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Community colleges work

With the escalating costs of a college education, attending a community college before transferring to a four-year institution is increasingly a wise financial move. Community colleges are also an attractive choice for countless high school graduates who do not feel quite ready for the transition to a four-year college.

Some community college students take a few courses before transferring; some stay a year or two. Still others achieve the associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree. While each of these options has merit, those students who complete the associate degree frequently derive the greatest benefit from the community college experience. Students who complete the associate degree enjoy a high-quality education and benefit from the opportunity to:
develop important study and time management skills;
gain maturity;
enjoy close interaction with faculty in an atmosphere of encouragement and support;
refine communication skills;
acquire leadership experiences;
develop self-confidence;
learn how to manage multiple life obligations;
identify clear education and career goals;
save money to transfer later to a four-year college;
and understand what it means to be a college student.

Community colleges provide solid foundations for students who want to transfer to four-year institutions. By demonstrating the ability to set and meet goals through the achievement of an associate degree, students clearly display their success. Community college graduates may receive transfer credit for courses, benefit from agreements in certain states that guarantee students a seat at a state-sponsored college or university and have application fees and/or some general education requirements waived at four-year schools.

Achieving the associate degree can, for example, open doors to desirable jobs in which students can work while pursuing studies at a four-year institution. Some students also see the receipt of the degree as an opportunity to plan alternative educational experiences, such as volunteering with the Peace Corps or traveling in another country.

Community colleges have a long tradition of offering a rich variety of educational options to students, and an associate degree can serve as the foundation for a lifelong pattern of achievement. 

Corinne Canough is director of advisement and student development at Finger Lakes Community College. Barbara Schreiber is student services counselor at the college.

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