A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College

If you were to ask any admissions counselor or community college administrator what an articulation agreement is, they wouldn’t hesitate to tell you.

• However, if you ask any student on a community college campus, you might not get the same response.
• Articulation agreements exist between many colleges, yet the majority of community college students have no idea what they are.

An articulation agreement is designed to create a seamless transfer experience for students moving from community college to four-year institutions.

• Not every community college has them, but most do, and they are an invaluable resource for transfer students.
• Read on to learn more about an articulation agreement and how it can benefit you as a community college student.

This video explains articulation agreements.

The Trouble with Transferring

According to the Community College Research Center, roughly 40% of undergraduates in the United States start their higher education at community colleges.

• Of those, 80% intend to earn at least a bachelor’s degree, and about 20% end up transferring to a four-year college or university.
• In the eyes of an incoming community college student, the future is bright, and community college is a stepping stone on the path to a four-year school.
• Unfortunately, that path is not as easy to navigate as one would hope.
• Between the challenges of completing prerequisites and paying for tuition, many students take longer than anticipated to make the transfer, if they make it at all.
• Even then,

Nearly six million students are enrolled in community college each year, many with the intent of eventually transferring to a traditional four-year university. That transfer is not without challenges, however, as many schools don’t accept all community college credits, and transfer acceptance rates remain relatively low. Those who do make the transfer tend to succeed. So, why do colleges and universities overlook community college students, and why do more students not transfer?

In this article, we’ll look at the statistics for how many community college students move on to four-year colleges and universities. We’ll also explore the data on how well they perform and provide some tips for community college students considering transferring.

How Many Community College Students Transfer?

As college tuition costs continue to rise and more families struggle to make ends meet, the number of students who choose to start their college education at community college continues to grow. Community college appeals to many because the tuition is typically more affordable, and other costs can be kept low by living at home versus on campus. Community colleges also offer flexible scheduling for non-traditional students, including single parents and adults returning to school.

According to an article published by the National Student Clearinghouse, about 80% of entering community college students want to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, making them likely to transfer to a four-year college at some point. However, only 29% of community college students who started classes in the fall

Community college is the only option for many students who either can’t afford a traditional four-year university or who need a more flexible school environment. Just because community college is different, however, doesn’t mean that its students matter any less. The Aspen Prize exists to encourage community colleges to do more for their students and to continually strive for improvement.

For many years, community colleges had a reputation for being a lesser version of traditional 4-year colleges and universities. It was common for community colleges to offer a smattering of courses at affordable tuition rates, but many were found lacking when it came to helping students complete a degree or transfer to an accredited university.

The Aspen Prize was developed to reward community colleges that go the extra mile toward helping their students complete degrees and experience success after graduation. The organization that awards the prize assesses how well institutes perform in four different areas. The award is given every two years and the recipients should be viewed as examples for other community colleges to follow if they hope to do what is best for their students.

What is the Aspen Prize?

The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence is awarded every two years and it is the United States’ signature recognition of performance and high achievement among the nation’s community colleges. Community colleges have always been more affordable and accessible than the nation’s top universities, but within the last decade there has been a new

College is expensive, there’s no doubt about it. Because tuition prices continue to rise, many graduating high school seniors choose to attend community college. Community college remains a convenient and affordable way to obtain a two-year degree or complete prerequisites before transferring to a four-year college. But you still have to consider the cost of living.

Many community college students choose to live at home while studying to compound the money-saving benefits of attending community college. If you’re going to a school a little further from home, however, or if you’re looking for a more authentic college experience, you might be looking into other options. Whether you choose to live on campus or off, consider living with a roommate to save money.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of living with a roommate and discuss the pros and cons of living on campus versus off-campus. We’ll also provide some simple tips for keeping the peace while living with a roommate while attending community college.

What Are the Benefits of Living with Roommates?

Everyone who’s ever lived with another person has horror stories about awkward or frustrating interactions. The truth is that sharing a space with another person is likely to bring up a few challenges. But what are the benefits of living with a roommate?

Here are a few of the advantages to consider:

• Having a roommate to split costs can save you a lot of money on rent, utilities, and everyday living expenses like groceries.
• If you