One of the main benefits of attending community college is the reduced tuition cost. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year degree program can take core classes at the community college and save money on a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree program at a university or college can cost $100,000 dollars or more, depending on the program and institution selected. Tuition costs in a community college are nowhere near as expensive, and even cheaper for residents of the city and state.
Students are able to take preparatory classes before they move to a regular four-year college or university for a bachelor's program. Some schools allow the transfer of credits from community colleges, and the government is moving to instruct colleges to accept the transfer of credits. This makes it easier for students who are unable to take advantage of a university education for various reasons like financial issues. Students have the option to choose courses that will equip them for the business environment directly out of community college. They can take vocational training in a chosen career path; the courses are short and provide professional skills useful in the workplace. Further career advancement training programs are also on offer from community colleges.
One of the disadvantages faced by students who use a community college education to springboard their move to a regular university is that many of the courses are not compatible with college or university requirements. Be sure to confirm with the college of your choice that the community college course you plan to take will be compatible with the higher institution's core requirements. In some cases the course subjects may be comparable, but not all colleges allow associate degree graduates to transfer based on the education earned at a community college.
Many community colleges are commuter campuses and don't always have residential facilities to offer students. For students who have to pay for their accommodation and food outside of the campus, the cost accrued may offset savings on program cost. Library and research facilities may not always be extensive enough for students studying for a professional career or further education. While some of the community colleges work with local colleges and universities, transferring credits to colleges in other states can become a serious problem.