What Is a Community College?
Community colleges provide a cheaper and more accessible alternative to four-year universities for students unprepared for a full-fledged degree program.
Community colleges typically offer two-year programs that lead to an associate degree or certificate. However, students can complete their associate degree or certificate in as little as one year, and many community colleges offer programs designed to be completed in less time.
Community colleges have various programs and courses and often have agreements with four-year universities. This means that community college students can take classes offered at their nearby university and transfer credits to complete their degree at a community college.
Community colleges typically have lower tuition rates than four-year universities and offer various financial aid packages. In addition, many community colleges offer students the opportunity to take classes for free and reduced tuition rates for students who qualify for financial aid.
Community colleges provide a low-cost, convenient alternative to four-year universities for students unprepared for a full-fledged degree program.