Benefits of a Community College

 It’s that time of year when young adults pack up, turn out the lights and head off to college. But going away to college isn’t the only option. More and more people are turning to community colleges for higher education. Here are some reasons why:

  Cost
 Community colleges are considerably less expensive than four-year universities, even though a lot of the classes are exactly the same. The average cost of tuition and fees for 30 credit hours at a Dallas County Community College is $1,230. That’s generally an entire year of college. In the University of Texas System, the average cost of tuition and fees is for one year is $3,700. That’s just the average. Some are more than $4,000.

Schedule
 Many people who attend community college also work a full-time job. Community colleges understand this and offer classes both during the day and at night to accommodate those students. That makes it easier to get an education without going broke.

Location
 If you choose a community college close to home, you will not incur additional fees for housing and food. Housing costs are generally as much as tuition at a four-year university, so living at home saves thousands of dollars a year.

All Ages
 Most colleges will enroll students of all ages, but community colleges are known for their age diversity. Their enrollment is made up of young adults who either can’t afford or are not academically ready for a four-year university, adults starting school later in life and professionals taking courses to improve work performance.

Flexibility
 You don’t have to have a degree plan to attend community college. Take one course at a time, take vocational courses for specific job or start on a degree track with the intention of eventually transferring to a four-year university.

Whether you’re looking at school for yourself or you have a young adult in the house who wasn’t ready to attend a four-year college, community college may be the option you are looking for.

 

Click here for a list of community colleges in Texas.