Take a close look at what community college offers for that next life step

When it’s time to consider where to go for higher education, a community college should be at the top of the list. A community college can be ideal for a myriad of reasons. For starters, they offer many educational programs like associate degrees, skilled trade degrees, vocational certificates and transferable credits to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Attending a community college doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. The curriculum at the nation’s more than 1,000 community colleges can be equally as outstanding as universities, with a wide variety of options. For example, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) offers more than 300  associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in the broad areas of business, computer technology, engineering, healthcare, human service technology, media and fine arts, public safety, and skilled trades, as well as transfer programs for entry into a four-year university.

Resources similar to a four-year college are available, such as academic and career counseling. Then there is the benefit of smaller classes. Students won’t find themselves in a full room that’s the size of a movie theater. Professors get to know their students and more one-on-one time is possible.  Professors share information based on real-world experiences.  

Here's what else to consider when making this important decision.

Keep costs in mind

Student loan debt at $1.7 trillion is crippling. With average yearly tuition and fees for a private four-year college at nearly $33,000, and just under $24,000 for a public four-year college for out-of-state students and $9,400 for in-state students, according to the College Board, the tab on average at public two-year colleges of around $3,500 looks like a bargain.

An easy way to cut down on the cost of a college education is to first attend a two-year school and then transfer for the remaining years. Better still, a two-year degree might be all that’s needed for certain career goals. And financial aid isn’t just for four-year programs; many students are eligible for aid at two-year institutions. Why join the masses who are so saddled with student loan debt that they have put off milestones like moving out on their own or even delaying getting married?

Community colleges like FTCC make paying for classes easy by keeping tuition costs low and offering many options for payment.

Set a personal pace

There’s something to be said for the flexibility and convenience a community college offers. Students can study online or in person. Unlike traditional universities, night classes are common, which is particularly important for those juggling school and work. Because classes are less expensive, students have the freedom to explore topics beyond an intended major — discoveries that could lead them down another path, or confirm their current direction.

For sure student life can be stressful. It’s no small matter that at a community college the atmosphere is more laid back. There’s less pressure to take a full course load if a student’s not ready for it. Take on as little or as much as needed and feel good about each choice.

Prepare to transition to a four-year institution

Another plus is the ease in which students can transfer to a four-year college. While some students who intend to move on to a university never make that transition, each individual controls the narrative — there’s no one story ending.

FTCC student Collin Hernandez has been down this road. He said that the community college made it easy to transfer, but also to come back to their program. “You could say that my path to FTCC has taken many winding turns. Originally, I attended FTCC as a High School Connections student before transferring to a four-year school after graduation. Two years have passed and I am once again attending FTCC after transferring. Returning has undoubtedly been beneficial; I will not be wasting any time out of classes.”

For those who want to continue their education through a transfer, the process is easy. College Board offers a good roadmap for doing so. First, make sure that credits earned from classes at the two-year college will count at the four-year college of choice in order to start as a junior. Then, sign up for a transfer program at a two-year college. These programs include the same kinds of courses that students take the first two years at a four-year college. They’re designed to help smooth the transition.   FTCC offers programs designed specifically for students who plan to pursue a 4-year degree. 

Find out if the two-year college has a special transfer relationship with any four-year colleges and be clear on what minimum GPA is needed to get into a four-year school. When selecting a community college, inquire about Articulation Agreements. An Articulation Agreement is helpful for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. FTCC has them with various colleges, universities and education facilities that determine what credits will transfer.

Enjoy the student life                     

All work and no play is a quick ticket to burnout. It’s not only the students at four-year institutions that get to have the fun that comes with college life. There are plenty of extracurricular activities at community colleges — be it sports on collegiate and recreational levels, student clubs and organizations, volunteer and community service opportunities and much more. The FTCC Trojans have basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball teams, and there are more than 40 clubs and organizations that range in focus from fine arts and debate to forensic science and game development, as well as student government and networking opportunities.

Broaden perspective and community

At traditional colleges, the atmosphere can be hyper-competitive, and students can have anxiety about fitting in. It’s a different scene at community colleges. There are people just out of high school, those transitioning from the military, veterans, older adults who are studying to facilitate a career change and others who may not be deemed traditional students. The interesting mix makes for a great community, where part of the learning comes from interaction with each other outside the classroom.

Hernandez said that that community and flexibility help him adjust his classwork and schedule to fit his needs.

“Community colleges like FTCC are an amazing resource for any person in a transient position like mine. You don’t have to lose valuable learning time simply because you are between four-year institutions. In fact, attending FTCC in the meantime will make moving to a different college easier because I have the ability to take classes relevant to my new area of study. Because of that, I am glad that Fayetteville has an institution like FTCC to help students when their college careers don’t follow a straight line.”

To learn more about Fayetteville Technical Community College and how to start or continue your college career, visit faytechcc.edu.