Community colleges, also knows as junior colleges or two-year colleges, provide post-secondary education to hundreds of thousands of students across the country. Community colleges provide degrees and certificates or provide transfer credits for students to transfer to four-year institutions. Community colleges also offer specific training in workforce development as well as skills training. Community college offers close-to-home affordable education.
Community colleges provide post-secondary education to many students, including those from low-income families, minority students and first-generation college students. Since 1985, more than half of all community college students have been women, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Community colleges also allow adult students as well as working students to earn their undergraduate degrees. Two-thirds of all community college students attend college part-time and the average ago of a community college student is 29 years old, the association says.
Community colleges have an open door admissions policy for all individuals who are at least 18 years of age and have graduated from high school or have obtained their GED. Admission into a community college requires completing an application for admission, taking proficiency and assessment tests, and selecting and registering for classes. Community colleges also allow admission to international students as well as dual enrollment for high school students.
Community colleges offer an array of associate degree programs as well as specialized certificates. These programs range from studies in business management, biological sciences, foreign languages, cultural studies, engineering and architecture. Most community college courses are accredited and certified; the programs involve high-quality education and provide all the necessary aspects of a quality course.
There are many benefits to attending community colleges. Benefits include lower tuition, convenient locations, small student-to-teacher ratio, variety of classes and flexible class schedules, and course transferability. In addition, professors at community colleges focus on teaching the students.