Benefits of Community College

Many high school students may be quick to scoff at community college. But do not be so quick to pass judgment. With the current student debt crisis, community colleges are becoming more and more attractive as a means to avoid drowning in student loans.

When you compare community college costs with those of four-year institutions, it is easy to see what the big draw is. The average cost of a year at community college is $2, 963. At a traditional in-state public university, a year will cost you an average of $8,244. When you attend school within your community, you have the option to live at home and save on boarding costs. Many four-year universities do not offer incoming freshmen this option.

The most important benefit of community college is a greater return on your educational investment. Many students' dream careers bring a lot of personal satisfaction, but not a big paycheck. Students with low paying majors may be at risk of shouldering a heavy student loan debt if they overpay for their education. By attending a less expensive community college program, students can lower, or potentially eliminate, their dependency on loans. Thus when they graduate and start their careers, they can keep more of their income.

Not sure if community colleges offer quality programs? Well, they do! Many have low student-teacher ratios and great success with job placement. And some of the best schools many be closer than you think. For example, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in Cumberland, KY and West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, KY both are finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This means that they are among the ten best community colleges in the country!

So think ahead, and consider what is your best education option. Research your intended career's educational requirements and starting salary, and then research your college choices' programs and costs. How much do you have saved for school, and how much will have to come from loans? Is your future career's starting salary high enough to pay back student loans? Will your debt burden be less if you attend a community institution? Don't be afraid to make the choice that is best for you.

READERS, what do you think?  

Should more people consider community college, or are traditional universities worth the additional costs?

References

"2013 Aspen Prize Finalists." (2012). The Aspen Institute. Retrieved from http://www.aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/aspen-prize/2013finalists.

Associated Press. (2008, August 21). Community colleges boom as economy weakens. NBC News. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26334415/ns/business-us_business/t/community-colleges-boom-economy-weakens/#.UHgh-FFv9kE.

Taylor, C. (2012, June 29). Community college students pay the price for popularity. NBC News. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48013542/ns/business-personal_finance/t/community-college-students-pay-price-popularity/#.UHgvgVFv9kE.