Considering Community Colleges: A Viable Alternative for High School Seniors

Exploring Cost-Effective and Quality Education Options

High school seniors across the nation, particularly here in Florida, are spending an anxious week waiting to hear if they have received admission into the state university or college of their choice. Unfortunately, most students and parents will be disappointed and struggle to decide what to do next.

I can understand the frustration of so many of these students who have believed that if they worked hard and maintained good grades, often excellent grades, they would be able to attend the university of their choice. With increasing competition and limited spots available, it is becoming more challenging for students to secure a place in their desired institutions.

I propose an alternative: consider spending the first year or two at your local or other state community college. Your student could spend the next year in classes that are often significantly smaller than those at the universities, typically for one-third of the costs. This allows for more personalized attention and a better learning environment, which can be crucial during the important transition from high school to higher education.

Additionally, your student could spend another year at home and save money, or, for a more engaging experience, enroll in the community college in the same town as their university of choice. This way, they can still enjoy the vibrant campus life and community activities while easing into the higher education system.

Another cost-saving, quality strategy is to attend your local or regional community college and complete your bachelor’s degree there. More than 200 community colleges across 24 states offer workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees that meet the same standards as university degrees. All of Florida’s 28 community colleges now offer the 4-year bachelor’s degree. Your student could complete the degree without debt and have the same opportunities as those at the university.

Community colleges offer more than 700 degrees in high-demand areas, including nursing, business, IT, computer science, healthcare and so many more.  You can find a directory of all of these baccalaureates here: https://www.accbd.org/state-inventory/

This is a path worth considering. The graduation rates for these programs are excellent, and starting salaries are the same or higher than for the same degree at your university. By choosing this path, students can avoid the heavy burden of student loans and enjoy a robust educational experience.

While the disappointment of not getting into your chosen university can be disheartening, it is important to consider the viable and often beneficial alternative of a community college. These institutions provide quality education at significant cost savings and promising career prospects, making them an excellent option for many students.

As someone who leads the Community College Baccalaureate Association, a network of more than 200 community colleges, I can attest to the commitment, quality, and dedication of these programs. Check them out here: https://www.accbd.org/philosophy-purpose-mission/

What are your thoughts on community college as a viable alternative to university? Share your experiences or questions in the comments! Reach out to your local community college(s). You can also visit our website at https://www.accbd.org to learn more about our initiatives.

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