Posted on 02/21/2022 2:40:06 PM PST by karpov
Scrolling through my social media recently, I noticed a post shared by a friend that read: “@ all high school seniors filling out college applications right now: COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS OK [repeated 7x].” The sharer of the post wrote that she was about to get her associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year school with zero debt. Having gone through a similar college pathway, I hit the “like” button and commented expressing my agreement.
This post pushed back against the stigma about community college that many people are enculturated to believe: that going to community college is a failing option as opposed to a helpful means of continuing education and obtaining a college degree.
Coming from a college-preparatory high school, I myself felt a little embarrassed when I enrolled in community college while my peers went off to four-year institutions. During my senior year of high school, the student advisor shamed me for my decision to attend a community college, claiming that I was “too good of a student” to attend community college and that I “belonged to a four-year school.”
The message was clear: going to a community college wouldn’t help me flourish academically.
But immediately enrolling in a four-year school was not a financially viable option. Despite applying for scholarships and grants, none of which provided sufficient funds, I decided to enroll at Durham Technical Community College (DTCC). Four years later, I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a double bachelor’s with less than $15,000 in debt. Looking back on the whole four-year experience (two years at DTCC and two years at UNC) I asked myself, was going to community college worth it? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to others? Without hesitation.
It’s time we put a damper on the stigma of attending community college.
(Excerpt) Read more at jamesgmartin.center ...
In retirement, I enrolled in my local community college. I am just four courses short of an associate degree. It’s been a wonderful experience. By the way, I earned a doctorate in the 1970s.
All colleges are subsidized, which is one reason why college tuition is so high.
But, with 2 years at CC plus 2 years at a 4-year college, students don't have to go into debt.
They go into debt because they want the experience of living at college for four years. Then they want the debt forgiven.
That is a great idea! Never thought of going back for fun.
Non Sequitur
I can understand that. :-) My situation was different: I paid my way through CC. Then, five years later, I decided to move near a university and enroll in courses there.
I love it!
By the way, some community colleges allow senior citizens to audit classes for a very low fee. In my state it less expensive to audit a community college class than to take the enrichment classes offered at night at the local high school.
I chose to pay for the courses. I still have a little bit of Girl Scout in me and I like collecting the credits. I have now have more than 90 credits and have decided to apply them toward an associates degree in my area of interest. Just 4 more classes to go.
Do you think that 4 year State colleges aren’t subsidized by the taxpayers? Think again.
Go to a community college with low tuition rates whom credits are accepted at a good university in your state. The first two years of University are exactly the same as at a major university. It is just the basics. Live at home on the cheap. Then go to a major university in your state to complete your degree.
Community colleges usually have programs that are accredited and designed to fully transfer to a 4-year university program. Transferees receive the same Bachelor’s degree as those who attended the university all 4 years.
Along with the significant cost savings, those attending a community college for the first 2 years will benefit from smaller class sizes (as opposed to filled lecture halls) and direct access to the instructors (vs teaching assistants).
The tuition is practically free at Calif. CCs compared to universities, though both are subsidized, yes.
I have thought about it, but thanks for your concern.
Community college is a great stepping stone for many.
But the stigma comes from the average CC student functioning below the already-sorry level of students at four-year colleges. Therefore the classes tend to be “dumbed down” and grading is easier.
It makes sense for certain employers and graduate programs to take that into account.
Brava!
I had to go JC because my 1.something HS GPA was never going to get me into a four-year university. But after getting my academic act together and getting an AA degree I was able to transition into a four-year university and get my bachelor’s degree.
If they got rid of the staggering amount of bloat, unnecessary things like diversity departments, and costs inflated because of government backed loans, many people would probably be able to afford it. Most of the land is via grant. How much does it costs to pay for power, maintenance, and instructors?
“The first two years of University are exactly the same as at a major university. It is just the basics”
You have never been in an advanced course at a major college ...
My daughter went to CC after posting low SAT and having application to 4 yr college rejected. She reapplied after 2 yrs at CC to same 4 yr college and graduated cum laude. She went straight to grad school earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She now has a financially thriving private practice. She is a testament to the worth of CC.
Works fine to go two years at junior college.
But I do think chemistry and physics are better at a university.
Many school systems allow you to start taking courses in community college in your junior or senior year.
This has two benefits: getting the kids used to college while still living at home, and accumulating transferable credits.
*I am a community college president. Community colleges are a great economic value*
The key word is community, like a ‘sense of community’. 4 year ‘institutions can be intimidating for an 18-year-old away from home for the first time. The CC cuts them down a notch-good. Once a 4 year degree is awarded it doesn’t matter where the 1st 2 years were spent.
* The only time I would disagree is if you are planning on being a physician or a vet.* You’ve got a point there.
*I am just four courses short of an associate degree-wonderful experience. Btw, I earned a doctorate in the 1970s.*
Your post scares me. I have nightmares. B.A but didn’t’t finish H.S. so I had to go back-the left behind syndrome. It’s the nightmares. Then there’s the prospect(nightmare) of not making it in this world and going back into the military as a 40 year old Lt. Weird.
*Community college is a great stepping stone for many.*
Same with the military.
I went to CC and then to a state 4-year and and Ivy.
CC was worth every minute and penny I spent there.
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