Why Community College

Learn all about community college and whether it is the right choice for your academic career. We'll cover the history of community colleges, the latest trends and issues, and the top degree-producing schools. Find out why students are turning to community colleges, see what issues affect campuses with such a diverse student body, and get information on the latest trends in degree offerings.

View the most popular articles in Why Community College:

7 Top Community College Myths

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7 Top Community College Myths
Learn the top 7 myths about community colleges.

More than 40% of the nation’s college-aged students begin their academic careers at community colleges, according to the US Department of Education. Despite their abilities to provide students with a stellar education, community colleges are surrounded by outdated, inaccurate myths. Although there are some elements of truth, many misperceptions may play a large role in the right choice you make for your college education.

Empower yourself with knowledge of the truth, as the top seven community college myths are hereby exposed!

MYTH #1: Students attend community college because they were not accepted to four-year universities.

THE REALITY: When reviewing statistics of transfer admissions, it is clear that universities see the academic strength in transfer students. For example, 33% of all applicants from California community colleges are accepted into UC Berkeley, which is significantly higher than the 26% of California high school students who applied. Or, for the University of Virginia, over 60% of transfer applications from Piedmont Virginia Community College were accepted, which is a greater ratio than the 50% of students who are accepted as freshmen from in-state high schools.

With the increasing economic burdens felt on individuals and families, many students are making the financially savvy choice of attending community college. The continuously rising costs of university tuition can present a large burden for many families, and by attending a community college, students can save on tuition and living costs.

In addition, many students can gain admission into four-year universities before enrolling in community

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What is a Community College?

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What is a Community College?
Learn about what community colleges are, how they work, and how they can benefit you.
Ivy Tech Community College

A community college, sometimes known as a junior college is a higher education institution that provides a two-year curriculum that can lead to an associate’s degree. Other programs in place include a transfer program towards a four-year degree and occupational programs, one and two-year programs of study. Besides coursework focusing on academic programs, courses are also often offered at the community college for personal growth or development.

Historically, community colleges sprang up in the early 20th-century as a way to meet young adults’ needs who did not or could not afford to leave their families to pursue further education. Early on, many community colleges helped support African Americans and women who wanted to go to college. Many students prepared for grammar school teaching positions or enrolled in new vocational education programs in community colleges. These smaller schools were developed locally, in communities, further distinguishing them from typical four-year schools which had campuses where students needed to leave home and stay in student dorms.

Traditionally, the community college student went to school to pick up a two-year degree. Now it is quite common for community college students to continue on in their education within a four-year college, thus transferring their community college credits.

In this video, the College Course discusses why you should go to community college before you go to university.

What can you study at a Community College?

Many of the subjects

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Why Community College

ENROLLMENT & ADMISSIONS
We provide a comprehensive look into some of the most important issues affecting enrollment and admissions. Get the latest news on declining enrollment across the country and the impact it has. Learn more about the latest trends in admissions requirements from vaccinations to placement tests. Find expert advice on what to expect your first year, and lean more about the pitfalls to avoid.
What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
10 Ways to Make the Most of the Community College Experience
10 Ways to Make the Most of the Community College Experience
The Problem with Community College Placement Tests
The Problem with Community College Placement Tests