Why is it called community college?

A community college is exactly as the name implies: It is a higher education institution that primarily serves its surrounding community.

What is the difference between a college and a community college?

Community colleges often have lower tuition, shorter programs and the option to continue your education while universities may have more robust financial aid programs, better job prospects and extracurricular activities in which you can participate.

What is the origin of community college?

By 1907, the California legislature passed the California Upward Extension Act, the first state law in the country that authorized the establishment of junior colleges. Fresno High School was the first institution to take advantage of the 1907 law, opening its doors to 28 students in 1910.

Why are community colleges looked down on?

In addition to assuming that community colleges offer a lower quality of education than traditional schools, many people also assume that community college is only for “non-traditional students” – this is another word for older students.

Is community college easier than college?

Many students feel that by enrolling at these schools, they can earn a degree while bypassing the stress and demand of attending a 4-year university. Unfortunately for these misguided students, community college is by no means easy, and in some cases, may even be harder to complete.

What is a Community College?

Is it smart to go to community college first?

By attending community college first, you ease into the transition more smoothly both socially and academically. This is especially true if you've never lived on your own or with a roommate and might need time to adjust before taking on new responsibilities.

Is it better to start at a community college or university?

From a purely practical standpoint, community college may be a better option to begin with than a four-year university in cases where a student might feel academically unprepared for the rigor of a four-year university or if the family is not financially ready.

Why do people avoid community college?

A survey of former California community college students found that one-third haven't re-enrolled because they've prioritized work. At the same time, 22% said they have prioritized taking care of family or other dependents. Another 29% said they struggled to keep up with their classes.

Why do people not like community colleges?

One of the biggest reasons to not go to a community college is if you are interested in a true big university experience. This is the experience that you get when you are attending a college full-time, living on campus, and mingling among tens of thousands of other students usually away from home.

What are the disadvantages of community college?

Con: Community colleges don't offer as many majors and academic programs as the universities. “From an academic standpoint, the number of courses which are offered are typically far fewer than in a four-year university,” says Nick Kamboj, CEO of Aston & James, an MBA admissions consulting firm in Chicago.

What is the oldest community college in the US?

History | Joliet Junior College. With an enrollment of six students back in 1901, JJC became America's First Community College.

What defines a community college?

Community colleges offer two-year programs leading to the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. These colleges also have technical and vocational programs with close links to secondary/high schools, community groups, and employers in the local community.

Who invented community college?

Stanley Brown, principal of Joliet High School, introduced college-level courses into his high-school curriculum. The result was the establishment of the first independent public Junior College in America. Growth of junior colleges was quite slow during the early years of the twentieth century.

What are the pros and cons of going to a community college?

What is a 4 year degree called?

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor's degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor's degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS).

What would the benefit be to attending a community college before transferring to a university?

Getting your essential courses and prerequisites out of the way at a community college can save you both time and money before you transfer to a four-year university. Advisors at Tulane SoPA can help you learn which classes you should take at a community college before transferring.

What are 3 disadvantages of attending a community college?

Why are community colleges only 2 years?

Most community colleges do not offer a bachelor's degree. Instead, community colleges award certificates and associate degrees. An associate's degree is designed to be finished in two years (after about 60 credits) and is made up of core classes like English, history, math, government, arts, and science.

Why is there a stigma against community college?

Despite community college being a popular choice for many people, a stigma remains in people's decision to attend community college due to the large acceptance rate and it being perceived as not as prestigious as a four-year school.

Are community colleges respected?

In truth, many community colleges rival well-respected universities regarding quality instruction and student outcomes. Just remember, when it comes to higher education, saving money isn't necessarily a bad thing!

Why are community college graduation rates so low?

As open access institutions, community colleges serve students with different educational goals and interests. A substantial portion of community college students never intend to complete a degree or program of study, but rather want to take specific classes to improve a skill.

Why is a 4 year university better than a community college?

While there are benefits to attending a community college, attending a four-year university opens you up to various degree programs, more scholarship and financial aid opportunities, higher academic quality and student life activities, and superior career prospects.

What are the cons of a 2 year college?

Con: Fewer Programs

You'll probably need to attend a four-year university. While community colleges usually offer dozens of degrees and certificates, they don't provide as much variety as a four-year college. On the other hand, community colleges offer more vocational and technical programs.

Is it better to go to a 2 year or 4 year college?

More Degree Options for University Students

Community colleges offer numerous professional certificates and a range of associate degrees. Some of them even offer a few bachelor's degree options. Still, four-year universities typically offer a much wider selection of subject areas and degree levels.

Why doesn t everyone go to a community college first?

Financial considerations: While community colleges are often more affordable than four-year universities, some students may not be aware of this option or may have concerns about financial aid and scholarships.