal attention when you need it.
9. Get a Second Chance at Your Four-Year Choice.
If, coming out of high school, you were not accepted by your chosen four-year college, that doesn't mean you can never go there. Find out from the four-year college or your community college transfer center what you can do to strengthen your application. Then prepare yourself at a community college for a successful application as a transfer student.