The size of a community college varies, depending on its location. A school in a small town will be smaller and have lower enrollment; the same goes for those in a rural setting. But rural schools may have more locations, as the student population is more spread out. City schools have the largest enrollment; occasionally enrollment will be so high it requires multiple campuses. However, in most cases the centralized location of a city college often results in only one location.
Tuition fees for community colleges are generally much lower than their university counterparts. For example, a course that costs $400 at a major university may cost only $60 at a community college. The experience and salary of the professor is one reason for the difference in cost, as is the school's accreditation and degree offerings. After student fees and the cost of books are added, a student may still end up paying a few thousand dollars for one semester. The cost for additional classes at a community college before attending a four-year institution also adds up, as the additional time it takes a student to finish college will cost money.
There are no documented differences between the work load for a community college versus a four-year institution. However, the time allotted a full-time student to obtain a degree is different. An associate's degree only takes two years, while a bachelor's degree is a full four-year program.
Each community college offers different academic programs depending on the structure of the school and the community's needs. Business and health degrees offer students a foundation before continuing on as an entrepreneur or a nurse. Other offerings include classes in philosophy, theater, art education and many other subjects a student may find at a university. A significant part of the student body at community colleges are adults seeking continuing education. These students take only a few courses to help with career development or for self-improvement, but many do not seek a degree.