In simple terms, turning to any community college in the United States, you have a chance to explore what it is like to be enrolled in college by staying close to your home location. Moreover, community college makes it possible to take part-time courses and make an easy transfer from part-time studies to being a full-time student. Another great benefit that must be mentioned right away is an opportunity to have fewer student loans without having to choose a weaker option in terms of what you are planning to study. This way, it is safe to say that you have affordable tuition fees and all the extra payments regardless of an educational institution or a chosen major. Community college is a great and reasonable choice as well as a decision to buy term paper online if you need help with academic assignments.
Some other great benefits include:
- A great chance to improve your transcript.
- Your living costs are much lower.
- You have more flexibility in terms of future choices.
- It is much easier to work and manage your time.
- You receive more support and recommendations as you explore college life.
- You are entitled to experienced college professors, which guarantees greater student success.
Most importantly, as you attend one of the two years of your community college course, you can progress with your education as tuition is mostly done by credits. As you are learning at your own pace and do not fall into the trap of student loans, you will find it much easier to adjust your learning skills and preferences before diving into a typical college. If you have struggled in high school and need more time to get things done, it is a good and cost-efficient option!
14 Best Community Colleges in the United States
- Lake Area Technical College. An amazing public community college located in Watertown, South Dakota. It has a $12,000 average cost of after financial assistance and about $5,514 for in-state tuition. It has good courses in Computer Science, Technology, Robotics, and Criminal Justice / Police Studies. In addition to that, one can apply for a Registered Nursing certification.
- Santa Barbara City College. Another representative of 2-year colleges that you should definitely check out. It has an extensive range of various associate degrees and certification programs. It makes it much easier to transfer and strive for your baccalaureate degree. The average cost after aid is $8,976 and in-state tuition is $1,374.
- De Anza College. It is located in Cupertino, California, representing one of those community colleges that are known for high graduation rates. The average cost after financial assistance: $4,223. Speaking of in-state tuition, it is $1,561. The best programs here relate to Sociology, Business Administration and Management, and Social Sciences. It also has support for paralegal students and learners with special needs.
- Guttman Community College. Located in New York, it is also known as the New Community College. The in-state tuition for NYC is $5,194, yet you have an after-assistance cost of $5,582. It is a famous place for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Human Services, and Urban Studies. If it sounds right for you, it is one of the best choices.
- Mitchell Technical College. Located in Mitchell, South Dakota, it offers more than 25 associate degree programs and offers more than 15 certifications. It is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In-state tuition is $6,944 with after-aid being at $13,000. Consider it for technical disciplines like Automation Engineering, Radiography, or Cartography.
- Orange Coast College. Turning to the state of California again, we see that in-state tuition is at $1,188 and the average after assistance is $4,225. It is a great choice for Liberal Studies and Computer Sciences. A top junior college with a great environment. What makes it stand apart is a great course in Emergency Medical Technology that lets you become a paramedic.
- Kingsborough Community College. As the only community college in Brooklyn, it is also one of the most famous and well-known for its great instruction methods. In-state tuition will cost you $5,252 with the costs after provided help being at $6,323. You can choose any course from Liberal Studies to Commerce & Advertising or Teacher Assistant program. In addition, great medical programs are available as well.
- Normandale Community College. It enrolls more than 14,000 students and remains a great choice for students who seek flexibility. In-state tuition: 5,964. Average cost after financial aid: $13,000. It is best for Elementary Education & Teaching programs, as well as Political Science and Journalism.
- Walla Walla Community College. A multi-campus community environment located in Washington, DC. Your in-state tuition will equal $4,700. After-aid: $6,176. If you would like to study Mental and Social Health Services, Enology, Commerce, Liberal Arts, or Cosmetology, give it a chance.
- Foothill College (Florida). Here we have only $1,563 for in-state tuition, which makes it $4,212 after the aid provided. It is a great institution to study Sociology, Anthropology, Speech Communication & Rhetorics. It also has a great Computer Science department that provides all the necessary certifications for starting out and making a choice of technical advancement.
- Alexandria Technical & Community College. It has about 4,000 learners currently enrolled with about fifty percent of them being full-time students. Nevertheless, it has great flexibility. Speaking of in-state tuition, it is $5,565. Aid: $14,000. It has anything from Criminal Sciences to Physical Fitness Technician programs with Medical and Business courses in between. One of the widest choices you can encounter.
- Anne Arundel Community College. Although it has higher in-state tuition of $8,240, it is one of the top community colleges belonging to the Junior College Athletic Conference, which makes it a perfect choice for college athletes. Your costs after aid will be $15,000, yet you can choose numerous programs of being an Addiction Counselor, Physician Assistant, or anything related to Vocational Nursing.
- Saddleback College. Another great community college that has associate degrees, academic certificates, and a list of over 190 various programs. It is also the oldest Orange County community college with the in-state tuition being at $1,330. Your after-aid will be $5,909. Make sure to explore your options.
- Valencia College. A great choice to study Liberal Arts or Data Science since it has great instructors, according to public student reviews. Surprising enough, in-state tuition is only $2,474 with about $5,585 after aid help. It offers certifications in Computer Graphics, Criminal Justice, Operations Management & Supervising, and Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration, Radio Electronics, and Respiratory Care Therapies.
These are some of the best entries to consider, yet always start by exploring your local area for a wider best junior colleges choice!
Community College Scholarships
Here are some community college scholarships worth checking out:
- Scholarships 360 No Essay Scholarship. You are eligible for $500 if you are a high-school, college, or graduate student. As the name implies, you do not have to write an essay or anything. The deadline is June 30, 2024.
- Be Bold Award. Once again, It does not include any essay writing or anything and is available to all students. You can receive up to $25,000. Deadline: December 1, 2023.
- Tallo Scholarship. You can win up to $15,000 scholarship assistance if you are a legal U.S. citizen and have been physically living in the country. You must be attending a postsecondary institution in 2023-2024. Deadline: December 31, 2023.
- ScholarshipPoints Awards Program. It is aimed specifically at high-school learners and those who want to enter a community college. You can win up to $10,000 by writing a 750 words essay about your future plans. Deadline: December 31, 2023.
- AICPA Foundation Two-Year Transfer Scholarship. You can win up to $5,000 if you are studying at the 2-year community college and hope to transfer to a four-year college to study economics, finances, or accounting. Deadline: March 15, 2024.
Explore the possibilities and give it a try!
Useful Community College Resources for Students
Take time to explore these helpful resources that will be of help regardless of your community college choice:
- Purdue University's Online Writing Lab. One of the best resources for future college students that has it all about grammar, writing, styles, or tips on how to compose a perfect essay. Make sure to check it for any writing concerns.
- American Sociological Association. It offers free by-subscription access for many community colleges with special member benefits. It also has great Sociology help templates, professional identity tips, and characteristics of possible career choices.
- Transferring from a Community College. An interesting read offered by the College Board, which explains the basics and challenges of transferring. It is a great resource both for students and parents. Take your time to explore.
- Learn About College Degree Options. Learn more about what options you have with a community college degree.
- The Role of Community Colleges in Global Workforce Development. A great resource that helps you to learn about possible career choices both locally and internationally.
Most importantly, remember that going to community college is a safe path towards your future without spending too much money while having a chance to learn the basics and see what it is like at college. Since you can always transfer and seek further options, it is also a great way to keep things flexible and stay close to home. Look through our options, apply for scholarships, and let your academic future become bright!
