How does attending a community college create a positive ROI for higher education?

General Forum
1

I’m looking into ways to reduce the cost of getting a degree and came across the idea of starting at a community college. Does attending one really help create a better return on investment for higher education? I’d love to hear from people who’ve done it or know how it works.

2

Community colleges are great for saving money. Tuition is much cheaper, and you can complete your general education requirements before transferring to a university. That alone can save you thousands of dollars.

3

@Riley
Totally agree. I did two years at a community college and then transferred. It cut my student loan debt in half.

4

It’s also a good way to figure out what you want to study without spending a fortune. If you change your major, it won’t be as costly as it would at a four-year school.

5

Harper said:
It’s also a good way to figure out what you want to study without spending a fortune. If you change your major, it won’t be as costly as it would at a four-year school.

Good point. Plus, the smaller class sizes at community colleges can give you a better foundation before diving into advanced courses.

6

Many community colleges have transfer agreements with universities. If you follow their plan, you can transfer seamlessly and still get a degree from a top school.

7

Dolph said:
Many community colleges have transfer agreements with universities. If you follow their plan, you can transfer seamlessly and still get a degree from a top school.

Exactly. Those agreements often guarantee admission, which takes some stress out of the process.

8

Don’t forget that community colleges often offer technical programs that lead to high-paying jobs. You might not even need to transfer if your goal is to get into the workforce quickly.

9

Bao said:
Don’t forget that community colleges often offer technical programs that lead to high-paying jobs. You might not even need to transfer if your goal is to get into the workforce quickly.

Right. Programs like nursing or IT certifications can be completed at community colleges and lead to great careers.

10

Another thing to consider is living at home while attending community college. It reduces costs for housing and meals, which can really boost your ROI.