William Rainey Harper created the first American junior college in New York state in 1901. The U.S. now has an abundance of junior colleges. These colleges offer two-year programs culminating in an associate degree. These colleges often work with local universities to broaden areas of study. Their programs usually include some online courses as well as distance-learning options.
On average, students who live at home and receive financial aid pay about $320 per year at a junior college for a full course load, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Federal Pell Grant is available for all accredited post-secondary institutions, including junior colleges, so students who don't have a scholarship can still receive tuition help, even if only attending part time.
Community colleges don't usually offer residential housing such as dorms. However, the website Inside College lists some states that have junior colleges with on-campus housing. For example, Hawaii has four such schools. A local school near where you live with parents is the best option to save money while still earning a degree.
Students who graduate from junior college often transfer to a four-year university. Other students seek careers from technical careers, such as community colleges that offer nurse training and medical assisting. Junior colleges also offer certificate training to help working adults achieve greater success in their current employment.