The Benefits of Community College
Comm/215
Vin. S
University of Phoenix
August 29, 2013
As seniors prepare to graduate from high school this upcoming school year, many have to decide on whether to apply to a four year university or stay close to home to attend college. This decision can be difficult for some because of the rising cost of universities, grades, and test scores determining entrances into their desired school, or even if college is the right fit for them. Community colleges are a great opportunity for students (recent graduates, working adults, even senior citizens) to explore their option to continue their education, and finding their path in life without having to take out a second mortgage. Even though community colleges has a bad reputation because it is seen as an undesired alternative for higher education, but in fact many are nationally recognized institutions with outstanding faculty. There are tons of benefits many overlook to receiving their college education at the local community college.
The most important and convincing argument for attending community college is price. Hands down, this is the most cost-effective decision when funding one’s education. With the unprecedented rise of universities tuition, and interest rates on student loans sky rocketing, taking courses at community colleges can save students thousands of dollars in the long run. Virginia is one the of the cheapest states in the country to attend college, but in order to save money choosing a community college might be a smarter economical decision. For examples, an average tuition for a full-time student at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) for one semester is $1,839 (not including books & supplies); $3,678 for the full academic year. While at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA, one semester is $4,588 which does not included room & board, books, and other miscellaneous that is tagged along when a