How can a community college help my career path?

At a community college, you can:

Save money: Costs are typically much lower than those at four-year colleges. According to the 2021 Community College Review, public community colleges on average charge $5,155 yearly for in-state students and $8,835 for out-of-state students. As a point of comparison, our report shows that the average 2021-22 annual tuition for public four-year colleges was $10,740 for in-state students and $27,560 for out-of-state students.

Prepare to transfer to a four-year college: Many community college graduates decide to transfer to four-year schools to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Smart planning can help ensure that the credits you earn will count toward your degree at the four-year college you hope to attend. Find out more about transferring.

Get ready for a career: If you want to enter the workforce sooner, you can earn a certificate or degree in a career-oriented field, such as firefighting or engineering technology.

Try out college: Most programs are open admission. This means that you can go to college even if your high school grades aren’t strong. A community college is also a good option if you’re not sure you’re ready for college. You’ll have a chance to challenge yourself and see if college is right for you.

Take advantage of a flexible schedule: Most community colleges offer an element of convenience to students. You can attend full time or part time, as well as schedule your courses around home and work commitments. There’s a campus within a short driving distance of most towns in the United States.

You can use College Search to find a community college that’s a good fit for you.