Here are just eight reasons why this option is so worthy of consideration:

1. Affordable Tuition

Tuition at most community colleges averages about $3,300 per year (or less.) Compare that figure with an average yearly cost in one state of $9,650 for public universities and $21,429 for private institutions.

2. Small Classes

One reason why tuition tends to be much more affordable at community colleges than it is at other types of colleges and universities is that class sizes tend to be much smaller – with some classes available that have just a handful of students. This means more attention from instructors, which can lead to better grades.

3. High Transfer Rates

Since the community college degree, you earn will be considered by most four-year institutions as being on par with that earned at a university, it shouldn't come as any surprise that transfer statistics are typically high. To illustrate, consider this: Half of all students who begin their college education at a two-year school will eventually transfer to another institution within six years.

4. Short Deadlines

Wondering what your next step should be? Just choose one or two courses every term and apply yourself. For example, at many community colleges, you can earn an associate's degree as quickly as two years. And it doesn't matter if you choose to study full-time or part-time – each path leads to the same goal.

5. Small Learning Communities

Classes are just one piece of the higher education puzzle, which is why community college students also have opportunities to join groups called "learning communities." Students who take this route often become acquainted with classmates and instructors during their first year. Then, after orientation, they spend their second year taking several courses together so that they can support one another in the quest for degrees.

6. Quality Instruction

Instructors teaching community college classes typically possess at least a master's degree, if not a Ph.D., too. This means that the vast majority of these educators are highly qualified to instruct students in their chosen discipline.

7. Quality Subject Matter

One more reason why you might enjoy a community college experience is that course material tends to be pretty up-to-date and current. In fact, many programs have been developed by experts at nearby four-year institutions.

8. Career Preparation

In addition to helping you achieve academic goals, attending a two-year school may also help you prepare for a future career as well. Community colleges often partner with local businesses and industry, which means that it won't take long before companies begin calling upon graduates from your institution looking for employees.

Conclusion

One additional point to consider is that with community college, you can take one course at a time - which gives you the opportunity to focus on each class and truly master it before moving on to the next. With four year institutions, it may be hard for some students to keep up with all of the material because they are simultaneously taking multiple courses in different subjects.