Underrated in America: Community colleges
Filed under: College on a Dime
Community colleges have always been an underrated source of education, with most top students frowning upon them. But the times they are a-changin'. With the credit markets experiencing unprecedented problems -- and parents' portfolios down big -- many students are finding themselves in their junior and senior years of college without funding.
That's bad. it's especially bad because once you finish your sophomore year, it becomes difficult to downsize: community colleges generally don't offer bachelor's degree programs and the timing is also bad for transferring to a less expensive or less prestigious four-year college: you've spent tens of thousands on your education but your diploma will come from whatever school you attend last.
Don't miss the rest of our series on Underrated In America!
Bottom line: unless you're rolling in cash or receive a huge amount of scholarship money, beginning your college career at a community college is a prudent step to take into consideration. The costs are a tiny fraction of a four-year school, you'll be able to save money by working and living at home, and it's much better to make do now rather than run out of money 3 years into an education at a four-year college.
And remember, the main difference between the diploma of someone who went to Harvard for four years and someone who did the first two years at a community college before transferring is: nothing.
Some notable community college graduates: George Lucas, Ross Perot, Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, astronaut Eileen Collins, Peter Jennings, Tom Hanks and Morgan Freeman.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-30-2008 @ 12:34PM
Jan said...
A COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS GREAT BUT YOU HAVE TO REALLY MAKE SURE THE 4 YEAR COLLEGE ACCEPTS YOUR CREDITS, ITS A MONEY GAME. I HAD THE EXPERIENCE THAT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE REQUIRE CERTAIN CREDITS AND THE 4 YEARS COLLEGE DID NOT ACCEPT THEM, NOW HE HAS TO TAKE THEM AGAIN WHICH IS BOGUS - ITS JUST MORE MONEY. THE LAW SHOULD CHANGE THAT ALL CREDITS SHOULD TRANSFER OVER NO MATTER WHAT.
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10-30-2008 @ 12:54PM
No name requested said...
As someone who works at a community college as both an administrator and faculty member, I can attest to the quality education students receive. The community college is not under the same "publish or perish" umbrella. Students have the chance to get to know their professors as well as professors getting to know their students.
Many if not most courses are transferrable to four year institutions. The student has to be diligent in ensuring that courses taken at the CC will transfer for majors especially. Also, there are articulation agreements between CCs and four year institutions, which lets the students know the course of studies will transfer to other institutions. May be different for courses which may apply to majors. This is a question for the admissions office or college department.
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11-02-2008 @ 2:51AM
Mike said...
2 yr college has saved me 15000 dollars and growing!
Some community colleges do not have the student accountability to push students to learn. They are geared towards those with hobbies,GED student, vocational students and 2 year education transfer students. So their focus is split as a institution for nurturing their transfer students. Also some teachers don't push their students because they will transfer and see the end 4 year product; this slows down the education. It can also be slowed down for those with shorter academic ambitions because the needs of students are broader.
What you have to look for is a 2yr college that is geared to become a 4 year and the 2 year works closely with other major 4 year colleges in the region. A lot of people try vocational/technical schools and then try a state school to transfer and they don't match up. Like the poor person above. Afflilation is very important for transfering.You need to watch what your taking closely so as to know what to take that will transfer so you don't lose money and waste time.
Community colleges can also help your GPA. I transferred schools and without that higher GPA at the community college I would have lost out on almost a third of my schooling each semester being funded for the past 3 years. I saved 10 grand! Community college is also a great way to get class out of the way easy in subjects that you don't care with a great GPA. I saved about 5000 dollars easily compared and could hold a job.
It also makes the jump to a 4 year easier. It can also slows down the amount of change. Going directly from high school to a 4 year can be really hexing for some people. It was for me. It gives you time to figure out what you want to do without paying alot for it. It is easier so you can dib and dab to figure out your passions. 4 years you have a lot more homework in classes you might not care about if you just started you don't want to pay for 1000 dollar course that you won't use the rest of your life!
Don't let your schooling get in the way of your education.-Einstein
If your thinking of transfering, look for a small to mid size school that's main pride and joy is its undergrad program. If the school is too big most likely you won't be taught by star scholars at the school you will get their students(Grad students that don't know how to teach or communicate). Big Names doesn't always equate good education, just a big price tag. Some school will throw scholarship packages at you that are full of loans,(you have to pay those back with interest!).
Grad school is where you will want to pay your dollars then go to a grad school geared mostly towards grad students. To save on money look for a school that has a has a big endowment that helps the students. I will endorse my school, angelo state university. I can study abroad for free too and about a 1/3 of the students have about 1/3 to half their schooling paid for and it is the cheapest state school in Texas with most of my teachers being PhD and knowing my name.
I also recommend taking as many courses for free in high school as possible, through dual credit programs. Hello free college!
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