The cost of attending college is rising and students are taking on more student loan debt to cover the cost of their education. Paired with an unstable economy and uncertainty surrounding loans, students are facing severe financial stress that impacts their education decisions.
Many students are choosing to attend community colleges to help offset the financial burden of tuition while still working towards their academic goals. In fact, community college enrollment rose this past spring for the first time in a decade, indicating that the alternative of attending a two-year school to jumpstart students’ educational journey is becoming a more attractive option amidst the turbulent economic landscape.
College affordability is a top concern among current and prospective students, and in today’s economy, students are concerned now more than ever with the rising cost of education. On average, students accumulate more than $37,000 in student loan debt. The estimated cost of attending a public, in-state four-year institution is roughly $10,000, whereas tuition of a two-year school is about a third ($3,660) of the cost.
Community colleges offer a more affordable education option for students. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, 60% of community college graduates graduate with little to no student loan debt. Moreover, students attending community college still qualify for all of the same financial aid opportunities offered at any other institution.
Despite recent shifts from traditional norms, stigma still exists around attending community college that may deter students from seriously considering it as a viable option. Samantha L. Solomon, Assistant Professor at Washington State University and community college graduate, recently shared her perspective on how her experience debunked some myths about two-year colleges.
Contrary to what some may think, community colleges are just as academically rigorous as any other higher education institution. Whereas many professors at four-year institutions are focused on research and teach as a requirement, students can expect their educators at community colleges to prioritize teaching over research. The professors and instructors at two-year schools are experts in their field and hold the proper qualifications to teach in the subject area.
Additionally, classes at community colleges will have a smaller student-faculty ratio, which allows instructors to provide students a more individualized and interactive experience in the classroom. Smaller class sizes also lend to more peer interaction, giving students ample opportunity to build community. Large four-year institutions tend to offer more auditorium lecture style survey courses which do not offer the same benefits.
Community college isn’t only a financially smart decision, it can also be academically strategic. Since tuition is relatively more affordable at community college and instructors are able to provide more one-on-one support, students have more opportunity to explore different kinds of courses without breaking the bank while also receiving guidance from experienced mentors. In the ever shifting higher education landscape, community colleges offer students a cost-effective means of reaching their academic goals.
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