Academics, extracurricular activities, housing and more: be savvy about all facets of attending community college.

• Going Mobile: Apps Available at Community Colleges
  Community college students: there's an app for that! Enjoy a sampling of the interesting mobile apps that are coming from community colleges.
• An In-Depth Guide to Choosing the Right Community College
  Students considering a community college should start first with this guide to ensure they choose a school that will meet their educational and professional goals.
• Is Your Community College Top Ranked?
  A new ranking of community colleges across the country has just been released, and the results have been met with both appreciation and chagrin. Learn about the rankings and whether or not they matter in your pursuit of a quality community college education.
• Are You Attending a Top 10% Community College?
  How well is your community college ranked? We analyze the Aspen Institute's top 10% community college rankings to see where your current or prospective campus stands.
• Community Colleges Leading the Pack in Digital Technology
  Calling all tech-lovers! A new survey by Republic’s Center for Digital Education and Converge Online has ranked the community colleges that most effectively integrate digital technology into daily campus life.
• Top Five Community Colleges Announced
  The final results are in for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. We’ll report on the top five community colleges in the country and how they made the grade.
• Start to Finish: Making the Most of Community College Degree Programs
  As you plan your community college journey, take advantage of this start to finish guide. Learn about some of the hottest community college degree programs today, the importance of tying the degree into the current industry needs and how to plan your community college degree for preparation into a four-year degree program.
• 8 Reasons Why Community College Might be the Best Choice After High School
  Should you go to community college or a four-year institution upon graduating from high school? The reasons for choosing community college first may be more compelling than you currently believe.
• What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
  Learn what to expect in terms of classes and student life in your first semester of community college.
• Avoid the 3 Major Pitfalls of the First Year of Community College
  Learn about how you can avoid the commonly experienced pitfalls students encounter in the first few weeks of community college, and ensure that you do not slip through the cracks.
• Community College Students Need Parent Encouragement
  Learn tips on how to support your child during during their transition to community college.

Enrollment

From registration to placement tests, know what to expect for community college enrollment.

• Should Freshmen be First or Last in Line?
  Freshmen typically wait last in line for class registration, but some community colleges are challenging this standard by giving the frosh class first priority. Learn about the new programs that are designed to give freshmen the first pick in classes at community colleges.
• Hot Beds of Community College Enrollment Growth
  Community colleges have been soaring in popularity since the recession, but some areas are seeing tremendously more growth than others. Learn about which areas are the hot beds for community college enrollment.
• Dire in California: More than 100,000 Students Turned Away from Community Colleges and Counting
  California community colleges are being forced to turn away tens of thousands of students, and the future does not look any brighter. Learn about the current predicament and the ramifications of the new budget.
• Enrollment at Community Colleges Starting to Slow But Why?
  After years of exponential growth, the enrollment numbers at community college are starting to dip - but it is not for lack of demand. Learn about the reasons enrollment is actually shrinking.
• Texas Community Colleges Face Severe Cuts that Could Mean Reduced Enrollment
  One of the largest states is facing massive budget cuts that are impacting Texas community colleges. Learn about the current predicament and what it means for Texan students.
• The Surprising Effect of the Recession on Community College Enrollment
  The recession has been felt through every community college, but how has it impacted enrollment? A new study from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found surprising answers.
• Why is Enrollment Falling at Some Community Colleges?
  Explore a trend seen this year, where enrollment rates are stabilizing or even falling at many community colleges around the country.
• Is Enrollment Dropping on Community College Campuses?
  A new study released by the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Student Clearinghouse show that enrollment explosions at community colleges nationwide may be leveling off or even dropping.
• Class Rationing Coming to California? Some Say Yes
  In light of the huge budget cuts facing California community colleges, class rationing is now on the table as one option to help schools stay in the black. Is it right, fair or even practical? We’ll explore the issue.
• Dual-Enrollment Presents Financial Drain for Florida Community Colleges
  The popularity of dual-enrollment classes at Florida community colleges has presented a financial challenge as students grab the opportunity to take courses tuition-free.
• Youth on Campus: How Young is Too Young for Community College?
  Can pre-teens enroll in community college? A 12-year-old in Florida recently went to court when the local community college wouldn’t allow her to dual-enroll because she was too young. In California, a child prodigy is about to graduate from UCLA after starting at community college at the age of eight.
• Do Community College Applicants Need to Take Enrollment Exams?
  Learn about whether or not you may need to take an enrollment exam at your local community college, as well as the benefits these exams may provide to your academic career.
• Summer Waiting Lists: Are Students Bribing Others to Get into Full Classes?
  As the demand for community college courses soars, could a black market for spots in classes arise? Learn about how students could be buying places in popular courses.
• Stuck on a Waiting List? How Community College Students Can Combat College Admission Freezes
  More and more of today's community college students find themselves on waiting lists thanks to budget cuts. Learn about strategies you can take to get yourself off of waiting lists and into class.
• How Community Colleges are Coping with Double Digit Enrollment Growth
  Learn about how community colleges are changing their campuses to accommodate for double-digit growth in student enrollment.
• Can Community Colleges Reject You Based on Age?
  Community colleges usually admit every applicant – but some may just reject you if you are too young. Learn about the controversy that surrounds community colleges and younger students.
• Beware of Rejection Letters from Your Local Community College
  Community colleges are no longer upholding an "all welcome" admissions policy. Learn more about the change in admission policies and why community colleges are turning away students.
• Why California's Community College Enrollment Rates Dropped in 2009-2010
  While enrollment rates have soared at community colleges, California's institutions experienced a decrease in enrollment this year. Learn about why this state is bucking the national trend.
• Should Community Colleges Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Enroll?
  Learn about the controversy surrounding community colleges' admission policies regarding undocumented immigrants.
• Cosmopolitan Community Colleges: Growth in International Student Enrollment
  Learn about why the number of international students enrolling at American community colleges is increasing, as well as which states lead the way in international enrollment.
• Seniors Planning for Community College
  Learn what steps a senior should take in planning for community college.
• Will the Failing Auto Industry Drive Up Community College Enrollment Rates?
  Learn about how the failure of the American auto industry, along with President Obama's education initiatives, will translate into increased enrollment in community college campuses.
• Why Student Enrollment Rises as the Economy Falls
  Learn about the trend to attend community college when the economy may face weakness in growth.

Improving Learning

Boost your GPA with the tips and advice in these articles.

• Why You Should Strive to be on the Dean's List
  Making the dean’s list at your community college may earn you scholarships, recognition, and improved job prospects. Learn about how you can study your way onto the dean’s list.
• Community College Case Studies: 3 Lessons on Improving Learning
  As community colleges continue to grow in popularity, some campuses are experimenting with how they can improve learning. Be inspired by three case studies that follow the successes of community colleges in their quest to take learning to a new level.
• 15 Ways to Increase Your Odds of Success at Community College
  Take advantage of this in-depth guide to help you achieve success at community college through making the right financial aid decisions, college readiness assessments, and class taking strategies.
• New Survey Shows Community College Students Feel Unprepared for the Rigors of Higher Education
  Are you ready for community college? If your answer is no, then you are not alone. Learn about the second annual Pearson Foundation Community College survey that shows many high school graduates do not feel prepared for college-level work.
• Promoting Success and Completion: New Report Helps Lead the Way
  A new report from the Center for Community College Student Engagement provides insight into assessment criteria community colleges can use to improve completion and student success rates.
• How Your iPod Can Help You Earn Better Grades at Community College
  Your iPod can stream so much more than simply music! Learn about how you can view your community college lectures on your iPod, using this small piece of technology to improve your grades and academic experience.
• The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College
  Learn about the many benefits associated with taking honors courses at your local community college and what you should expect in these rigorous classes.
• Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
  Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics.
• Tutors and Academic Assistance for Community College Students
  Learn about tutoring options and academic assistance for community college students.
• How CalPASS Has Improved the Success of California's Community College Students
  Learn about California's CalPASS program and how it has benefited community college students and their transition to four-year universities.
• Writing Assistance for Community College Students
  Learn how to get essay and writing skills assistance in community college.
• How to Avoid Community College Academic Probation
  Learn about academic probation and dismissal, as well as the strategies you can enact to ensure you remain in good academic standing with your community college.
• The Value of Mentoring Programs in Community College
  Learn about the variety of mentoring programs available in community colleges, and why you may want to be involved as a mentee or mentor.
• The Benefits of Community College Minority Mentoring Programs
  Learn about how minority mentorship programs at community colleges are improving academic performance and graduation rates, as well as providing a medley of benefits.
• Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
  Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of academic bankruptcy and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility.
• Support for ESL Students in Community College
  Learn about the support programs available for ESL students in community college.
• Community College Counseling: Academic and Personal Support
  Your community college is an excellent resource for support; learn about the academic and emotional support available to you on campus.
• Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
  Learn about the research that shows how participation in community college boosts student performance and success.

Degrees

Certificates, associates, and bachelors degrees: which is right for you?

• How to Earn Your Associate's Degree in Less than Two Years
  It no longer takes two years to earn your associate’s degree. Learn about programs at community colleges that grant degrees after one year, as well as strategies you can utilize to graduate earlier.
• New Bachelor's Degrees Offered at Community Colleges
  With more community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, the choices in getting a BA or BS are growing quickly. Learn about new bachelor's degrees you can obtain at community colleges, ranging from nursing to electrical engineering and every subject in between.
• More Degree Programs Coming to a Community College Near You
  Ever evolving, community college programs constantly change to meet the current job market. Learn about some of the newest degree programs that are preparing students for lucrative jobs after graduation.
• Are Four-Year Degrees at Michigan Community Colleges Constitutional?
  We examine the debate currently brewing in the Michigan legislature over whether to allow Michigan community colleges to offer four-year degrees. Are these degrees constitutional?
• How to Obtain an Associate's Degree in Just One Year
  Learn about new programs in community colleges that allow students to graduate with an associate's degree in only one year.
• Licensing and Certification Opportunities at Community Colleges
  Learn about the numerous licensing and certification opportunities available at community colleges.
• Obtaining Your Bachelors Degree at a Community College
  Learn about the growing trend of obtaining your bachelor's degree in community college.
• Value of an Associates vs. Bachelors Degree
  Compare the true value of earning your Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, and learn about which one will be worth your time and investment.
• High School Diploma vs. GED
  Learn about the differences and impact between obtaining a high school diploma and a GED.
• How to Earn Your GED and College Degree Simultaneously
  Learn about the importance of a GED to your future career and earning potential, as well as explore how you can earn both your GED and college degree simultaneously at your local community college.

Graduation

Graduation rates, policies, and caps - oh my! This section covers all topics related to community college graduations.

• Retaining Students through Innovation
  Community colleges are heeding President Obama's call for student retention. Learn about the innovative programs some community campuses are creating that keep students in their classroom seats.
• New Study: 70% of California Community College Students Fail
  A shocking 70% of California’s community college students fail to graduate or transfer. Learn about the catalysts of the failure and how campuses are trying to turn these dire statistics around.
• The Catch-22 of Community College Graduation Rates
  Community college graduation rates may appear to be in dire straits, but what are the real numbers? Could it be that the “successful” students who transfer to four-year universities are considered community college “drop outs” statistically?
• How California Community Colleges Hope to Increase Graduation Rates by 2020
  California currently faces dismal graduation rates, but a new initiative hopes to increase graduation rates dramatically by 2020.
• New National Initiative Designed to Ramp Up Graduation Rates
  President Obama has ambitious goals of graduating five more million students from community colleges by the close of this decade. Can our country do it? A new initiative called Completion by Design says, yes we can!
• State Spending Impacting Graduation Rates at Community Colleges across the Country
  The dire state of current budgets is impacting graduation rates, which are diminishing with each disappearing dollar. Learn about how the current budget crisis is impacting students and their degrees, as well as potential solutions.
• Completion Rates Climbing at Community Colleges across the Country
  Read about a recent report from the American Association of Community Colleges that shows completion rates among community college students have been steadily climbing for the past two decades.
• The High Cost of Community College Dropouts
  A new report by the American Institutes for Research shows that some states are paying billions of dollars on community college students who drop out before earning a degree or certification.
• Shocking Low Graduation Rates Plague Illinois Community Colleges
  A new report released by the deputy governor of the state shows that only one in five community college students actually complete their degree programs on time.
• Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
  We examine the “Make it Personal” Campaign initiated by the American Association of Community Colleges to improve retention rates by educating students on pregnancy planning and prevention. This is a timely subject in light of other contraceptive debates raging currently.
• Graduate Early and Save Money by Testing Out of Community College Classes
  Learn about how you can save thousands in tuition costs by testing out of community college classes.
• Graduate from Community College Earlier By Paying More
  If you are tired of being on waiting lists, could you pay to skip ahead and take the courses you need? Learn about one community college that allows its students to pay more to take classes and graduate faster.
• Will You Graduate From Community College? Factors that Influence Success
  Learn more about the factors that can influence whether you graduate from community college.

Extracurricular Activities

Community college can be fun and socially enriching, especially with the right extracurricular activities.

• Mentoring at Community College: Helping Students Succeed
  Learn about mentoring programs at community colleges around the country and the benefits they offer to students.
• Want to Lose Weight? How Your Community College Can Help
  If you are looking to shed extra weight, your best source of support may be your community college. Learn about dieting programs, support groups, and even classes to help you get healthy.
• Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
  Consider three of the best reasons to join your community college's debate club to further your future career and job opportunities.
• The Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Community College
  Consider these five reasons, ranging from resume benefits to professional opportunities, to volunteer during your time in community college
• Alternative Spring Break: Programs and Opportunities
  Instead of visiting a party destination this spring break, consider attending educational and philanthropic opportunities offered through your community college.
• Theater Opportunities at Community Colleges
  Learn more about the powerful acting and theater programs available at your local community college.
• The Benefits of Community College Clubs
  Learn about the benefits of participating in clubs at community college.
• Studying Abroad During Community College
  Learn about the benefits of studying abroad during community college.
• Wellness Opportunities at Community Colleges
  Learn about the different opportunities for improving your health and wellness at community college.

Community College Housing

Consider whether on-campus community college housing is right for you.

• Living on Campus: Student Housing Coming to a Community College Near You
  Just a few short years ago, community college dormitories were a rarity. Today, more and more community colleges are building student housing, with an array of benefits for students. Learn about who is jumping onto the dorm bandwagon.
• Dormitories: Positive or Negative for Community Colleges?
  Dormitories are becoming more popular on community college campuses, but are dorms beneficial for community college students?
• Campus Living Options for Community College Students
  Learn about the increasing number of campus living options for community college students.

Athletics

For fun or competition, athletic opportunities abound at community college.

• The Complete Community College Athletics Guide
  If you are an athlete hoping to go pro, our complete community college athletics guide can help you get started on the right foot, literally!
• Grand Rapids Community College Bids Farewell to Grand Football Tradition
  After 80 years and a powerful program, Grand Rapids Community College cites scheduling conflicts and compliance challenges in bringing its football tradition to an end.
• Athletics in Community Colleges
  Learn about athletics in community colleges - what sports are typically offered and their role in the student experience.
• How to Meet New Friends While Playing Sports
  Take advantage of the intramural sports opportunities offered at your local community college, including baseball, basketball, ping pong, and even rock climbing.
• Professional Athletic Opportunities for Community College Students
  Learn how community college can facilitate professional athletic opportunities for its students.
• Run Towards the Finish Line with a Community College Marathon
  For novice and competitive runners alike, community colleges across the country offer fun marathon events, as well as an opportunity to join collegiate marathon teams.

Special Needs

Students with special needs can find the support needed to excel at community colleges.

• Students with Learning Disabilities Find Help in Community Colleges
  Community colleges are an excellent stepping stone between high school and a four-year institution, especially for students with learning disabilities. Learn about the support programs available at community colleges that can help students thrive academically, regardless of their disabilities.
• How to Find the Best Community College for Your Unique Hearing Needs
  If you have specific hearing needs, finding a supportive community college campus is critical. Learn about what to look for in a community college and what programs across the nation are providing innovative resources to those with hearing impairments.
• Which Community College is Best for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
  For students with autism spectrum disorder, community colleges across the country can provide excellent higher education support. Learn about how to choose the right community college that specifically meets the needs of ASD students.
• The Secret Signs of Undiagnosed Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
  Learn about the symptoms of Adult ADD and ADHD, and how an undiagnosed disorder may impact your academic, social, and professional endeavors.

Student Populations

Serving students from all walks of life, community colleges offer special support to various student populations.

• Wiser and Older: The Movement to Enroll Community College Students Over the Age of 50
  Who says college is just for the 18 - 22 year old crowd? In fact, more community colleges are recruiting students over the age of 50 - and for good reason!
• LGBT Support at Community Colleges
  From scholarships to support programs, there are growing resources available at community colleges for LGBT support and encouragement.
• Special Challenges and Support for First-Generation Community College Students
  Many community college students are the first in their family to attend college, and this designation comes with its own share of responsibilities and challenges. Learn about the support available specifically for first-generation community college students.
• Baby Boomers Heading Back to Community College
  Learn about the increasing number of baby boomers who are becoming community college students and what schools are doing to accommodate them.
• At-Risk Students Find Success at Community Colleges
  Learn about how community college programs can specifically help at-risk students achieve both academic and professional success.
• Why the Male Population is Spiking at Community Colleges
  Learn about the changing tide in male enrollment at community colleges, as well as the catalysts behind the increase in men on campus.
• Going to School with Mom: The New Community College Trend
  Learn about why more students are attending community college classes with their parents.
• Changing Student Demographics: Rising Number of Professional Students
  Learn about the increasing numbers of older, professional students attending community colleges, which offer excellent opportunities for adult learners.
• Programs for Seniors Citizens and Retirees at Community Colleges
  Read about the increasing number of programs for senior citizens and retirees at community colleges.
• The Minority Report: How Minority Students are Really Faring at Community Colleges
  A performance gap continues to exist at community colleges for minority and low-income students. Learn about the troubling statistics and how the performance gap can be closed.

Veterans

The men and women who have proudly served in our country's armed forces can find special support at community colleges.

• Bringing Veterans Together: A New Model for Support at Community Colleges
  After serving our country in the Armed Forces, many veterans find themselves unsupported by community colleges. Thankfully, several campuses are hoping to change the landscape of support for veterans.
• Veterans: Funding Opportunities at Community Colleges
  Learn about the specific financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to veterans attending community college. You served our country - now let the country serve you financially.
• How Will the New GI Bill Impact Your Community College Enrollment Options?
  Learn about how the revisions within the GI Bill impact the academic benefits for veterans who served America on or after the 9/11 attacks.

All Categories:

• About College (14 articles)
• Affording College (46 articles)
• Courses in College (53 articles)
• College Funding (21 articles)
• College Policies (32 articles)
• Career Training (97 articles)
• Transfer Process (20 articles)
• Community College News (27 articles)

• The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
  How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
• 10 Top Health Fields You Can Enter with an Associate Degree
  Learn about 10 of the best jobs in health care that you can land with just a two-year degree from your local community college.
• New York Community Colleges Launch Distance Learning Alliance
  In an effort to compete with for-profit schools, New York community colleges have launched an alliance to offer distance learning to make classes more accessible to students.
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