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

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
Students frequently begin their undergraduate studies at a community college and finish at a four-year school. (Refer to our Transfer Student section for additional 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 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.

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 Returning Adult section for additional information.)

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