For people considering alternatives to four-year universities and colleges, going to community college is a viable alternative for getting a higher education. Community colleges offer the same type of coursework as in any college for a lower cost to the student. Moreover, the open admission policy of community colleges make it easy for any student to potentially attend. Community colleges also serve as the bridge to more advanced degrees by awarding associate's degrees.
Mission/Goals
The function of a community college is to serve as a bridge to higher education for high school graduates. Compared to most four-year universities, community colleges commit themselves to an open-access, relatively less stringent admissions policy. The community college education system is coined by the American Association of Community Colleges as a service to the community through a community-driven institution of higher education.
Entrance Requirements and Costs
Generally, community colleges only require students to have either a high school diploma or a GED. Admissions typically do not require students to exceed a grade threshold or pass standardized tests in most circumstances. However, there are exceptions to this: selective programs in fields such as nursing, engineering or computer technology might require specific coursework and SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, community college tuition is heavily subsidized by the government; the unit cost in most community colleges is typically less than $50 per unit. This is part of the government endeavor to create a highly accessible path for higher education.
Curriculum
Community colleges courses are comparable to the first two years of coursework in a four-year college. General studies coursework such as philosophy, history and English are offered in wide varieties. Additionally, community colleges are generally designed to be completed in two years by a full-time student. After completion, the average community college student would be given an associate's degree. However, some community colleges offer specialized courses outside of the general curriculum; students who successfully complete these courses would be given the accompanying certification or recognition in addition to their degree.
Transfer
According to the AACC, two-thirds of students entering community college plan to transfer out to a four-year university. The courses in community college typically substitute for a significant amount of coursework in a four-year college. However, assessment of transfer units is done on a case-by-case basis; universities implement their own standards on determining which types of courses transfer and which do not. Students are highly recommended to plan their community college coursework ahead of time. The student must cross-check between the community college courses and the transfer requirements of the universities he plans to attend before taking any course.
Tags: community college, community colleges, higher education, Additionally community, colleges offer, courses transfer, coursework four-year