Community College News

Giving Back: Community Colleges on the President’s Honor Roll for Community Service

Community colleges have long been defined by their close connection to local communities. In recent years, that connection has been formally recognized through the President’s Honor Roll for Community Service, one of the highest federal acknowledgments for civic engagement in higher education. For families and students evaluating quality and service, inclusion on the Honor Roll offers a meaningful indicator of institutional values, student opportunity, and real-world impact.

As of 2026, community colleges continue to represent a substantial share of institutions honored for sustained, measurable community service. Their recognition reflects not only volunteer hours logged, but also deep partnerships, curricular integration, and a commitment to equity-driven service. This article examines what the President’s Honor Roll represents, why community colleges excel in this area, and how prospective students can benefit academically, professionally, and financially.

What Is the President’s Honor Roll for Community Service?

The President’s Honor Roll for Community Service was established to recognize colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement. Administered by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the Honor Roll highlights institutions that integrate service into campus culture and academic life.

Institutions are evaluated based on factors such as:

• Breadth and depth of community partnerships

• Integration of service-learning into coursework

School Rankings by Category: A 2026 Guide for Community College Students

Community college rankings are no longer one dimensional. In 2026, prospective students and families are looking beyond simple lists of “top schools” and instead using category based rankings to find institutions that best match their academic goals, financial needs, and personal circumstances.

At CommunityCollegeReview.com, rankings by category form a core navigation tool because they reflect how students actually choose colleges. A working adult may prioritize flexible online programs, while a recent high school graduate may focus on transfer success or access to community college scholarships with January deadlines.

This guide explains how category based rankings work, why they matter, and how to use them effectively when researching community colleges in 2026.

Why Category Based Rankings Matter More Than Ever

Traditional rankings often emphasize overall prestige or size. For community colleges, that approach misses critical factors such as affordability, workforce alignment, and local impact.

Category based rankings help students answer more relevant questions:

• Which community colleges offer the best return on investment?

• Where do students transfer successfully to four year institutions?

• Which schools provide strong support for adult learners or online students?

• Where can students find community college scholarships with January deadlines?

By breaking rankings into meaningful categories, students gain a clearer picture of how a college performs in

Should Graduating Seniors Consider a Gap Year?

As graduating seniors and their families plan for the transition to college, careers, or other post-graduation paths, the idea of a gap year remains a compelling alternative to immediate enrollment. With evolving trends in higher education, rising costs, and shifting student goals in 2026, this article updates the key facts, risks, benefits, and practical considerations for parents helping their teens decide whether a gap year is right for them.

What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a planned period of purposeful activity taken between high school and college or other formal education. Activities vary widely, including travel, work, internships, volunteering, community service, or skill-building programs. While the practice is far more common in countries such as the United Kingdom or Australia, it has grown in awareness in the United States and is increasingly supported by some colleges and universities.

How Many Students Take a Gap Year?
Unlike college enrollment, there is no central federal data source that measures gap year participation in the U.S., but multiple indicators reflect current patterns. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of U.S. students take gap years annually, with participation often returning to pre-pandemic levels after a brief spike during COVID-related disruptions. Survey data from a range of programs and high school counselors finds that roughly 2 to 3 percent of graduating seniors plan to take a gap year, with private schools reporting slightly higher rates than public schools.

Why Families Are

How to Build a Class Schedule That Fits Your Life (Spring 2026 Edition)

Creating a class schedule is one of the most important academic planning tasks students face each year. The process of how to build a class schedule that fits your life has changed in subtle but meaningful ways for Spring 2026, with new advising tools, hybrid learning options, and a renewed focus on wellness and balance. Whether you are a high school student planning electives, a college student navigating degree requirements, or a parent helping your child plan a pathway to success, this guide provides clear, expert-backed strategies for how to build a class schedule that fits your life without stress.

In this Spring 2026 edition, we emphasize strategies that meet modern challenges such as balancing part‑time work, mental health breaks, family commitments, and evolving academic goals. We break down key steps, practical checklists, and expert tips to help you successfully build a class schedule that fits your life.

Why It Matters: The Purpose of a Well‑Built Schedule

When you learn how to build a class schedule that fits your life, you are doing more than picking classes. You are:

• Aligning coursework with academic goals.

• Protecting time for rest, extracurriculars, and work.

• Avoiding burnout and schedule conflicts.

• Enhancing focus and long‑term success.

A schedule that fits your life can

10 In-Demand Jobs for Community College Graduates

Community colleges continue to provide an affordable, flexible pathway to careers that are in high demand. With tuition averaging significantly less than four-year institutions, students can enter the workforce with minimal debt while gaining practical skills. For parents and students planning ahead, understanding current trends, costs, and job prospects can guide decisions about admissions, course selection, and career planning.

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses are consistently in demand due to ongoing healthcare needs. Many RNs earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from community colleges, which typically takes two years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs earn a median annual salary of $79,600, with job growth projected at 6% through 2031.

Admissions and Planning: ADN programs require prerequisites such as biology and chemistry, and competitive programs often have early application deadlines, typically in the fall for the following academic year. Parents should help students prepare by ensuring strong performance in science courses and timely submission of applications.

2. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists perform preventive dental care and patient education. Community college programs for dental hygiene usually last two years and include clinical practice. Median annual salaries are around $77,000, with a projected 11% job growth through 2031.

Costs and Access: Tuition varies, with many programs costing between $6,000 and $18,000 per year for in-state students. Scholarships and federal financial aid can offset costs. Parents should consider local programs and clinical