You Asked, SWE Answered: Community College

Written for SWE Magazine

https://swe.org/magazine/you-asked-swe-answered-3/

By: Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh and Alisha Bose

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

You Asked, SWE Answered: "I’m a student who is considering attending community college before entering a university. What should I consider?"

Community colleges offer accessible, affordable, and innovative opportunities for those considering transferring to a traditional four-year college or university. If you are considering attending a community college, weigh the benefits and challenges.

Among the benefits are small class sizes and one-on-one relationships with professors and advisors. Community colleges are open-access institutions designed to meet the various goals of their students, regardless of academic preparation, stage of life, or financial or personal circumstances.

While professors may conduct research, their primary focus is student-centered teaching and learning. This allows professors to nurture your academic interests and strengths and advisors to effectively guide your choice of majors and the transfer and selection process.

Plan your transfer

If you intend to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution but are initially unsure of where or in what major, community college allows you to evaluate your options and make an informed decision about your transfer destination.

If your high school academic record is lacking, a community college provides an opportunity to retool and rebuild. A strong community college transcript can help you gain admission to a more desirable four-year university through transfer than you might have achieved straight from high school.

While transfer options are significant, a seamless transfer can be challenging. Although many community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, transfer requirements can vary from institution to institution and among majors. Stay informed and proactively seek advice to ensure your courses will transfer as intended.

Consider the costs

The cost of college — and the potential burden of debt — weighs heavy on students and families. Community college can be a practical choice for you and your family to avoid debt and save thousands on tuition and housing.

Approximately 19 states offer free community college education to qualifying residents, making it a more practical and attractive option. Successful transfer is achievable and is an accessible and affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree and beyond. Pay attention to details and plan!

Location, location, location

By definition, community colleges are deeply rooted in their communities and their curricula are tailored to local workforce needs.

While community college campus events promote student leadership and some schools offer sports teams, they often do not offer the spirited sense of community and connection typically associated with traditional four-year colleges and universities. Many students attend a community college to complete their education while juggling work and family responsibilities, which leaves little time for campus engagement beyond classes. So if you desire a very active campus life, a hub of student activity well after classes end, you may need to wait until you transfer to have that experience.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, the nation’s 1,026 community colleges provide 10.2 million students with outstanding, cost-effective routes to four-year institutions or the workforce. You should base your decision to attend a community college on what makes sense for you and your family and what best positions you for future academic and financial success.

Good luck with your decision and best wishes for a wonderful college experience.