What is Community College?
A community college or junior college is an institution of higher learning and lower-tier tertiary learning institutions that offer certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. They are quite open, easy to join, and very flexible measures which tend to enhance chances for students to achieve a college education. Therefore, junior colleges developed during the early period of the twentieth century to meet the need for a more localized and vocationally oriented education.
Originally, these institutions primarily provided vocational education and training and precondition education for students, who planned to transfer to 4-year institutions of higher education. But now, what do they provide and are the programs of such colleges advantageous?
What Courses Do Community Colleges Offer?
The most common courses offered by the Community colleges are,
Associate Degrees
The main focus of community colleges is the awarding of associate degrees which generally take two years to complete. Such degrees can be in arts, science, or applied sciences which makes it a considerably flexible program. An associate degree may lead to a bachelor’s degree to help the holder get a job in a certain profession.
Read also: What is a Graduate Degree? A Detailed Guide
Certificate Programs
Another type of program that is provided in community colleges is certificates. These programs are shorter instead of offering degrees, and it takes a learner a shorter period to learn a particular skill to allow him/her to be employed in healthcare, technology, and trades among others.
Continuing Education
In addition to this CCs provide continuing education programs for those who wish to learn for the rest of their lives or enhance their knowledge and skills. These courses comprise personal interest courses, continuing and professional development, and certified courses.
Main Objectives of Community Colleges:
A variety of roles are performed by community colleges in an entire education system. Some main objectives are discussed in the below section.
Accessibility:
The main focus of a community college is to make education accessible to every individual in a community. The courses are designed for everyone like recent high school passed out, adult workers, and new career seekers.
Career and Technical Education (CTE):
Many students do not have enough resources to pursue their higher studies. For such students, CTE-based programs are very beneficial and lead directly to employment. The programs cover different fields, such as healthcare, public safety, IT, business, and manufacturing.
Community Engagement:
Community colleges develop a connectivity with the community. They develop sustainable partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and civic organizations. This intends to support community needs and economic developments.
Lifelong Learning:
There is no age limit for getting admission into the learning opportunities at community colleges. You can be admitted into the college through continuing education, non-credit courses, and community enrichment programs.
Flexible Learning Options:
Everybody has different responsibilities and tasks to do in a day. Therefore, CCs have flexible schedules, like, evening, weekend, and online classes. The primary objective is to accommodate more and more students.
Student Support Service:
The community college’s motive is to motivate the disparate students. Many students are worried about their future careers. These colleges aim to promote student retention and success rates through tutoring, counseling, and career guidance.
Skill Development:
Mainly the courses are designed in a way to bring skillful students into the community. For this, it offers multiple, diplomas, certificates, and shorthand courses.
Benefits of Attending a Community College:
Attending a community college might be quite advantageous for several reasons that make it quite relevant today. Here are some key advantages:
Cost-Effective: Community colleges have significantly lower tuition costs compared to four-year universities thus you will be in a position to effectively cut on costs of education thus making college more affordable for you.
Transfer Opportunities: Many of the community colleges also have articulation agreements with other universities which means that when you transfer to a university from a community college your coursework is usually preapproved and you can swiftly pursue your degree of Baccalaureate.
Smaller Class Sizes: Small classes allow one to get proper attention from the instructors and this generally makes learning easier.
Flexible Learning Options: Community college, therefore, operates flexibly to allow for class attendance during the evening or the weekend, depending on one’s working calendar.
Ease of Admission: The admission process is generally less competitive, and in most cases, only a high school diploma or GED is usually required, hence becomes more acceptable.
Career-Focused Programs: Some of the community college courses are vocationally, and technologically oriented making it easier for you to seek employment once you complete your course.
Close to Home: Most community colleges are situated to ensure that you can comfortably commute to campus; they are not far from home thus cutting on accommodation expenses.
Such advantages make CCs reasonable and attractive institutions to many students. If you are still doubting to enroll in a community college, or if you have some questions, then this article is for you.
Admission Requirement for Community College:
There are different admission requirements in different programs and community colleges. However, I have listed some general requirements in the below section.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Standardized Test Scores
- Transcript or GED Scores
- Application Form Submission
- Age should be more than 18 years
Final Verdict:
A community college performs an essential role in the building of a community economically and socially. The different courses offered in a community college are the building blocks for a financially stable community. A community college smooths your way to the next educational endeavor of your educational journey. Their focus on practical skills and job readiness plays a vital role in maintaining the workforce. If you are also a high school student then you can also join community college for better opportunities of earnings.
