Getting Started

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

For many high school students, attending college is the next logical step after graduation. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the U.S. higher education landscape includes thousands of degree-granting institutions, including two-year and four-year colleges. With so many options out there, making a decision can be quite difficult. If you want to make sure that you end up going to the right school, take the time to think about your future before you start shopping for schools, then consider each option in depth, focusing on three categories in particular: academics, student life, and finances.

Before You Start Looking

Though many students look at it this way, college is not just something you do after high school. It is a wonderful opportunity to shape your future and it is an important choice that will affect the rest of your life. This being the case, you need to do some thinking and planning before you actually start shopping for schools so you have some idea about what you are looking for. First, think about your professional goals for the future. What kind of job do you see yourself having ten years down the line? Next, take that idea and delve a little deeper into the industry. Are there any requirements or certifications you will need and how stable is a job in that industry? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides current

Choosing a college is a major decision that will affect at least the next two to four years of your life, depending on which school and which program you choose. Many students attend college right out of high school simply because it seems like the logical next step. With college costs, housing expenses, and career expectations continuing to shift in 2026, however, it is important to think through this decision systematically before you make your choice.

Here are the top ten questions to ask yourself before going to college, as well as some important questions to ask when it comes to making your decision. Students who are still comparing options may also find Community College Review’s Choosing the Right Community College helpful as they narrow their list.

This video explains why community college is a good choice.

Ten Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going to College

Before you even decide to attend college, there are some important questions that you need to ask yourself. Your answers to these questions will help you determine if the timing is right for you to attend college or if you might be better off waiting a few years. These questions will also help you narrow down your choice for a major so you can choose the best college to fit your interests.

• Do you know what you want to study? If you don’t already have some idea of what

Disturbingly low standards at community colleges nationwide translate to lower chances of success in the job market after college, a new study finds. Researchers discovered that although community college instructors appear to be lowering the bar for first-year students, many were unable to even meet the lower academic standards in math and literacy. This dismal picture suggests multiple layers of reform may be necessary to ensure students are ready for the professional workforce at graduation time.

Report Gauges College and Career Readiness

The new report, titled, “What does it Really Mean to be College and Work Ready?” was compiled by the National Center on Education and the Economy. The non-profit groups studies academic standards, instructional systems and assessment. Researchers looked at seven community colleges in seven states, looking at tests, textbooks and assignments given to first-year college students. Colleges were chosen at random and school size ranged from 3,000 to 30,000 students, according to Inside Higher Ed.

The study focused on popular career training programs offered by community colleges across the country, including accounting and business, automotive technology, criminal justice, early childhood education and information technology. Researchers focused on first-year students in these programs, and focus was placed on reading, writing and mathematics skills necessary to master these early college courses.

Lower Standards Still Not Met by Many Students

Researchers discovered that the bar set by college instructors in first-year courses was fairly low in terms of both reading and writing expectations. However,

A community college campus is typically filled with adults of all ages, books, and backpacks in hand, moving from class to class. However, some community college campuses are adding a more youthful flavor to their ivied halls, with programs of all kinds designed for the younger set. Check out these innovative ways community colleges are giving younger students a taste of campus life, with special programs created just for them.

This video discusses recruiting strategies that work.

Science Olympiad Attracts Young Scientists

Mott Community College becomes a hot spot for young scientists every year when it hosts its annual Region V Science Olympiad. According to mLive, the event attracts middle and high school students from Livingston, Lapeer, Genesee, and Shiawassee. Students compete in a variety of events constructing machines, flying helicopters, and designing robotics.

High school students participate during morning events, and middle schoolers compete in the afternoon session. Many of the events are open to the public, and the event draws a crowd of parents, teachers, and interested community members. Students who come out on top in their events will advance to the state tournament of the Science Olympiad. The statewide event is to be held later this spring at Michigan University. There is also a national competition for those who do well in the state contests, which takes place at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in May.

Budding

. . .read more

Community colleges have been diversifying their student populations in recent years to include students from other states and even other countries. Their appeal also expands as some two-year schools become known for specific programs, transfer agreements with four-year institutions, and even partnerships with local businesses. International students interested in a U.S. community college may enjoy several benefits but face unique challenges in realizing their higher education dreams.

Why International Students Choose Community College

There are several reasons why international students are looking at community colleges today, according to a report at U.S. News, including:

• Lower Tuition Rates – Students from a distance find affordable higher education through America’s community college system. For example, the U.S. News and World Report cites the average cost of 24 credits from Diablo Community College in California at around $6,000, while the same number of credits at San Jose State University, a neighboring four-year school, is around $16,500 for the same number of credits.

• Transfer Options – Many community colleges across the country now have transfer agreements with four-year schools, ensuring students who begin their education in a two-year program can finish their baccalaureate degree at a nearby institution.

• Smoother Transition – Students from other countries often find community college an easier transition to the American way of life. Many community colleges provide English language courses and other services to help international students adapt to a new language and culture.

• Easier Requirements – For international students who don’t have the