Community College Primer
The national spotlight is firmly cast on the importance of a college degree and community colleges are now receiving increased attention, as evidenced by President Obama’s recent Summit on Community Colleges, the first of its kind in the nation. If you’re curious about what community colleges have to offer, here’s a primer:

What is a community college?
A two-year public institution of higher education offering associate degrees and certificate programs, as well as remedial course work for high school graduates not quite ready to apply to four-year schools.

What educational and career options do community colleges offer?
Community colleges offer a number of options. Many students can graduate with an Associate Degree and immediately enter the workforce or obtain certificates in specific areas of job training. Others use their community college degree as a stepping stone and upon graduation transfer to a traditional four-year college where their transfer credits can allow them to graduate within two years. There are also students who are not quite “college ready” and take remedial classes at community colleges to better prepare them for future college entry.

What are the prime advantages of community colleges?
• Access – the application and admittance process is less demanding than that of a four-year college.
• Affordability – with support from local tax dollars, community colleges are an affordable higher education option, which is why many students opt to obtain their Associate Degree and then transfer to a more expensive four-year school where they can then graduate within two to three years.
• Flexibility – non-traditional students represent a major percentage of the student population and class schedules reflect their need for flexibility.

How Can I Find Out More About Community Colleges?
A good place to start is the American Association of Community Colleges http://www.aacc.nche.edu

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