The United States has many community colleges that are primarily focused on serving the needs of their local communities. They are generally a public institution that follow liberal admissions policies and offer instruction to all high school graduates or anyone who might benefit from it.
They are typically free or low cost, and most students receive some form of financial aid. Scholarships, grants, and federal student loans are among the main sources of funding for students at community colleges.
Some community college graduates go on to attend four-year colleges. Those who do so have higher rates of employment and earnings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These graduates often choose to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree. They also find that their degrees transfer well to other schools.
Another factor that helps students choose to attend a community college over a 4-year university is the cost. Most community colleges are much less expensive than private universities. In fact, they are often more affordable than state universities.
This is because most of the costs associated with attending a four-year university are tuition and fees, books, and other related expenses. While community colleges are not usually free, there are 19 states that provide scholarships or programs that reduce or eliminate the tuition fees that a student would otherwise have to pay.
They can be a great option for people who need a two-year college education to meet their general education requirements or who are not sure what they want to do after high school. Most community colleges offer a variety of classes, from remedial courses to postsecondary certificates and degrees in specific fields.
Some community colleges specialize in preparing adults for college-level study and offer adult education programs that are geared toward career advancement or personal development. The courses can be a combination of academic subjects and practical subjects, such as computer skills or auto repair.
Courses can be taken on campus or online. Some community colleges also offer distance learning, or eLearning, where students take classes from a distance through the use of a computer and proctored exams.
One of the most common reasons that people attend a community college is to complete their general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university. This is a way for students to save money and spend more time on their studies, since they will be taking only the classes that they need to meet their degree requirements.
A major benefit of attending a community college is that the classes are smaller, which allows students to have more one-on-one attention with their professors. This is especially true for students who are new to college, or for students who are returning after a long hiatus.
In addition, most community colleges offer opportunities for students to get involved with campus life and participate in athletics. This can help them socialize with other students, and it can even improve their performance in class.
The number of community colleges grew rapidly in the twentieth century, and today, they are an important part of the national network of higher education. They are often the first choice of high school graduates, as they can serve as a bridge to a four-year university or help students earn a career diploma.