Why Community College

Community colleges are a vital part of the world of higher education in the United States. With a long and illustrious history, these institutions have seen more than their share of trends over the decades. Check out these critical trends in community colleges as they redefine their place in tertiary education.

More High School Students Taking Community College Classes

High school students interested in getting a head start on higher education are discovering the benefits of dual enrollment in community college classes while still in high school. The Wall Street Journal calls these head start programs a low-cost way for students to gain college credits, which makes it that much easier for them to attain a two or four-year college degree in the future. Community colleges are also now partnering with local high schools to provide remedial education that prepares them for college-level work prior to high school graduation.

More Traditional Students on Community College Campuses

The New York Times has reported an increase in high school graduates attending community college right after high school with the intention of obtaining a four-year degree through a transfer program. With a sluggish economy and much focus on the extent of student debt today, community colleges are now seen as a viable and cost-effective alternative to getting a start in higher education. In addition, as younger students begin to permeate community college campuses, the demographics and overall environment of community colleges may

Community college enrollment has increased across the country in recent years, and there are many reasons for the influx of students. A sluggish economy, lower tuition rates, and high-quality education are just a few of those reasons. With community colleges finding a new role in educating students in America today, numerous compelling reasons exist to give these two-year schools another look.

Lower Rates, Less Debt

One of the top reasons students are considering community colleges over four-year schools today is the issue of cost. According to Yahoo Finance, the average annual cost to attend community college during the 2010-2011 school year was $8,734, which included tuition and books, room and board, and living expenses. In contrast, the annual cost to attend a four-year school during the same year was $18,133. Even public institutions, which are supposed to offer a more budget-friendly option to four-year students, had an average annual cost of $13,297.

Tuition costs for two-year institutions hover at around $2,000-$3,000 per year. That amount is much more affordable than the tuition at four-year schools, which can run as high as $8,000 or more for public institutions and up to $50,000 or more for private schools. Students who qualify for significant scholarship money may find the four-year schools affordable, but those who don’t get any financial help may be out of luck.

Debt is another concern for students heading to four-year schools. Yahoo also cites the average amount of debt a student

Texas community colleges have seen a decline in enrollment numbers this year, which may be attributed to a number of factors. One of the potential reasons for the lower numbers may be a new mandate by the Texas government that requires college students to get a meningitis vaccination before the first day of classes. While some state officials say this mandate is the only way to prevent the spread of the deadly disease across college campuses, some college officials are attributing the expense and red tape of the process to fewer students on community college campuses this year.

This video discusses five vaccines college students need.

The Schanbaum/Williams Law

The new law was named for two Texas residents who contracted bacterial meningitis on college campuses. Effective January 1, 2012, the law requires all college students under the age of 30 to receive a meningitis vaccination at least ten days before starting classes at any public or private institution of higher education. According to the Sacramento Bee, the law applies to all students heading to college for the first time or transferring from another institution. It also applies to students who have taken a semester break or more before returning to the college campus. Only students who can show proof of a meningitis vaccination within the past five years will be exempt from the requirement.

The law applies to any student taking classes on

For veterans returning to the U.S. after military service, the transition can be hard. These young men and women must adjust to the “real world” environment, often without the support of other veterans who understand firsthand what they are experiencing. Fortunately, many community colleges across the country are recognizing the needs of the veteran population and answering the call by providing job training, as well as emotional and physical support for those who have selflessly served their country. Check out the many veterans’ services offered by community colleges nationwide today.

Cayuga Community College Offers Veterans Club

At Cayuga Community College in New York, veterans can find the camaraderie, resources, and support they need to succeed in the world of higher education. Syracuse.com reports that the Veterans Club on this campus was started by former marine Brian Knapp, who wanted to share information about available benefits and services with other vets. Knapp told Syracuse.com that while he has enjoyed his experience at community college since coming back from Afghanistan, he found the benefits maze somewhat confusing to navigate.

“I wanted to know about my benefits and that’s why I started the club,” Knapp explained. “I thought other people wanted to know too.”

In addition to educating veterans about the benefits available to them, Knapp said the Veterans Club also provides bonds for vets that have had similar experiences and want to share those experiences with others who understand.

“In the military, you have

The pandemic and post-pandemic era is the time for mid-life career changers making their career moves. Whether due to outsourcing, layoffs or dissatisfaction with their current positions and compensation, people are quitting their old careers. With many more adults deciding to venture into the hallowed halls of higher education today, those who do may find programs geared specifically to their needs. This is particularly true in community colleges, where more than half of the student body may be adults over the age of 22. However, before you launch a career change at your local community college, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Define Your Goals

Carefully plotting your path is the first step to a successful community college experience, according to Career Search. When embarking on this process, it is important to consider your educational goals, as well as your professional ones. What classes do you need to take, and what degree do you need to earn to make your professional dreams a reality? This information is essential when you choose a school and register for classes, so have the goals in mind before you begin the process.

Jay Shetty suggests that you ask yourself three questions to help set goals.

Weigh Your Options

Community colleges offer a wealth of degree options today, allowing students to hone their career path to a very precise track that brings