Community College Deserves More Credit
The Pony Express Editorial Board
The Pony Express Editorial Board
During the later years of high school, a majority of students start thinking about their future. The common option right after high school is college, and a major choice for that is between going to a four-year university or spending two years at a community college and then transferring to get a bachelor’s degree.
With college getting harder and harder to afford and even attend, community college has remained a more affordable option. In recent years, the stigma around community college has started to diminish, yet, students are still overlooking the benefits of attending community college first because of the stigma.
The California College Promise Program, which was authorized by Assembly Bill 1741 in 2016, waives tuition for California students who attend a California community college for two years right out of high school. Although housing, food and textbook costs are not covered by this program, it is a much more affordable option since tuition is usually the bulk of the cost.
Additionally, many local community colleges such as De Anza College and West Valley College offer the transfer admission guarantee program for students who qualify, which guarantees transfer to certain UCs, depending on the major. So not only does going to community college mean minimal fees, it also means that you have a better chance of getting into some 4-year universities after community college than before. Students who attend community college start their transcript over, allowing for a fresh start in their academic journey. It also allows them to save money while still obtaining an exceptional education, meaning that they graduate with less debt while obtaining their undergraduate degrees.
Aside from the academic benefits, community college is also great for students who want to stay close to home and their community without having to worry about how it will affect them financially. Additionally, it can also give students a transitional period between being fully dependent on their parents or guardians to moving out and living on their own in a completely new environment within a couple of months. It also may allow students to have a better school-life balance and even obtain jobs to fund their education and families as needed.
Overall, community college is a fantastic opportunity for students in various situations to further their education. The flexibility allows them to build their schedules around their lives without compromising learning. Students also may be able to explore classes and programs that may not be offered at larger 4-year institutions, allowing interests to form prior to graduating or transferring to a larger school.
According to Columbia University, in the 2020-21 academic year, federal data indicated that about 33% of undergraduate students were enrolled in community colleges. Despite one-third of higher education students being enrolled in a two-year college, there is still a major stigma around it.
Choosing what college to go to is one of the most important decisions a graduating student will make. It determines a lot of what might happen in the future. All accomplishments after high school should be celebrated and not plagued with stigma. Graduating high school is huge, and choosing a college to go to is also a huge part of a student's future. It’s not just about having a great college education, but also having a great college experience. Whether attending community college or a four-year university, deciding where to go is based on the student and what is best for them.
Attending community college does not have to be the path you take in order to help reduce the stigma around it. Although this path is a great option for many people, it may not be right for you, and that is okay. Acknowledging the stigma and helping to break it is just one way to help better the community and make everyone feel more comfortable and excited, regardless of future plans.
With college getting harder and harder to afford and even attend, community college has remained a more affordable option. In recent years, the stigma around community college has started to diminish, yet, students are still overlooking the benefits of attending community college first because of the stigma.
The California College Promise Program, which was authorized by Assembly Bill 1741 in 2016, waives tuition for California students who attend a California community college for two years right out of high school. Although housing, food and textbook costs are not covered by this program, it is a much more affordable option since tuition is usually the bulk of the cost.
Additionally, many local community colleges such as De Anza College and West Valley College offer the transfer admission guarantee program for students who qualify, which guarantees transfer to certain UCs, depending on the major. So not only does going to community college mean minimal fees, it also means that you have a better chance of getting into some 4-year universities after community college than before. Students who attend community college start their transcript over, allowing for a fresh start in their academic journey. It also allows them to save money while still obtaining an exceptional education, meaning that they graduate with less debt while obtaining their undergraduate degrees.
Aside from the academic benefits, community college is also great for students who want to stay close to home and their community without having to worry about how it will affect them financially. Additionally, it can also give students a transitional period between being fully dependent on their parents or guardians to moving out and living on their own in a completely new environment within a couple of months. It also may allow students to have a better school-life balance and even obtain jobs to fund their education and families as needed.
Overall, community college is a fantastic opportunity for students in various situations to further their education. The flexibility allows them to build their schedules around their lives without compromising learning. Students also may be able to explore classes and programs that may not be offered at larger 4-year institutions, allowing interests to form prior to graduating or transferring to a larger school.
According to Columbia University, in the 2020-21 academic year, federal data indicated that about 33% of undergraduate students were enrolled in community colleges. Despite one-third of higher education students being enrolled in a two-year college, there is still a major stigma around it.
Choosing what college to go to is one of the most important decisions a graduating student will make. It determines a lot of what might happen in the future. All accomplishments after high school should be celebrated and not plagued with stigma. Graduating high school is huge, and choosing a college to go to is also a huge part of a student's future. It’s not just about having a great college education, but also having a great college experience. Whether attending community college or a four-year university, deciding where to go is based on the student and what is best for them.
Attending community college does not have to be the path you take in order to help reduce the stigma around it. Although this path is a great option for many people, it may not be right for you, and that is okay. Acknowledging the stigma and helping to break it is just one way to help better the community and make everyone feel more comfortable and excited, regardless of future plans.