Deciding what your next step post-high school is is a hard decision for most high school seniors today. In the past, more students went directly into a 4-year university after finishing high school than those who chose to begin at a community college.

However, it appears that a growing number of high school seniors are choosing to begin their college education at a community college. One reason for this change is the cost of community colleges being significantly less expensive than that of 4-year universities. In addition, the flexibility of community colleges allows students an opportunity to discover their interests prior to making their final decision regarding which university they will attend.

Lower cost is one of the most important reasons students start their education at a community college. Community colleges typically provide lower tuition rates than those charged by a four-year institution.

The average cost of attending a community college, as reported in the National Center for Educational Statistics, is thousands of dollars less on an annual basis than the average cost of attending a public institution of higher education. For many families, the difference in cost between community college and public institutions of higher education reduces the amount they will need to borrow to pay for their child’s education.

Senior Chloe Mercado said saving money played a major role in her decision. “I decided to start at a community college because it’s a lot more affordable,“ Mercado said, “I can stay close to home, save money, and then transfer to a university later once I figure out exactly what I want to study.”

One of the reasons many students are choosing to go to community college is because of the flexibility it allows. Community colleges tend to have smaller class sizes, offer multiple times for a course, and allow you to take classes online.

This enables students to maintain a part-time job, assist with family support, or balance other personal obligations while pursuing their academic goals.

Senior Gracie Carey, who also plans to attend community college after graduation, said the flexibility was important to her. “I’m planning to work while I go to school,” Carey explained. “Community college makes it easier to balance work and classes. It also gives me time to explore different majors before I transfer.”`

Community colleges have become an option for several students who want to obtain their four-year degrees eventually. By using transfer programs, students can complete all of their general education requirements and transfer to a university when they have completed their degree, thereby saving on tuition.

Additionally, counselors often say that the transfer option will give students a great chance to complete their four-year degrees just as successfully as if they had gone straight to a four-year university.

However, even though there are many reasons why someone would benefit from attending community college, many still feel pressured to pursue a four-year degree immediately after high school. 

Many years have passed since universities were once viewed as the traditional “way to success”; however, more students understand some of the benefits associated with going to community college first instead of attending a university right away, and this view is changing slowly.

In the end, choosing where to begin college is a personal decision. Whether students start at a university or a community college, the most important factor is finding the path that best supports their goals, finances, and future success.