All states in the Union have city and community colleges that are supported by local, state, and federal funding. Most community colleges are two year colleges, or junior colleges. These provide the first two years of course study for a four year degree, either a bachelor’s of science or a bachelor’s of art. For those who would have gone to a four year, or senior, college, but did not have the grades or did not take all required subjects to enter a senior college, the junior college is an excellent second chance. There you can take the subjects your failed to take in high school and make the grade point average that will convince a four year college that you can handle their coursework. This implies rightly that the admission requirements for a two year college are generally lower than a four year institution.
Although the requirements may be lower, perhaps accepting a high school diploma irrespective of grade point, or accepting a student based on age, junior colleges do not necessarily provide an education lower in quality than a four year institution. Many fine professors staff these community colleges, and most of them are equipped with labs and facilities equivalent to what a four year college would provide their freshmen and sophomores. They generally do not have the extensive libraries of a four year college, but many four year colleges do not make books relevant to higher studies available to freshmen and sophomores, especially senior colleges that are also research colleges. More than likely, your community college library will have all that you need to supplement your studies and complete your research assignments.
Junior colleges award associates degrees in arts and sciences. The course work parallels a senior college, so an associates degree, with good grades, should easily get you into a senior college. In addition to associates degrees and senior college level preparation, community colleges also offer certificate programs in several fields, such as automotive repair, technical vocations, firefighting, law enforcement, and other vocationally oriented studies. Nursing certificates, dental assisting, court recording, landscaping, even retail sales training and certificates can be obtained from a community college.
Community colleges are also less expensive than senior college. In some states, such as California, community college tuition is free. You just have to buy the books and supplies you’ll need. Going to community college reduces the time you have available to work, so financial aid is often available through both the state and the Federal government. You can also obtain college loans that you can start paying after you’ve graduated. The Veterans administration will pay college attendance benefits to a veteran attending a junior college.
The community college fulfills an important and needed function in the community, not only as a means of continuing your education, but as a means of providing community culture, as with sports activities. Many professional football and basketball players got their start in junior colleges. A hub for political and social activity in the community, the community college can be your city’s forum for all kinds of local issues.
A second chance to some, a beginning for others, community colleges play an important part in your city and may play an important part in your life and careers. Check out your local junior colleges and see how they may enrich your life.
