How to Choose A Community College There are many reasons for continuing ones education; passion or natural talent at something, advancement in employment, wanting a lifestyle change, or more income. Whatever the reason it is vital in choosing the right college that offers the most advantageous curriculum and best bang for your buck! Choosing a community college can be difficult and stressful. Community colleges can be a great way to begin your educational career and often lead to more opportunities such as bachelor and master degree programs. Attending a community college is a great option for students with family responsibilities and jobs. They can also be a great value. There are many things that you want to consider when selecting a community college. It is important for prospective students to consider all aspects of each community college before choosing the best one for their needs. Things to consider include location, costs, majors and scheduling. Community colleges cost less than most four-year colleges. Students can save thousands of dollars by attending community college, so it's a great way for students who might otherwise not be able to attend college to receive higher education. The cost and level of financial assistance available are important March 2011 factors to consider when selecting a community college. Local citizens or civic groups often offer scholarships that encourage students to attend local colleges. There are also state and federal loans and grants that can help lower the costs of education. It is important to consider the location of the community colleges that you may attend. Small cities may only have one community college, while larger cities may have multiple community colleges to choose from. Often, students hope to live at home while attending a community college that is only a few miles from their home. If a community college does not have the program or major that you are interested in, you may be forced to attend a different school. Most community colleges offer a wide variety of majors in order to satisfy the needs of many students. They also typically offer a core package of credits that can be transferred to a four-year university quite easily. You can find a college with quality education as well as experiences such as internships. An associate's degree can allow a student to become educated in a shorter amount of time than students who choose to enroll in bachelor's degree programs. Also, if multiple community colleges offer the major of your interest, it can be beneficial to compare employment statistics of each school. It is important to also consider class scheduling. Community colleges allown on-traditional students to get an education. This is a great way for students who are already employed to get the education they need to make a career change. www.havredailynews.com 34