| Perhaps now is the best time to go to college to get | | | | you'll see the cost difference right away. Look through |
| your degree. Some of you may have started and | | | | a college catalog and get some idea of the cost of |
| never finished or some of you may have always | | | | each 3 credit course - then go online and look at that |
| wanted to go but never had the time, money or desire. | | | | same course at a university. You will be amazed at |
| As more and more people are out of a job, returning | | | | the cost savings! |
| to college may be a smart move. | | | | 4. Cater to Non-Traditional Students: Community |
| If you are fretful about your ability to 'make the grade' | | | | colleges target the non-traditional students with |
| you might want to start off slow at a community | | | | counseling, advisors, financial aid applications and other |
| college. These 2 year colleges have many | | | | special programs. They cater to the returning adult |
| advantages for adult learners that help to ease their | | | | student and are aware of the challenges you face to |
| fears. | | | | earn the degree. |
| 1. Small is Beautiful: Community colleges have smaller | | | | 5. Focused Learning: From construction to automotive |
| class sizes and offer flexible schedules that allow | | | | technology, students can sign up for courses in the |
| students to attend in the day or evening, depending on | | | | fields of their choice. Education, business, art, science |
| their lifestyles. They are are creative with their class | | | | and engineering are some of the areas of study. Many |
| schedules and offer weekend or online classes that | | | | students sign up for vocational classes that enable |
| students can fit in to their busy lives. | | | | them to graduate with a trade and a job. Also, |
| 2. Collaboration with Universities: Many community | | | | community colleges offer certificates that provide |
| colleges have partnerships with four year colleges | | | | specific training for direct employment or to increase |
| which means that the class credits you take at one | | | | job skills. |
| school can be transferred to another. This is very | | | | After you graduate from a community college, you will |
| important because you want all your credits to count if | | | | earn an Associate's Degree or an A.A. This degree |
| you go to another college or to advance to a four | | | | can be much more valuable than a Bachelors degree |
| year college. | | | | (B.A.) depending on how quickly you enter the job |
| 3. Keep Costs Down: The cost of a community | | | | market. For many people, the A.A. is one step to |
| college is more affordable, too. Colleges charge you | | | | getting your Bachelors degree. |
| by the credit hour. If you take a 3 credit hour English | | | | Are you ready for that? |
| class at a community college vs. a four year university | | | | |