Community college is a common path for people seeking higher education. Over 10.2 million enrolled in community colleges in the United States in the fall of 2021. Over 66% attend part-time and 34% are full-time students.Community colleges provide students with impressive educations and are a great resource for people in various situations.
Students often associate community colleges with certain myths or rumors that deter people from applying. However, these community college stereotypes are false. Studying at a community college is an excellent choice for many people striving for a college degree.
Common Community College Myths and Stereotypes
Some people struggle to decide whether to attend a four-year school or community college because of the myths associated with two-year schools. Learn about the most common community college misconceptions and the reality community colleges present to help make your decision.
1. Are Community College Courses Easier?
Some students believe that if they take a class at a community college, they will earn a high grade because the courses are much easier. This rumor is far from the truth. Community colleges have to be fully accredited. The classes will be as challenging at a community college as at a four-year school.
It’s important to go into a community college class with the same mindset you’d bring to any other college class. Prepare yourself to work hard, focus and complete all your coursework so you can succeed in community college.
2. Do Community Colleges Look Bad on Resumes?
Most employers respect a college degree as a college degree. The stereotype that a community college degree holds less value is incorrect.
Employers look for more on your resume than the institution where you received your education. People who work hard in school and work full-time or part-time, complete internships, are involved in clubs or sports, or have any experiences that add to their skill set will have qualifications employers consider when looking for a job candidate. Improving your career skills and having a college degree from any school can lead you in the right direction.
3. Do Community College Credits Transfer?
In many cases, community college students can transfer credits, but it depends on the school they plan to attend. Public schools will generally accept credits, whereas some private schools won’t. The important thing is to do your research into the school you would like to attend to ensure you can transfer your credits. The process can also be long. Getting a head start will ensure you submit all the necessary information in time.
As more students attend community college, four-year universities have created agreements with community colleges that guarantee to award students credits for comparable community college courses.
4. Is There No Student Life at Community Colleges?
Many people believe that attending community college consists of attending class and then going home, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Community colleges host fun events, clubs and sports programs for students to enjoy and participate in. MWCC has a very active Student Life program with dozens of clubs and organizations.
5. Do Community Colleges Offer a Range of Majors?
Years ago, community colleges didn’t have much to offer in terms of majors, but today, it is an entirely different story. There are plenty of jobs in demand in fields such as technology, medicine and green studies, and community colleges have created degrees and courses that help meet the demand in these career paths. Many students also begin their studies in community colleges and transfer to four-year institutions — community colleges have increased the number of majors available to accommodate this growing need.
6. Is Graduating From a Community College Bad?
Graduating from a community college is an accomplishment worth celebrating. You have several opportunities after graduating from community college, including:
- You can apply to various four-year universities to continue your education and complete a bachelor’sbachelor’s degree.
- You can immediately enter the workforce as a skilled employee with a hard-earned degree.
Graduating from a community college shows you have the drive and mindset to succeed in a career, and employers will recognize that you will be a hard worker.
7. Are Community College Professors Less Qualified?
People who view community college as less than a four-year college may also believe that community college professors are less qualified. This is not the case. Community college professors typically must have at least a master’s degree or higher and have prior teaching experience.
There are two types of community college professors — adjunct and full-time professors. Adjunct professors teach part-time, while full-time professors are focused on this career and earn a salary and benefits. When you study at a community college, your professors will be qualified and knowledgeable on the subject they’re teaching, whether adjunct or full-time. Often, adjunct professors teach the same courses at the local community college and local four-year universities.
8. Is Community College Only for Technical Programs?
Many people attend community college to obtain an education in a technical trade, but plenty of other programs are available for students. There is also a distinction between a community college and a vocational school. While you can enter a vocational program at a community college, there are other paths of study they offer.
Over time, community colleges have improved their curriculum and added degree programs to cater to more students, just like four-year institutions.
9. Aren’t People Who Attend Community College Older With Jobs?
People from all backgrounds attend community college. You may meet students who have recently graduated high school, those who are looking for a more affordable education, those who are going back to school after being in the workforce and others in various situations. The average age of a community college student is twenty-six, and one-in-four students are parents.
10. Isn’t Community College for Students Who Didn’t Get Into a Four-Year School?
Some people believe community college is only for students who received poor grades in high school. This myth is not true. People have various reasons for choosing to attend a community college. While it’s a great option for people who were not accepted into four-year schools, it’s also a great choice for financial reasons. Students can save a lot of money by attending a community college before a four-year school.
Community college gives students the opportunity to explore various majors before settling on one of their choices. Once they know what they would like to major in, they can apply to the top programs in the country.
11. Have Any Successful People Graduated From Community College?
Many people graduate from community college and go on to have successful careers. Even well-known celebrities and public figures attended community college, including:
- Halle Berry: Actress Halle Berry attended Cuyahoga Community College before entering a successful career in the entertainment industry.
- Eileen Collins: Astronaut Eileen Collins studied at Corning Community College and continued her education at Syracuse University for her bachelor’s degree and at Stanford University and Webster University for her master’s degrees.
- Morgan Freeman: Actor Morgan Freeman was a Los Angeles City College student before launching his successful career.
- George Lucas: Filmmaker George Lucas, famous for the iconic Star Wars franchise, started his education path at Modesto Junior College.
The list of famous community college attendees is even more extensive, but this sample proves you can achieve your career goals when you choose to study at a two-year school.
Advantages of Community College
Students choose to go to a community college for numerous reasons. Here are 10 advantages of attending a community college:
- You can complete your prerequisite courses and think more about your major without paying a high tuition rate.
- You will be in less debt after completing your first two years at community college. Many community colleges also offer reduced tuition rates to in-state students.
- Community colleges offer more personalized services and smaller class sizes. Smaller classes also make it easier for students to connect with other students and form relationships with other students.
- You can enroll in a program with a transfer agreement with a four-year school, bringing your less expensive credits with you when you transfer.
- Older students can obtain the skills they need to enhance their careers.
- Many community colleges offer financial aid options for students who need assistance paying for tuition. Some financial aid incentives even cover housing, cost of materials and transportation. You can apply for a special grant or loan programs that offer lower interest rates than traditional loans.
- Community colleges offer students greater flexibility in their schedules. Students can enroll in part-time programs, attending a few classes per week while working a full or part-time job. Community colleges’ flexibility also allows students to enjoy a greater balance between their school and personal life.
- Community colleges also offer opportunities for students to study for an associate degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which leads to careers that are in demand.
- You have the opportunity to attend online classes when you attend community colleges, which makes learning more accessible to learners. It also allows students more flexibility in setting up their course structure.
- In addition to associate degrees, community colleges also offer vocational training programs. Many of these programs allow students to gain professional certifications in a shorter time than four-year degrees.
Mount Wachusett Community College Can Be the Right Choice for You
Receiving an education at a community college is a tremendous option. While community colleges may be smaller than some four-year schools, that doesn’t mean they lack the college experience. Attending community college offers students a range of opportunities to receive personalized, quality education.
At Mount Wachusett Community College, students will receive a quality education and access to campus events, intramural sports, student organizations and more activities. We offer an affordable option to obtain your associate degree or a certificate.
See how MWCC can impact your path of education. Learn more about MWCC’s programs and see what community college is like by requesting more information or applying to become a student today.
