17 Nov Financial Benefits of Choosing Community College
Many students think that getting an excellent college education depends on getting into their dream universities right away, no matter the cost. Community college often has that reputation of being where students go when they’re not accepted anywhere else. However, that simply isn’t true. Getting a college education doesn’t mean having to spend four (or more) years at a university and accumulating mounds of student debt. Attending community college before, or even instead of, going to a university is a great money-saving option for pretty much anyone. So before you look the other way towards that expensive, prestigious university, let’s talk about some of the financial benefits of attending community college that most students wish they knew before ultimately making their decision!
Let’s Start With the Basics
The first two years of college mainly consist of taking general education courses, such as English Composition I & II, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry — you get the picture. Well, these same classes are also offered at community colleges for a much lower price, and the credits are transferable when you’re ready to move on to a major-specific course at a university. Why pay more?
Non-Existent Living Costs
Room and board fees? We don’t know them! At least not at community college. You’ll be able to live at home and save a lot of money on housing, meals, and laundry. We know you’re looking forward to that freedom when you hit the dorms, but until then, you’ll have plenty of time to work and save up to make that time so much less stressful when it arrives!
Speaking of Time to Work and Save…
Community colleges tend to be much more flexible with class schedules than universities! They’ll offer evening classes or weekend classes so that students can work around their work schedules or other activities. So you can pick up that part-time or even a full-time job, so long as you take the time to study and attend classes!
You Earn an Entire Degree!
Two years is typically long enough at a community college to earn an Associate’s Degree! You can do this while staying on track to working towards your Bachelor’s. Community colleges across the country have worked to ensure that their Associate’s courses match most universities’ general education requirements, especially local ones, making your classes transferable. On top of that, if you decide to take on a job after your transfer to a university to work on your Bachelor’s, you might find yourself opportunities where you can earn more than your peers in certain jobs due to already having your Associate’s degree.
Still not sure what you want to do after high school? We believe that each student is entitled to their own path that benefits them financially, and we’re here to help! Feel free to reach out to Accolade Financial to discuss your needs!