Community colleges offer two-year liberal arts programs or specific career training programs at a lower cost than most four-year public and private colleges.

Your child can receive a certificate or an associate's degrees when he or she graduates.

Your child then has the option of transferring to a four-year college or university to continue his or her education.

Top reasons students gave for attending a community college

• Convenient locations: Many students are able to attend college while living at home, saving on campus-living costs.
• Small class size: Students receive personal attention from their instructors. The average class at a community college has fewer than 30 students.
• Flexible class schedules: Classes are offered during the day, evening, and weekends to accommodate work schedules. More than 80% of community college students work part- or full-time jobs and many have family responsibilities.
• Transfer to a four-year college or university: Frequently students begin their undergraduate studies at a community college and finish at a four-year school. (Refer to our transfer student section for additional information.)
• Direction for high school students still seeking a career path: At a community college, students can explore different subject areas before committing to a program or enrolling in a certificate program in preparation for a specific career, trade, or profession.