Affording Community College

Updated March 07, 2022

Learn about the different financial options you have for affording community college.

Embarking on a journey of higher education can be exciting, confusing, and stressful all at the same time. To help with the financial aspect of education, current and prospective community college students are in a unique position to choose from various forms of student aid available. As you navigate your way through the myriad of financing options out there, let this overview help you in making the right decisions about financing your education.

While the average college tuition rates are rising fast across the country, you may be pleased to learn that the average cost of tuition at a community college is just under $2,300 per year (American Association of Community Colleges 2007). Although this cost is relatively low when compared to 4-year institutions, many students still find themselves looking for ways to finance their community college education. Unfortunately, it is also a fact that most parents are either unwilling or unable, for various financial or personal reasons, to finance all of the costs of sending their child to a community college.

This video offers tips on how to pay for a college education.

You may be surprised to learn that there are over 1,200 community colleges across the country. In fact, 11.6 million students, just under half of all U.S. undergraduates, attend community colleges. Of those students, 47% receive some sort of financial aid (American Association of Community Colleges 2007).

The federal government alone

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Choosing a Community College

Updated February 10, 2023

by Grace Chen

Follow these steps to evaluate and choose a community college that is right for you.

Many things factor in one’s selection process when choosing a community college. After briefly introducing you to these factors, we will discuss each factor in detail in turn. Here are some of the selection criteria that students consider when investigating community colleges:

Why are you going to school?
If you plan to continue with a four-year degree, what type of articulation agreements does the community college have with four-year colleges?
What type of coursework do you need?
Is cost an issue?
Do you want or need a virtual campus?
Do you have a four-year college in mind?
Location, Location, Location!
On-Campus Activities
Student Support

Let’s look at each of these factors in detail now that we have introduced them to you.

Most people attending a four-year college go with the sole target of getting a four-year bachelor’s degree to help prepare them for their professional careers. But with community colleges, students attend for different purposes. Many students attend to get a two-year degree. There are, however, other end goals for students including transferring to a four-year college, getting a high school diploma, remedial education including “English as a Second language, personal growth, professional certification, or workplace required continuing education.” While nationwide statistics were not available, numbers are available by looking at records that BellevueCommunity College in Bellevue, Washington, collected from 2002 to 2004 on the purposes that their students reported for their enrollment intent. The following statistics are from their Fall 2004 student population (the statistics do not total 100% probably due to rounding down

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What is a Community College?

Updated April 17, 2025

by Grace Chen

This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.

Pexels/RDNE Stock project

What is a Community College?

A community college is a public institution of higher education that primarily offers two-year programs leading to associate's degrees, as well as vocational training, transfer programs to four-year universities, adult education, and community-focused services. These colleges typically have open admission policies and lower tuition costs, making higher education more accessible to a diverse range of students.

Canva generated this picture of a community college administrative/classroom building.

The History of Community Colleges

Historically, community colleges sprang up in the early 20th century as a way to meet the needs of young adults 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 with 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. It is common for community college students to continue their education within a four-year college, thus transferring their community college credits.

Community colleges continue to play a vital role in providing accessible and affordable higher education. However, their mission has expanded to encompass a broader range of educational and workforce development

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