Community Colleges Popular

Posted by Barbara Pytel Aug 24, 2008

Instead of going directly to a four-year college, students are choosing to attend the first two years at a junior college and later transfer. How much of a savings is it?

Tuition Costs

The average tuition rate at a junior college is $2,361 for 30 credit hours. At a public university, tuition averages nearly $7,500. Students can attend two years at a junior college for less money than one year at a state university. Couples that have children at an older age don't want to go into debt 5-7 years prior to retirement and choose junior colleges as a way to keep debt down.

Class Closeouts

Traditionally, large universities have problems with classes filling up leaving students on a waiting list. Now, junior colleges are beginning to have the same problem. With record numbers of students on campus and tight budgets, junior colleges have waiting lists for students to enter certain programs.

Technical jobs are hot and the place to get training is also at junior colleges. And, Baby Boomers are sending their youngest off to colleges in record numbers. This adds to the congestion. But, these big numbers are not expected to last so colleges don't want to build and hire only to fire.