Curious about the benefits of a community college? You are not alone...there are lots of benefits and 118,000 MORE students discovered those in 2023. In the fall of 2023, community colleges experienced a 2.6% increase according to the National Student Clearing House.
While all institutions of higher education some sort of increase, post COVID, the increase enrollment at community colleges is noteworthy. Full disclosure - I work at a community college as full-time faculty and I absolutely love my job, my colleagues and the students.
For some students, a community college provides lots of advantages to accomplish career goals. First, community colleges offer lower tuition and fees than most four year institutions. Most recently, many colleges are offering students within their district FREE tuition when they enroll and attend full-time. Some other restrictions may apply, but in-district high school graduates generally meet these. By attending a community college, students can save money (financial aid or self-pay) to put towards their coursework at a transfer institution. In most cases, the savings will also offset significant costs of graduate school. So, if you are considering a career in psychology or social work, both tracts require a Masters Degree, or similar credential, to practice in the field. Starting at a community college saves money that will pay for graduate work.
Second, most community colleges offer a transfer agreement or articulation agreement with four year institutions. These agreements guarantee that credits completed at the community college will transfer and some may even guarantee admission to the transfer school! While the agreements require a certain GPA and completion, they may not be enough for Ivy League or top-ranked schools which are competitive regardless of academic path. For education, many community colleges are offering transfer programs or 2+2 degrees where the student completes all general education requirements then transfers directly into the school of education to earn the appropriate degree and certification.
Third, perhaps my favorite: small class sizes and AMAZING faculty support. While I can only speak for my school, I know at other community colleges where I have worked, the student-to-faculty ratio is low and many faculty really enjoy helping students take the next step in their careers. Again, speaking for myself, I personally advise transfer students in political science and write letters of recommendation for internships, fellowships and more. My colleagues lead the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa where they directly impact student's academic success as well as mentor based on personal experience. We all assist students in getting accepted to their desired transfer school and have many who now attend the University of Michigan, DePaul University, Central Michigan, Grand Valley State and many more. In contrast, many students will not have direct faculty advisement or mentorship during the undergraduate years at a four-year institution - only when accepted into a program and upper-level courses will students have more access to tenured faculty.
Finally, campus life still exists and it may be more accessible to students. Many community colleges offer residence halls so freshmen still get the "college life" experience. The experience at a community college would mirror a smaller school with a residence hall. It's easier to meet people and yes, there are still athletic programs if students wish to play collegiate sports. There are likely MORE activities as well because it is easier to plan and advertise to the campus community where larger schools generally attract one dorm or one program. Clubs and organizations exist as well - Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society focused on transfer students, the National Society for Leadership and Success is a professional development program at many schools and there is also simulation opportunities like Model UN or state government. There is no shortage of student activities at a community college, don't be fooled!
If you are on the fence about a four-year, I would definitely recommend you check out a local community college in your area. While Ivy Tech does not offer any residence facilities in Indiana, these nearby schools do: Marian University - Ancilla College, Southwestern Michigan College and of course, my favorite, Lake Michigan College. Go Red Hawks!
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