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By on January 2, 2018 in Colleges
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Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

Are you a senior in high school trying to find out more about which college to attend? In the guide below, we’ll examine how to find the right one for you. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start exploring your future!

1. What Does it Mean to You?

In other words, what are you hoping to get out of college? Now is the time to discover what you want to do with your life over the next four years and choose what kind of goals you want to accomplish by senior year. Feel free to talk to your parents, friends, or school counselor to figure out these goals. Just make sure you actually get something out of your college years – don’t just go along for the ride.

2. Where Do You Want to Go?

No, we’re not asking what college you want to go to, but instead, where in the world do you want your college to be located? For example, do you want to attend a university in your hometown, in another state, or in another country? Trust us when we say the opportunities are endless, no matter where you go.

3. Identify Your Priorities

Before deciding on a college to attend, make a complete list of pros and cons. For example, the distance from the school to your house or apartment and how you’ll get there, the size of the school, programs the school has, etc. Identify your priorities and determine which colleges you want to check out from there.

4. Review the School’s Departments

Instead of checking overall college rankings, review every department of the college before applying. For example, a college may have a great math department, but a lacking history department. If you’re getting a history-based degree, this could be a huge problem. So, always do research into a college’s departments before considering applying.

5. Visit the Schools

When deciding which school to go with, visiting the college or university is important. Fortunately, most schools offer tours during the fall and spring semesters led by either school counselors or current students. During the tour, you’ll get a better feel for the campus and an inside look at the programs the college offers. Don’t be afraid to ask your guide any questions you have – this is one of the best times to do so.

6. Check Out the Dorms

If you plan to live on campus, one of the most important things to consider to determine whether or not you want to attend are the dorms. Since you’ll be living in these areas of your college for four years, it’s crucial that you enjoy them. If you don’t, we suggest looking for places to rent outside your college campus or move on to another college.

7. Don’t Stick it to a School’s Reputation

Simply because a college is ranked higher doesn’t mean it’s the right college for you. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to consider more than a school’s reputation. Different colleges offer different things, such as advanced programs or smaller one-on-one classes.

8. Compare Aid Options

Although most schools don’t release complete financial aid offers, students can discover what financial options they have through free online tools. When you input your tuition and the amount of aid you have, it can show you what monthly repayments will look like post-graduation. You can also compare colleges with high sticker prices and discover that they’re often a lot more expensive than cheaper colleges. Nevertheless, having these options open to you can help you better decide which college to apply to.

9. Narrow Down Your Options

Now that you’ve completed the steps above, you can finally decide which colleges you should apply to. It can be a hard process, but it will be worth it. Although this is notably the most challenging process, it will feel great once you get your acceptance letter. Remember to ask your parent or legal guardian to review your application before submitting, so you can double check for any errors before sending it to the college or university. First impressions mean a lot!

10. Don’t Procrastinate but Don’t Rush Either

Take the time you need to ensure that you are making the right choice. Don’t put off the decision because you are afraid you will make the wrong choice. Do your research, ask for help, and really put in the effort to find the best college for you.

Although choosing the right college to attend can be an incredibly tough process, everyone has to do it at some point or another. Hopefully, with the help of our guide, we could make the process a little easier and help you find the right school for you. Good luck and happy searching!

This article was contributed by guest author Hayden Sewart.

By on September 7, 2017 in Colleges, Universities

Image by Olichel, pixabay.com

You already know that getting a college degree is a great way to get started on obtaining a higher paying career in a field you love, but the world of college degrees can be slightly confusing. How do you know which type of degree is right for you?

Here, we’ll look at the three main types of college degrees — Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s — along with the pros and cons of each type, so you can make a more informed decision about your college education.

Associate’s Degree

Associate’s degrees are two-year college degree programs that prepare you for working in a certain field or industry. Most Associate’s degrees prepare students for entry-level jobs, and they are offered in several different areas. Examples of careers you can prepare for with an Associate’s degree include administrative assistant, graphic designer, paralegal, information technology manager, and network engineer.

The pros: Associate’s degrees are cheaper to get than Bachelor’s or Master’s, both because they involve the fewest semesters and are usually offered at community colleges, which cost less than four-year universities. With an Associate’s degree, you can graduate and start your career (and begin making money) earlier, or you can use the less expensive community college degree to transfer credits to a four-year school and go on to obtain a Bachelor’s.

The cons: You may earn less in a career when you have an Associate’s degree, and depending on your field, you may be competing for jobs with people who have Bachelor’s degrees. You may also have problems getting a supervisory or management position.

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s degrees are four-year college degrees with a wide range of degree programs for just about every industry, field, or profession. Common careers that require a Bachelor’s degree include engineering, production management, financial analytics, industrial design, and network security.

The pros: No matter what type of job you’re interested in, chances are there is a Bachelor’s degree program for that type of job. In fact, some fields specifically require at least a Bachelor’s degree, such as law, medicine, and teaching. With a Bachelor’s, you will have increased job opportunities and increased earning potential, as well as more specialized knowledge and skills.

The cons: Bachelor’s degree programs can be expensive and require a greater investment of your time and focus, taking four years to obtain. There are also additional costs you’ll incur, such as room and board, rent, and transportation.

Master’s Degree

Master’s degrees are programs with Bachelor’s degrees as a prerequisite for entering. A Master’s program may last from one to four years, in addition to the four years required for a Bachelor’s. They are highly specialized and usually build on a prior educational foundation — for example, advanced practitioner jobs require graduate-level education.

The pros: Because they are highly specialized, Master’s degrees prepare you for advanced practitioner jobs that are not available to people with lower degree levels. You’ll also have vastly increased earning potential with your additional education.

The cons: Obtaining a Master’s degree is a very high investment in cost, time, and effort. The programs are typically very challenging as well as expensive, and require five years or more to fully complete.

There is no one-size-fits-all education. Depending on the type of job you want and the income range you’d like to achieve, one of these types of degrees will help you achieve your dreams.

This article was contributed by guest author Shae Holland.

By on August 11, 2017 in Academic Life, Colleges, Universities

Commuting to college can be a quick, cheap, and easy experience, or a relatively pricey and time-consuming challenge. Where you live and what your living conditions are can have a big impact on the costs associated with travel to and from school each day. Here are some tips on how you can save money while safely travelling to campus.

Consider Your Public Transportation Options
Your travel options depend heavily on the area you live in. If you live in a city, you likely have more types of public transportation available than you would in a rural location. If you have a bus stop near you, riding the bus can be a reliable and easy way to save money. Similarly, in some areas you can ride the train. Using a train to get to college can be useful for longer commutes and for avoiding the heavy traffic often typical on freeways in large cities.

Use of these options comes with the added benefit of saving you money on parking fees at school, and avoiding the hassle of hunting down a parking spot every day. You also eliminate the risk of getting into a car accident and potentially needing to hire an attorney.

Is Carpooling an Option for You?
Sharing a ride and dividing the cost of gas can be a great way to save money when you live in a dormitory with other students, or have students in your neighborhood looking to carpool with someone. Even if you live at home, you might be able to ride to school with a family member or friend who commutes to work near your college.

Walking or Riding a Bike
If you’re one of those people lucky enough to live near your campus, you can save a lot of money and get some exercise by walking or riding a bike to school. A dormitory located very close to school creates the ideal situation to walk.

If you have a bit more distance to cover to reach campus, but still not far enough for a drive, riding a bike is the cheapest and most efficient way to commute. Not only do you save money on gas and parking, you get exercise that can help wake you up for those early classes and you’ll be traveling in an environmentally friendly way. Be sure you have a bike lock and a place to lock up your bike as well.

As a college student, you likely have a limited budget and need to make the best of the funds you have available. Before you start school, make sure to consider your living situation and plan ahead to meet the costs associated with frequent travel to school. Knowing and investigating your travel options early can help keep your mind off the commute and focused on your classes.

This article was contributed by Eileen O’Shanassy.

By on August 7, 2017 in Colleges, Universities

Image by Priscilla du Preez, unsplash.com

Choosing the right college is already a daunting task for any high school graduate, but it can be especially difficult for those with a disability. Beyond location and financial considerations, disabled students need to find a school with adequate resources to meet their needs.

Many colleges offer special accommodations for students with mobility impairments and learning disabilities. Legislation introduced over the past several decades has helped to further the cause of disabled students, giving them the same rights as their peers and leveling the academic playing field. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, an institution receiving federal funding cannot limit the number of students with disabilities admitted and cannot restrict students because of their limitations.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 also ensured that disabled adults had the right to an education. Title II of the act prohibits discrimination by public colleges and requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled students, while Title III prohibits discrimination by private universities. Though legislation is in place to protect disabled students, every school has its own unique interpretation when it comes to reasonable accommodations, and it’s important to learn all you can about a prospective school’s policies before making a final decision.

Learn About Services Offered

Every school offers different services and facilities for its students, including the disabled population. Depending on the school, reasonable accommodation for a disabled student can include a number of things, such as:

  • Ramps, curbs, and lifts to access buildings
  • Learning assistance programs, including interpreters, readers, note-takers, and more
  • Additional time to complete coursework
  • Alternative course requirements
  • Modified tests and assignments

You can find out more about what services a school offers by speaking with the institution’s disability office or department. A representative should be able to tell you if the school can provide accommodations that suit your disability.

Visit the Campus

After doing your research, visiting prospective colleges is one of the best ways to get a feel for the place. Not only can you see if the lifestyle suits your preferences, but you can also check out the disabled accessibility options of buildings on campus as well as other facilities in person. During a visit, you can consider important questions such as:

  • Are there elevators in multiple-story buildings?
  • Does the library have accessible aisles and shelving?
  • Are residence halls close to classes?
  • Are there ramps and cut curbs along the sidewalks?
  • Is there enough handicapped parking?

Taking a trip to colleges that interest you also gives you the chance to speak with students living and working on campus. You can chat with others who have similar disabilities to get an inside perspective on the services and accommodations that a university offers.

This article was contributed by guest author Sally Writes.

By on June 9, 2017 in Colleges

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Many people are trying to make important decisions regarding which degree path they’ll select as well as which school is ideal for them. If this is the case for you, it’s important to note that there are numerous strategies you can implement to ensure that you select the ideal college. Below you’ll find four things that you should carefully consider as you start thinking about which college to attend:

Salary
One of the first things you should consider is how much money you can expect to attain within the field. Even if money is not your primary concern and you’re willing to attain a low-paying job in order to pursue your passion, you’ll still want a general idea of how much you’ll be living on. You can use a resource such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the annual salary for almost any career field.

Technology
In addition to taking salary into consideration, be sure to contemplate the value of enrolling in a school like the Interactive College of Technology or a similar school that is devoted to technology. This can be a prudent course of action for individuals looking for vocational stability. Given that we live in an increasingly tech-based world, working within a field that is predicated on developing or optimizing some form of technology can increase the likelihood that you will attain and retain a job. For example, individuals who opt to obtain a degree in order to become a computer network architect should note that job growth in this sector is faster than the national average.

Career Testing
If you’re serious about ensuring that you find a major that will be conducive to personal fulfillment and professional success, be sure to consider the value of taking a career test. These tests are important because they can help you attain a clear understanding of your unique skill set and personality. Career tests can also help you understand the type of training, education, experiences and tasks that will be involved in a specific industry. Once you attain this information, you may attain a better understanding of which types of jobs you’re most likely to experience self-actualization within.

Faculty
Another thing you should consider when you’re trying to decide where to study is the faculty of the learning institution in question. Ideally, you want to select a school with a highly trained, qualified team of instructors who maintain a student-centered approach to the learning process. This type of team is more likely to be genuinely concerned about your progress and ensuring that you are attaining the knowledge and skills necessary to help you excel in your field of choice.

Don’t Delay: Select The Perfect School Today!
If you’re determined to make your college experience profoundly positive and productive, now is the time to start thinking critically about what you’ll major in and where you’ll study. You can use the information found in this quick reference guide to ensure that you locate the ideal school for you!

This article was contributed by guest author Amelia Dermott.

By on May 10, 2017 in Colleges

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When the majority of the work force is college educated, it makes it nearly impossible to get a decent paying job without a degree. Traditional college is not for everyone – for a wide variety of reasons. Some people are single parents or caring for an aging parent, and some people just don’t do well in a traditional classroom environment. Today, there are a wide range of options for people that need non-traditional options. Here are five things you can do when traditional college is not for you.

1. Online Degrees

Perhaps one of the best options for people who aren’t interested in the traditional college experience is to pursue a degree online. This allows them to do coursework from anywhere and they can fit their classes in around their schedule rather than the other way around.

2. Technical Schools

Some people are good with their hands and would prefer going to a technical or trade school, rather than a traditional college or university. With an increased demand for people in technical fields, schools like the Interactive College of Technology are rising in popularity. Many students prefer colleges and degrees of this type because most, if not all, of the course work focuses specifically on their area of interest rather than forcing students to take a wide range of classes like most major colleges and universities.

3. Foreign colleges and universities

Many students that chafe under the restrictions and teaching methodologies in the US thrive in a different learning environment. Just as most everything else changes from culture to culture, so do opinions on how to best educate young people. When considering college options, don’t just limit yourself to the US.

4. Community College

Community college is a great way to get started earning a Bachelor’s degree, or even just get certified in a certain field. Community colleges tend to be closer to where you live, which means you don’t have to live on or commute to a huge campus. They also tend to be much more economical, with a wider range of financial aid available.

5. Military

In many cases, having military experience can take you just as far, if not farther than having a degree. In many cases, what employers are looking for is not specific training in their field, but rather a good track record of being able to stick with something and follow through.

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of timing. Many young people graduate from high school without any real idea of what they want to do, which makes spending upwards of $50,000 on a college degree somewhat useless. Not to mention they may keep changing majors so many times it just adds extra years and extra zeroes to the price tag. Regardless of the reasons that traditional college may not be right for you, there are a wide range of other options.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on March 22, 2017 in Colleges, Programs

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It used to be that an online education had a stigma attached to it, as if it wasn’t a valid way to receive a top notch education. Fortunately, that stigma was met head on and disproven by world renowned educational institutions, such as the Berklee College of Music and Boston University, as well as many other colleges and universities that recognize that a quality education should be made available to those who prefer (or need) to learn online.

With online education opportunities, it is now possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from a top tier college or university, no matter where it is in the world, without ever having to step foot on campus.

What is Online Music Education?

Online music education combines advancements in technology with the traditional structure of a bricks and mortar music education. By offering complete music degree programs online, colleges and universities have made it possible for those who are performing musicians, private tutors, or otherwise engaged with work or family, to advance their careers with minimal interference.

The options for focus areas within the study of music are abundant and it’s possible to get a degree in any branch of music that is available at a traditional university. Some of these include:

● K-12 Music education
● Music performance
● Music industry such as marketing and promotions
● Mixing and engineering
● Music production, including for television and film
● Music psychology and music therapy
● Many more

The Benefits of Pursuing an Online Music Degree

You can save time. The most obvious benefit of pursuing a music education degree online is the convenience and flexibility of being able to learn from home, where students can literally earn a degree while wearing their pajamas. That’s a bit simplistic, but the convenience of not being tied to specific class times or having to navigate through the logistics of getting to campus is a huge draw for many people who choose to study online.

With online music courses, students log on when they’re able, and complete work at their own pace (though there are deadlines, just as with traditional education settings). Additionally, all class resources are easily accessible online whenever the student needs them.

You can (and will) devote more time to devote to learning. With many online courses and programs there is actually an increase in terms of the accountability one is held to in order to earn grades.

In traditional classes, a large percent of the course grade is weighted on class participation. What this often translates to is that as long as you are in your seat, you will get these points regardless of how much you actually engaged with the subject matter.

With online courses it is not possible to simply give points based on participation or attendance for obvious reasons. Instead, mandatory participation in chat rooms and forums is common. The end result is that more time is spent engaging in course material and increased mastery of the course content.

While this may sound more time consuming, the time saved commuting to and from campus sets this off ultimately increasing the overall time that is devoted to learning.

You can save money. Students can save money on transportation, not having to live on or near the university and pay the typically inflated housing costs associated with campus living and given the nature of the programs, textbooks and materials are often offered in digital format, thus reducing the insane costs of textbooks.

You are not limited by geography when selecting a program. Another advantage of choosing to attend school online is that the student can enroll in whatever school he or she wishes, because they’re not limited by location. For those seeking a quality music education, that’s a big perk, considering the best schools aren’t always nearby. In tandem with this benefit is the reduced cost associated with online education at a major university or college. Because the student isn’t paying for housing or travel, seeking an online education is infinitely more cost-effective, and earning a degree from a previously cost-prohibitive and distant university is now a legitimate possibility.

With online education it’s also easier to get into a quality school. There’s room for more students and less competition for spots, which is especially important for those seeking entry into an historically competitive university or college. With the logistics of a bricks and mortar school, there are only so many seats available per class. Online education, however, is only limited to the number of people a professor can handle.

Increased chance of getting an online career. For many, the notion of working from home or remotely is a necessity or a personal desire. Getting an online degree will better prepare you for this opportunity as you will become accustomed to the various technologies needed to be successful in an online work and collaboration environment. Many positions in the music industry, such as engineering or giving private lessons online are seeing major growth.

The Disadvantages of an Online Music Education

While there are very few disadvantages to pursuing an online music education, they do exist. For example, anyone who wants to take online music education courses must be self-motivated because it’s easy to procrastinate when the professor isn’t there to lead the way. In addition, online courses require good time management skills because there’s no set time or place to be in class. It’s up to the student to organize his or her schedule around making time for the courses. In short, online music education requires the student to be responsible for his or her own education. For those who can’t meet that criteria, online classes may not be the best choice.

The education received by online students is the same as the education received by those who attend school in person. The courses are taught by the same instructors using the same curriculum, and the degree earned is no different. For busy self-starters who are truly passionate about music and motivated to earn a degree, an online music education is a viable option.

This article was contributed by guest author Music Education Partners.

By on March 8, 2017 in Colleges

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In order for any educational institution to prosper and thrive, it must maintain a curriculum which is updated and well researched. Well-educated and learned faculty plays an important role in withholding the level of education provided in the school or college. But these aren’t the only aspects of a successful college; students must be willing to work hard, learn and strive for greatness, and only then will they perform well during their educational years. Upholding its standard of education, America has been a hub for many students around the globe for its intuitions that are at par with many others. This wealth of knowledge and esteemed faculty of teachers have always assisted locals in choosing a college in their own country. This is also the reason why international students have been coming here to study various majors for a long time.

The recent political climate has been tough on a lot of students who have come from other countries to study here. The fear that international students may have with regard to their identity can be overwhelming. However, these people are here because they worked hard for it and deserve to be in this college. To feed into their fears, dropping out due to an insecure atmosphere would be unjust to them and to the institution of education as a whole. Every person deserves knowledge and good education to help them become a contributing member of the country. Here is why every college needs to be more accepting of students from all backgrounds:

More Understanding:
The more you know someone, the easier it is to become close to them, and the less likely you are to be biased towards those people. The only way to be more understanding of others is to talk to them and find out about their culture through interaction and bonding. This helps both native and foreign students become comfortable, confident and knowledgeable when faced with other foreigners later on in life. When we learn customs from different areas, we have an upper hand over people who haven’t met any foreign students. The knowledge of such traditions can lead to better communication with foreign clients of the same region in your future professional life. Teachers teaching diverse students may at first encounter hindrances when it comes to catering to different mindsets, but even that can further enhance the teaching faculty’s communication skills.

Difference of Opinions:
When people from different backgrounds are sharing the same platform, there is bound to be a difference of opinion. Students and teachers can learn from it and debate about it. This variation in opinion can lead to creativity and healthy competition in assignments, presentations, and exams. It leads students to learn about other cultures and their problem solving tactics and way of studying. This also concludes to better research on subjects and reaching a more concrete conclusion.

Unity:
Whether the student is of a Hispanic or Latin origin, a member of LGTBQ community, or is an exchange student from a European or Asian country, diversity promotes unity. Not only does an environment with students holding various nationalities endorse your institution as more tolerable, it also encourages harmony among students. They will be more united and can become more accepting of other people. When these young individuals go into society they may have the capacity to be more welcoming and friendly in a work environment, or on a national level.

Skills:
There is no question that the more the people there are, the more influence they will have on each other. Teachers and students can work together to form clubs and societies that help other students polish their skills. The literature club can have more diverse literary knowledge, the arts club can explore other forms of arts and the music society may be able to work with instruments different from what they are used to, through foreign exchange students or international students.

Admitting diverse students can only benefit educational institutes wishing to produce quality education and giving their students more experience in the world outside the campus. There is no progress without people accepting each other for who they are. When they are nurtured from an adolescent age and taught among different people, they can grow to become more trusting and accepting of people who are different. It is how the world must work in order to have a peaceful future and to protect mankind from harming one another.

This article was contributed by guest author Rachael Everly.

By on February 23, 2017 in Colleges

Image by Tulane Public Relations, flickr.com

Pursuing higher education is one of the most important decisions you will make for your future. It’s becoming more difficult for high school graduates to find rewarding careers. Postsecondary education can qualify you for more jobs and help you earn a higher salary. Discover these simple tips to learn how you can find the right college to achieve your career goals.

Determine Academic Goals and Needs
Students should choose a college that meets their academic goals and needs. It’s important to ensure that an institution offers a program that can train you for your desired career. If students plan on changing colleges in the future, it’s imperative to make sure those college credits can transfer. A traditional college might not be the right choice for working professionals. Many colleges offer online degrees for programs such as radiology technology. You can learn more here.

Academic Advising
One of the best ways to find the right college is to speak with an academic advisor. These advisors can provide you with information about colleges in your area as well as top-ranked institutions across the country. It’s important for students to inquire about admission requirements such as grade point averages and test scores to ensure they are eligible for the program. Academic advisors can also help you determine the financial cost of attending a specific institution.

Research College Rankings
Whether you are pursuing a general business diploma or a prestigious law degree, it’s important to choose a college with a challenging curriculum. Popular magazines such as U.S. News and Forbes provide a list of top-ranked schools in the country. This is an excellent way to find colleges that could help you meet your academic goals. Students can also purchase a variety of books about top-ranked colleges, which includes admission and tuition information.

Verify College Accreditations
It’s imperative to verify the accreditation of a college before enrolling in a program. An institution can have a regional, national, or specialized accreditation. Students can verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation of a school can vary depending on the type of programs they offer as well as the quality of the curriculum. Some employers will not recognize institutions that are not properly accredited, which is why it’s important to be selective about the college you attend.

It’s important to find the right college to prepare for the career of your dreams. Colleges should meet your academic goals and be properly accredited. Students can learn about programs by researching college accreditations and rankings.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on November 7, 2016 in Colleges
Image by Atomic Taco, Flickr

Image by Atomic Taco, Flickr

Would you like to have a wonderful career in an industry you love? Are you a high school graduate, but can’t make up your mind on furthering your education or jumping straight into the workforce? If you’re fresh out of high school or someone who wants to pursue a career in a certain field, higher learning facilities are some of the best routes to take.

One of the biggest dilemmas a person can have is whether to attend university or community college. Both institutions provide great academic courses, training, activities, and athletics, but one tends to be more expensive in total costs than the other – and the decision varies from person to person.

Here are 10 popular reasons you may choose a community college over university.

1. School/Home Balance
Community college offers you a bit more freedom, and allows students to take one or two classes at a time – roughly 60% of students attend on a part-time basis. This offers you plenty of free time to travel back and forth from home, and commuting can save you thousands since you don’t have to live in a dorm.

2. Tuition
It’s no secret that university is expensive. A community college allows you to pay lower costs for shorter 2-year terms and credit hours can be up to 80 percent less than those of a university. The great thing is that these classes will be the same curriculum you would take at university, but for a fraction of the cost.

3. Smaller Size:
Many students are intimidated by a large campus full of people, buildings and miles of sidewalks. The nice thing about community college is that most are comprised of a few buildings and the size isn’t anywhere near that of a larger university.

4. Not Ready
Many students just aren’t ready for university and most have to take pre-requisite classes in order to receive their degree. As mentioned above, you can take these classes at your community college instead of the university, allowing you to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

5. Supportive Services
A community college has great support if you have children, if you’re disabled or don’t have the financial means to attend college. Financial aid, grants, child services, and labs help take the pressure off by paying a portion of your tuition.

6. Open Access
Unlike universities, a community college is more flexible with eligibility requirements. All you need is to be 18 years old and have a (GED) or diploma for acceptance.

7. Class Size
Students are able to interact easier with an instructor since the average class size is around 25 students. Compare that to a university that often sees more than 150 students in one classroom.

8. More Choices
Though a community college is smaller than a university, these schools have a wide range of certificate, diploma, and tradesman courses that can deliver high paying jobs after completion.

9. Option to Transfer
After your first two years of community college, students who want to further their education can easily transfer to a four-year school without jumping through hoops or taking unnecessary classes. In fact, most universities work with the local community college.

10. Faster Employment
A four-year degree is great for the future; however, many people are looking to get in and get out. 2-year programs and certifications allow you to get the training faster for jobs that are available today.

This article was contributed by guest author Stephanie Lynch.