Is Community College Right For You?

If you're thinking about going to college, it's important to consider several different types of schools in your college search. You might think that, to get the best education, you need to attend a traditional four-year university. The stately buildings, the youthful dorms and the welcoming campus are all very inviting. Plus, a bachelor's degree looks great when you're searching for certain jobs in the health care industry.

Despite how appealing a traditional university may be, it might not be the best choice for you. If you're looking to get the most out of your college experience, there may be something else out there which offers you exactly what you need. Community college, for example, is an excellent choice for students pursuing certain health care careers. It's also a great way to save money on tuition and get a job faster.

Both types of schools have their pros and cons, and it depends entirely on your career aspirations and financial status as to which school is right for you. Check out some considerations below which may help you determine whether community college is right for you.

1. Academics

Your first concern should be whether a community college can offer you an education that fits your career goals. For the health care industry, there are plenty of jobs for which a community college education is ideal. Careers in medical billing and coding, licensed practical nursing and health claims are all great options for those who attend community colleges. With only a certificate or associate's degree required, a community college is a good way to get straight to the classes that matter most to your career without spending two extra years taking classes to fulfill a curriculum. Furthermore, a community college is more likely to offer health care programs which require an associate's or certificate than a four-year university.

2. Cost

The cost of tuition is one of the biggest advantages of attending a community college. If you're tight on money or you don't want to have to deal with huge student loans after graduation, then community college may be the right choice for you. The cost per class credit is much lower than at a university, and with most programs completed in just a year or two, there's also a huge savings in attending college for a shorter length of time. Even students who still have financial struggles despite attending a less expensive school will find that there are plenty of financial aid options available to students at a community college.

3. Time

As was stated before, a lot of time can be saved by attending a community college. Not only do the programs take a shorter amount of time to complete, but these schools also tend to offer classes at more flexible times to accommodate a busy student's schedule. With night and weekend classes offered regularly, it's easier for students to complete an internship or work outside of school and still attend their classes. This makes it easier for students to earn money to support themselves while finishing their education.