What is a community college?
The most practical way to describe a community college is to say that it is an institution of higher education that offers both technical and general education associate degrees and typically offers a host of certification programs and specialty training programs. Contrary to old notions about community colleges being no more than a glorified vocational school, community colleges offer accessible, affordable, high quality education that fulfills a growing demand for higher education attainment. Included in their academic offerings, community colleges typically offer a variety of programs to meet a diversity of student demands. In short, students have options at a community college that would fulfill their needs for specific career training or their need for general courses to be used toward attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher. What is the major difference between a community college and a university? The major difference is the type of degree offered. As mentioned, community colleg
Community colleges are publicly supported and locally oriented colleges that offer programs for transfer to a four-year college, certified vocational training, remedial or “catch-up” programs for students who lack a strong educational background, and continuing education for cultural growth, life enrichment, and skills improvement. This page tells you what the Community College enterprise is all about. Use the links in the menu to learn about the history of the California Community College system (The Community College Idea). Use other menu items to get basic information for prospective students (Academic Options) or to learn more about financing your education (Financial Aid).
Community colleges are public, two-year colleges. (Private two-year colleges are generally called as junior colleges.) A community college allows a student to do their first two years (equal to an Associates Degree) of a four-year (Bachelors) degree. Many students will choose community colleges due to their smaller class sizes, lower prices and less competitive admission requirements. Many community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year universities that allow for a transfer into a bachelors degree program. This is very common for institutions within the same state. For more information on community colleges please see the American Association of Community Colleges website at www.aacc.nche.edu.
Related Questions
- I would like to take Early Childhood courses but am unable to attend classes during the day and/or I dont live near a community college. What other options do I have?
- How should I choose my classes? Generally speaking what courses/ skills do colleges and/or future employers feel students should have upon graduation?
- What is a community college?
