Written by Zaynah Zafar
Following graduation, every young adult must decide where they will go for the next four or more years of their life. Countless students must face the arduous task of determining whether or not they want to go to community college and looking at all of the pros and cons is imperative. At first glance, going to community college does not seem like the best choice for post-secondary education. However, there are many pluses to starting out at a junior college that people often overlook in preference for four-year colleges.
The most positive aspect of community college is the low cost of tuition. A majority of these schools cost less than $2,000 each semester, a much lower price than some public universities that average $9,000 per year. The greatest difference is seen when community colleges are compared to private universities that can reach high prices such as $40,000 per year. Education does not always come cheap, but when it does, one must take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself, even if that means going to community college at first. In the current state of the economy it is crucial now more than ever to save money. Sending students to community college can cut cost of tuition in half.
Smaller classes and flexible schedules are additional reasons why community college is an excellent choice for graduating seniors in high school. While a majority of private schools consist of a smaller number of students per class, people can save a whole lot more money for a class size of just 20 students by attending a junior college. This is advantageous due to the fact that fewer students per class means more one-on-one time with professors when it comes to getting extra help. When a student must work a job while attending post-secondary classes, a flexible schedule is accommodating in the way of numerous night classes and a much lighter workload. This elasticity is helpful not only to students but to busy professors who are spending a majority of time working on their own careers as well.
Community college is also an ideal place for young adults to take the time to think over what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Many students spend a fortune on a big university only to discover they want to major in another field or that a different school may have been better for their education. It is easier to make such life-changing decisions in a place where there are others that are able to help you who are searching for the same answers themselves. Plus, it does not hurt to get required courses out of the way while focusing on future goals.
Critics of such institutions point out the lack of campus life and independent growth students experience in community colleges. Although those are true negative aspects of this type of post-secondary education, when it comes to the benefits of students the pros greatly outweigh the cons. Preparation is a key part of success and community colleges provide a learning experience that is easily attainable for all undergraduates.
Going to junior college after graduating from high school is an option that should not be overlooked because its ability to aid young adults in obtaining a successful education is phenomenal. All graduating seniors should consider community college as a way to further their learning and achieve their life goals.
