Students seeking a four-year degree are required to complete general education credits. These are courses everyone must take regardless of their degree or career pursuits. For instance, students studying communication need to take math and science. These classes do not pertain directly to your degree, so it may be a better financial decision to complete them at a less-expensive community college and transfer the credits to your four-year school. Students can take individual classes or earn an associate's degree, saving thousands of dollars in tuition. Before enrolling in courses at the community college level, verify the credits will transfer to your destination college.
Later in life after your children are grown and you have retired there is time to learn about things that have always held your interest. After years of being motivated by the desire for success and security, seniors have time to learn for fun. Community colleges offer classes for seniors in subjects such as cooking, foreign language and history. Some of these courses include field trips. Enrolling in a community college course is a safe way to meet people who are in the same phase of life as you and who share your interests.
Regardless of your age, it is important to continue learning. Community colleges offer classes in fun subjects like home and garden, dance, art and physical fitness. Students enroll in these classes to improve their quality of life. You may want to start your own business in interior decorating or learn to craft items you can sell. Your interest may be purely for hobby or an effort to live a healthier life. Community colleges offer affordable ways to enrich your life and learn new skills.
Community colleges provide an opportunity to take career-specific courses that help you advance in your job. Even if you have a four-year degree, you may face challenges with new technology or added responsibility in the workplace. Community colleges offer courses focused on specific topics. For example, those who need to learn public-speaking skills or management strategies or who need instruction on a specific type of computer software can enroll in a single course. Instruction is offered in the evening and on weekends as well as online, making attendance convenient for working folks.