Due to the dwindling economy, more and more students are considering community college as opposed to private and public 4-year institutions. As the unemployment rate soars parents often lack the necessary funds to send their students off to a prestigious, expensive, private school. For many students, community college was never an option, but is it really as bad as we believe it to be? Popular TV sitcoms, such as Community, add a playful touch to the subject, teaching a universal lesson to its young viewers that it’s not all that bad.

The benefits offered at community college come at a much lower price. “You won’t come out of a 2-year community college with as much debt compared to a 4-year college.” Said Mrs. Hoffman, one of the school’s guidance counselors. Fees and tuition at regular colleges and universities are roughly twice the amount you would be paying at a community college, according to the American Association of Community College. The average annual tuition and fees ranges around $2,076, according to Community College School Guide, which is far less than the average 7,605 you would be paying for public instate four-year colleges.

Community college allows you to explore a variety of fields of interests at a much lower price. If you decide on a major and want to pursue it elsewhere, then it is cheap and easy to transfer. The cheaper paths that Community College offers can lead up to a higher paying salary. “Depending on what your 2-year major is you can obtain an associate’s degree and then apply for a job in that field.” Said Mrs Hoffman. Also, Recent studies show that two out of three students will change their major throughout their years at college, making community college a good and cheap place to do so.

The fact that less students want to attend a community college means a lower class size. According to Sallie Mae, a major source for college student loans, the average class has roughly thirty students or less, which allows for effective one on one counseling with a professor. Instead of having to balance a class of fifty, professors can give students the extra help they need. In addition, community colleges usually offer a more flexible schedule, with classes offered during the day, night, and weekend to accommodate for all student commitments outside of school.

The amount of students attending community college is growing year by year as more students choose to pursue a variety of careers at a better price. “Community colleges are the unsung heroes of the American education system,” said President Obama during a summit at the White House in 2010. Obama, along with the other attendees of the event, believes that community college will play a critical role in achieving the administration’s goal of leading the world in college graduation rates by 2020. As the economy changes, community college is no longer viewed as being a backup plan for students, but instead a means to lead the youth of our generation to a successful life.