Why Community College

Learn all about community college and whether it is the right choice for your academic career. We'll cover the history of community colleges, the latest trends and issues, and the top degree-producing schools. Find out why students are turning to community colleges, see what issues affect campuses with such a diverse student body, and get information on the latest trends in degree offerings.

View the most popular articles in Why Community College:

Why Student Enrollment Rises as the Economy Falls

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Why Student Enrollment Rises as the Economy Falls
Learn about the trend to attend community college when the economy may face weakness in growth.

While a struggling economy certainly forces extra pressures on young students seeking funds for loans and tuition costs, the enrollment rates for colleges continue to soar. In fact, according to data from the Department of Education, community college enrolment increased by ten percent in the course of just six years, from 2000 to 2006.

Some experts theorize that a dwindling economy actually helps to stimulate student enrollment. As Inside Higher Education explores, “Whether it’s the economy, new academic programs or better recruiting, community colleges are seeing an enrollment boom. While enrollment has been growing steadily at many two-year institutions, this fall appears likely to set records for many of these colleges.”

To help gauge prospective student interests while providing all current students with diverse support, community colleges are investigating the motivations and factors that are encouraging this new surge in enrollment.

This video reports on how a slow economy boosts community college attendance.

Examining the Rising Enrollment

As Statista reports, in 2020 there were 4.8 million students attending 942 community colleges. This growth is not limited to one particular realm of the United States: “The recent community college growth spurt is not restricted to the developing and rural areas. Some of the county’s largest two-year institutions are also enrolling more students than ever.”

Enrollment and the Economy

As community colleges try to ascertain the various factors that may be influencing their enrollment rates, Palm

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Programs for Senior Citizens and Retirees at Community Colleges

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Programs for Senior Citizens and Retirees at Community Colleges
Read about the increasing number of programs for senior citizens and retirees at community colleges.

While community colleges are known to provide opportunities for young and adult learners, new programs are gearing courses and venues to focus more strongly on senior and retired community members. Paired with this, many community colleges offer substantial education discounts. For example, Terra Community College in Fremont, Ohio, offers individuals 60 and older free tuition. Here, older students are able to participate in courses under non-credit agreements, and they are only responsible for the costs of lab fees, books, and any other course supplies.

Are Community College Programs the Right Fit for Older Students?

While beginning any new course of study, regardless of age, can be nerve-wracking, studies show that more retired community members are taking courses. According to a Washington State Community College interview, a student asserted that seeing people aged 40 to 60 or older in various courses is not unusual. On average, this interviewed student claims to have at least one to three older students in her classes.

As Janienne Jennrich further supports in her article “Senior Citizens Going to College, “quite often, older students are rather popular. It all depends on personality and willingness to join discussions and events.” As most staff members and instructors are also often older, mature students bring different experiences and potential to a college course. With this, seniors are not only welcome to take community college courses but are also strongly encouraged, as many seniors’ intelligence and skills help assist the younger students, creating a

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Community Colleges and the Global Economy

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Community Colleges and the Global Economy
Learn how community colleges have evolved to prepare students for the global economy.

Community colleges play an integral role in our country. In fact, according to the Community College Journal, almost one-half of the nation’s undergraduates start their post-high school educational careers at a community college.

As community colleges continue to evolve, they address the importance of a global perspective for students and faculty. Globalization present in today’s economic environment means students must be prepared to face international competition. Not only have many U.S. jobs moved overseas, but also jobs available in this country require a higher level of skills than was necessary a decade ago.

Educating the workforce and preparing students for this new global environment is now one of the primary goals of many community colleges. As you will see, they are embracing this challenge with innovative ideas and remarkable passion.

The Importance of a Global Perspective

If community colleges want to prepare students to work and to succeed in the global marketplace, the first step is to build a global perspective at the school itself. That is exactly what a number of community colleges are doing. For example, Southeast Community College in Nebraska surveyed its faculty to ascertain how syllabi reflected a global perspective. For example, did English courses incorporate literature from around the world?

In this TED talk, Heather Wylie challenges us to change the conversation from community colleges as places of last resort to institutions of innovation inspiration and social change.

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What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College

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What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
This article provides valuable insights for new community college students, covering topics such as choosing appropriate classes, academic preparation, balancing work and school commitments, and managing social activities. It offers practical advice to help students navigate their first semester successfully and set the foundation for their academic journey.

Congratulations! Enrolling in your first semester of community college marks an important milestone in your professional career. Building your academic accomplishments and technical skills creates the springboard for your future work endeavors.

However, for many students, the first semester of community college is not met with flying colors. In fact, according to 2007 research by the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), approximately six out of 10 community college freshmen with high school diplomas drop out after the first semester! Therefore, it is important to understand what to expect in your first semester of community college; this will help with supporting your transition and long-term academic success.

This video illustrates one student's experiences during her first semester at community college.

Choose the appropriate classes

Although you will most likely be asked to take placement tests, you will also have great freedom in choosing the classes at community college. It is essential that you carefully evaluate your academic abilities – as well as your long-term interests – to determine what your first-semester course load should be.

Are you looking to transfer to a four-year institution from your community college? If so, your first-semester curriculum will differ from the student planning to enter the workforce with an Associate’s degree. If your ultimate goal is to transfer to a four-year college, then it is essential to begin planning within the first semester. You generally only want to take

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High School Diploma vs. GED

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High School Diploma vs. GED
This comprehensive guide compares high school diplomas and GEDs, exploring their acceptance by colleges, employers, and the military. It discusses the advantages and limitations of each credential, including perceptions and opportunities. The article also covers alternative options like homeschooling and online programs, providing valuable insights for students and adult learners.

High School Diploma vs. GED

The lack of a high school diploma, or its equivalent, precludes a college education and is a substantial barrier to competing successfully in the workforce.

  • For students in high school, it is essential to see it through until graduation.
  • Those who have already dropped out of high school must obtain a GED to put their best foot forward in the workforce.
  • This article compares high school diplomas and GEDs regarding their acceptance by colleges and universities, the business world, and the military.
  • We also discuss how homeschooled high school graduates show that they have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Canva generated this picture of a young man studying for his GED exam.

Regular High School Diplomas

A high school diploma from a traditional brick-and-mortar school that requires attendance in a classroom is the gold standard in demonstrating high school completion and mastery of conventional high school skills.

  • A high school diploma signifies that the holder has attended and completed all the courses required by the applicable school district.
  • A transcript of the courses taken and grades issued, a common requirement for college and job applications, can be furnished upon request.

Colleges, universities, businesses, and each branch of the United States military accept a regular high school diploma.

  • To attend college, a high school diploma or GED is required for admission.
  • Students with a
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Why Community College

OVERVIEW
What is a community college and why are more students turning to them? Who are some of the most famous community college graduates? Here you’ll find the answers to these questions and more.
TRENDS AND CURRENT ISSUES
Get information on the latest trends and issues affecting community colleges today. Explore the impact of community colleges on the global economy, get information on how community colleges have changed over the years, and see how the latest technologies are being employed on campus.
STUDENT POPULATIONS
Attracting students from all walks of like, community college campuses are rich with diversity. This section covers a myriad of issues relating to student populations. Learn more about LGBT support on community college campuses, explore adult-friendly degree programmers and, see what resources are available to veterans.
ENROLLMENT & ADMISSIONS
We provide a comprehensive look into some of the most important issues affecting enrollment and admissions. Get the latest news on declining enrollment across the country and the impact it has. Learn more about the latest trends in admissions requirements from vaccinations to placement tests. Find expert advice on what to expect your first year, and lean more about the pitfalls to avoid.