Lower tuition: Costs are often significantly lower than public and private four-year colleges and universities.

Convenient locations: Many community college students attend school while living at home, saving on campus room-and-board 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: Students frequently begin their undergraduate studies at a community college and finish at a four-year school. (Refer to our Transferring to a four-year school section for more information.)

Professors concentrate on teaching: The instructors focus on teaching students and tend not to be distracted by research and publishing. Professors also have extensive practical experience in the subjects they teach. Full-time community college faculty spend more hours in the classroom than faculty in any other sector of higher education.

Direction when you are seeking a career path: At a community college, you can explore different subject areas before committing to a degree or enrolling in a certificate program in preparation for a specific career, trade, or profession.

Promote skill building and job advancement: Students can take continuing education courses to meet specific needs and interests for job advancement, job placement, and personal development. (Refer to our Continuing education students section for more information.)

What do you need to get in?

Learn more about community college admission requirements.