Community Colleges

Advantages and disadvantages of the two-year junior college experience

© Naomi Rockler-Gladen

Jan 17, 2007

Should you go to a community college? Whether you plan to transfer to a four year college, stop at an associate degree, or just take a few classes, is a junior college a good option for you? To help you make this decision, here are some advantages and disadvantages of community colleges.

ADVANTAGES OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES

• Expense. Community colleges usually are a bargain compared to four year schools. If you're planning to transfer, you can take your core classes at a community college and save money on your bachelor's degree.
• Quality instructors. Of course, there are good teachers and bad teachers everywhere. But many instructors who teach at community colleges often are more focused on teaching than college professors. Community college jobs are highly competitive, which leads to quality teaching.
• A degree in two years. Four years can be an awfully long time.
• Great for nontraditional students. Community colleges often are much more geared to the needs of nontraditional students than four year colleges.
• A good transition from high school. If you don't feel prepared to go to a four year college after high school, or you didn't do well enough to get into a school of your choice, a community college can be a great transition. Remedial classes are available to help students prepare, and if you prove yourself with a high GPA at a community college, acceptance to a four year school will be much easier.
• Close to home. If you're not ready to leave home or can't afford to do so, look at nearby community colleges.
• Classes may be more career oriented. If a four year college isn't right for you, look for associate degrees from community colleges and technical colleges that will help you advance your career.
• Opportunities for high school students. In some school districts, students have the option to take classes at a community college to fulfill both high school and college credits.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES

• You don't get a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for many jobs and career choices. Should this be the case? Maybe not, but it is.
• Less college atmosphere. Some community colleges are more fun and lively than others. However, these schools are geared to the needs of commuter students, so you won't find the vibrant and fun community life that comes with living on a college campus.
• Less interaction among students. It's harder to get to know your fellow students on a community college campus than at a four year school.
• Transferring credits can be a nightmare. Sometimes it's easy to transfer your community college course credits to a four year school. Often it's not. If you plan to transfer to a four year school (or are considering this), be sure to find yourself a good advisor! The trick is to take classes that you know will transfer easily.
• Fewer campus resources. At a community college, you're less likely to have an excellent college library, student center, and other perks.
• Too much "home"? For some recent high school graduates, commuting from home can be an advantage. For others, this sucks. If you're ready to leave, maybe you should.

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