Community College: One option must not be ignored in planning for college

What did they know that many students and parents do not take into account when planning for college?

The community college today offers opportunities not available to previous generations. By opening the doors of opportunity, also became a less expensive alternative that offers two years of degree terminal where general education classes could be completed at a lower cost. Community colleges also provide training in the specialty or certification in careers that do not require a four-year degree. He also became the springboard for a four-year college or university, which has minimized the importance of a deficient medium or low school test scores for admission.

Data from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) indicates that 44% of U.S. students enrolled in 1132 schools in the nation two years. These students seeking degrees and certification in a wide range of fields such as law enforcement, culinary arts, health, technology, business management, and technical professions, service industries such as automotive and others. State and local governments are the main source of funding for universities in two years. Tuition covers a small part of total costs. The average cost for one year at a community college is less than $ 3,000.00, compared with the enrollment of more than $ 7,000.00 in most four-year public institutions. A student attending a community college will also be able to save on accommodation costs and meals. The net savings on an annual basis can be substantial.

Financial planners recommend that a degree at a cost of $ 60,000 or more loans obtained in whole or in part is not a very profitable strategy planning. This is particularly true in fields such as teaching, social work, health care and other service professions. The university community can be a very prudent to avoid financial purgatory when one enters the workforce. The education loan debt averages nearly $ 20,000 for full-time students at universities in four years. That does not include credit card debt averaging $ 5,000 - $ 10,000.

Why do so many students who can and must attend college to assist the community to choose more expensive four-year colleges? Much of this has to do with the prestige of attending a prestigious college. Peer pressure and let's be honest ego, parents often drives the decision making process. In a society where financial decisions are often devoid of rational thought, emotion often overrides sound financial decisions.

To avoid this dilemma, parents and students should consider a number of misconceptions and myths associated with attending a community college.

Error: Community colleges are home to students who are unable to enter four-year colleges.

Reality: While it is true that students who attend community colleges in general, have lower ACT and SAT, many students attend community colleges for financial reasons, convenience, family problems, and considerations of work. Many community college students have the opportunity to attend a four-year university, but choose to attend a community college for a multitude of reasons.

Error: A college degree is more than a degree from a community college.

Fact: Community colleges are an important source of training for many professions, including health, police and firefighters. In fact, recent statistics indicate that the train AACC community 62% of the health professional and 80% of law enforcement officers and firefighters. Depending on one's career plans, community colleges may be the best option for many students.

Error: There is no direct relationship between low-cost community colleges and the quality of education offered.

Fact: size of classes in the universities of the majority of the community is lower than in large universities. This translates into more student-teacher interaction. The sole mission of the community college is to teach. The old dilemma of "publish or perish" inherent in large universities do not exist in community colleges. Community colleges offer honors programs for students who want the challenge of greater academic rigor. The cost savings is not an indication of inferior education.

Error: The students at community colleges can not transfer their credits at the end of an associate degree.

Reality: Recent policy changes at several universities in Virginia virtually guarantee transfer of credits and, in some cases, admission if the student's GPA is a certain level. In fact, the University of Virginia offers a Bachelor of Individualized Studies on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College. This program began in the fall 2008 semester.

Error: An undergraduate degree is the only ticket to future employability.

Fact: According to Robert G. Templin, Jr., president of Northern Virginia Community College, Northern Virginia, "for all jobs requiring a bachelor's or advanced degree, twice that require more than a high school diploma but less than a title four years. "

Community colleges have opened their doors to millions of people who previously had little chance of continuing their education. It has also offered a wide range of career options at minimal cost. Choosing a community college can be a cost-effective option that allows people to have two years of college education, while at the same time be free of debt, leaving assets for potential investment in other places . Students and parents should ask themselves whether the cost associated with enrollment in a costly four-year institution is an effective long-term strategy of investment. Attending a community college can be a first step toward answering that question.