In some states, community colleges are actually free for in-state residents to attend - although they don't necessarily have to be first-time attendees of these institutions. This varies from state to state so it's important for students interested in going to a community college in a particular place in the country should do their research before applying.

No matter what state you live in, though, attending a community college might very well be cheaper than attending many universities, which have been increasing tuition rates as the economic downturn has deepened. This means that those who may not have been able to afford to go straight into a four-year school with their college degree could now very well consider attending community college for two years before transferring over to a regular university.

Fees Associated With Community College

It's important to note, however, that there are fees associated with attending community college - although these fees are usually much lower than what you might find at most universities or private schools. Many students are worried about taking on debt when they attend community college, but it's also important to remember that most of this debt is related to living expenses rather than tuition costs. For instance, if your rent is $650 per month at home and you're only used to paying $300 per month, then moving into an apartment that costs $650 will mean getting hit by an increased rent payment that can do more to deplete your financial resources than the tuition at a community college might.

Another thing students need to keep in mind is how they're going to pay for their education even if you are able to get it free through grants or other forms of funding. For example, some schools require students provide proof of immunization and/or tuberculosis testing before attending classes; this test maybe around $100 and is something you'll have to think about when applying. There could also be books and materials associated with courses that you might not have expected - all this adds up quickly and can your hurt your chances of attending school for free.

In the end, if you're still able to afford college without help from funding sources, attending a community college might be a good way to save some money. In fact, most people who attend this type of school will tell you that they don't regret doing so because there are opportunities for internships and jobs associated with going to school at a community center that wouldn't have existed had they gone straight into a four-year program at their dream campus.

Conclusion

Though community colleges may not always be free, they can often be more affordable than other schools. Additionally, many community colleges offer opportunities for internships and jobs that students might not have access to if they went to a traditional four-year school. In the end, it's important for students to weigh all their options before making a decision about where to attend college.