Things to Think About Before Studying Abroad

Community college offers a wonderful alternative to traditional four-year colleges and universities in many ways. Not only are community college degrees generally much more affordable, but the programs themselves are also very flexible. Many community colleges offer online classes, which are particularly beneficial for non-traditional students, including parents and students who work full-time jobs. Keep reading to learn more about non-traditional students in community colleges and tips for success.

What is a Non-Traditional Student?

College students come in various packages, but most students fall into the same categories regarding age and lifestyle. However, there are some major differences among the student body when it comes to community colleges versus four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges tend to attract more “non-traditional” students, but what does that mean? According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), seven characteristics are commonly seen in students who qualify as “non-traditional” – here they are:

• I didn’t go to college right after graduating from high school
• Attending college part-time instead of full-time
• Working a full-time job while in school
• Being financially independent of parents and family
• Having children or other dependents
• Being a single parent
• Having a GED rather than a high school diploma

Of course, not all non-traditional students fit all these criteria, but you only need one to be grouped in this category. However, you may be surprised to learn how common non-traditional students are at the undergraduate level as a whole – it is close to 75% of all undergraduate students fall into at least

Many students choose community college over a traditional four-year university because it is the more affordable option. A year of tuition at community college could be as low as $3,500 compared to more than $33,000 for a private university. But just because community college is more affordable doesn’t necessarily mean it is any less a real college. Many community colleges strive to mimic the “true” college experience by offering their students campus housing and social activities.

Another way in which community colleges strive to compete with traditional universities is by offering athletics programs. In early March of 2017, community college athletics was a trending topic on Twitter, Instagram, and other social media. Keep reading to learn more.

Students Choose Community Colleges for Sports

In early March 2017, the Twitter hashtag #communitycollege was filled with announcements made by incoming community college students making commitments based on athletics. Here is an overview of some of those announcements:

• On March 2, 2017, Twitter handle @jvaught11 posted, “Excited to announce that I have signed to play baseball at Chandler Gilbert Community College.” Home of the Wild Coyotes, Chandler Gilbert Community College is located in Chandler, Arizona and they offer a variety of different sports programs including baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, softball and volleyball.
• On March 8, 2017, Twitter handle @CoachRegalado posted, “Congrats to @mgonzalez13 on her visit and PWO offer to Laredo Community College!” Laredo Community College, also known as LCC, is located in Laredo, Texas and

Many students choose community college over a traditional four-year university because it is the more affordable option. With each passing year, however, college tuition costs are rising across the board. Attending community college may still be the more affordable option, but it is by no means cheap.

If you are thinking about attending community college, take the time to do some research to learn what kind of costs you can expect and how much financial aid you might qualify for. You should also familiarize yourself with some of the most common financial aid mistakes that community college students make so you can avoid making them yourself.

How Much Does Community College Cost?

When you think about the costs of attending community college you have to consider more than just tuition. Most community colleges charge for tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, though that is not always the case. The average cost for one year of tuition and fees to attend a public 2-year college is around $3,500 for in-state students. For a public 4-year college for in-state students, the average yearly cost is closer to $9,500. In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, you also have to think about things like school books, housing, and various living expenses like food and transportation. Many community college students are able to minimize these costs by continuing to live at home.

Financial Aid Options for Community College

To help you cover the cost of community college, there are a number

Though many people still think that community college is a lesser version of a traditional four-year university, the truth is that your education will be what you make it – it doesn’t really matter where you go to school. In the end, all that really matters is the effort you put into it and how well you take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. If you want to graduate from community college with the best chance for future success, follow these top ten tips when you start attending school.

Why Attend a Community College?

According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), almost half of all undergraduate students in the United States attend community college. Community college appeals to a diverse range of students from recent high school graduates to adults seeking continued education. Many students enjoy the flexibility and affordability of community college as compared to traditional four-year universities, though both options come with their own set of unique challenges. Going to college, in general, is a major life event and the choices you make could influence your future success. Having the right mindset and being proactive about your community college career can help you to get the most out of your education.

This video offers reasons why you should attend community college.

Tips for New Community College Students

Though community college is very different from a traditional four-year