Why should I consider going to one?

At a community college, you can:

Save money. Costs are generally much lower than those at four-year colleges. On average, tuition and fees at public two-year colleges are $3,347 a year.

Prepare for transfer to a four-year college. Many community college graduates decide to transfer and complete their bachelor’s degrees. Planning in advance can help ensure that the credits you earn will count toward your degree at the four-year college you hope to attend. Get more information about transferring.

Get ready for a career. If you want to enter the workforce sooner, you can earn a certificate or degree in a career-oriented field, such as firefighting or engineering technology.

Try out college. Most programs are open admission. This means that you can go to college even if your high school grades aren’t strong. A community college is also a good option if you’re not sure you’re ready for college. You’ll have a chance to challenge yourself and see if college is right for you.

Take advantage of a flexible schedule. Most community colleges are convenient — you can attend full time or part time, and you can schedule your courses around home and work commitments. There’s a campus within a short driving distance of almost every town in the United States.

You can use College Search to find a community college that is a good fit for you.