Finding the Truth about Community Colleges

Every person has their own situation, even when studying for a degree. Differing situations may lead to different solutions. There are many ways for students to earn a degree in America, such as an associate’s degree via community college, undergraduate degree, and vocational degrees via technical colleges.

There has been many false myths surrounding community colleges, here are the most common myths.

Myth #1: Community college is for those who were rejected by four-year institutions.

Students choose the community college path for different reasons, be it to save money, earn an additional degree, or discover a new field of interest. The total fall enrollment in community colleges increased from 5.7 million in 2000 to 6.2 million in 2005 and 7.1 million in 2009. In 2009, 2.9 million students were enrolled full-time.

Myth #2: The education at a community college is not as top-notch.

The tuition fees of community colleges are lower than traditional four-year institutions, and most people believe that the price dictates the quality of education. This is wholly false. A diverse list of courses is offered at these colleges—some of which even require placement tests in order to get in and high quality of education by actual professors are conducted at community colleges.

Most community colleges offer courses ranging from strictly academic subjects that are designed to prepare people for further academic study, to continuing education enrichment courses that are not graded. Many colleges also partner with local businesses to provide career-oriented training in fields such as technology or health care. 

Myth #3: It’s difficult to transfer to a four-year university.

Making the transition from a two-year institution to a university requires a lot of research and planning. Many universities welcome transfer students; in fact, 30 percent of graduates of the University of California system previously attended a community college. Community colleges enter “articulation agreements” with four-year institutions to inform students what courses have transferrable credits. U.S. News & World Report has some tips for a successful transfer, including completing an associate’s degree.

Myth #4: A degree from a community college doesn’t have much value in comparison to a university degree.

Graduates of community college usually face two paths: continuing education at a four-year university or finding employment. However, many express doubts that a degree from a community college won’t be seen as competitive in the workforce. Sixty-two percent of allied health professionals and over 80 percent of law enforcement officers and firefighters are educated through the community college system, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.

Myth #5: No one successful attends a community college. 

Many well-known names started out at a community college, including Walt Disney, William D. Green – chairman and CEO of Accenture and Star Wars creator George Lucas.

For International students that have not yet identified or known which university is best for their degree, community colleges are the best stepping stone. To find out what your best option is, come and visit us at any of our branches, or email us at consultation@suneducationgroup.com