Community Colleges?

Question

I was wondering what the opinion of Community Colleges is, as far as the quality of education. Some consider it to be a low level of education while others highly support it. Is a CC education of good quality?

Answer 1

There is a broad range of quality among community colleges, so it depends where you live. Of course, none are at the level of elite universities, but some are really quite good at what they do.

Answer 2

Why not try enrolling at Islamic School? So you will know why community college is tolerant of all religions. Though the word Catholic means Universal as taken from the Greek word Katolos, it does not really practice what the title stands for. They are definitely a single dogmatic religious organization formed to discredit even other religions that believe in their common Christ. Like Hamburger Chains, Mcdonald will never sell King Burgers product nor Carl's Junior even if they are the same beef or turkey. You are in college now so you must think like a college student.

Answer 3

The quality of your education rests largely upon you, and less on the quality of the school and the instructors. The proof can be found among graduates from the best schools who don't always succeed...and among graduates from small lesser known schools who have succeeded....and among the notable ones who dropped out of school and succeeded (Buckminster Fuller and Bill Gates).

A major difference between faculty at community colleges (CC) and 4-year colleges / universities is not so much the degree (min is an MA for CC, though many hold PhDs; min for 4-year schools is a PhD)....but rather in the required work. CC faculty are largely focused on teaching. Faculty at 4-years schools are often divided between teaching and research. It is the research that pulls in money and fame for the school (in addition to the athletics programs)...so faculty at 4-year schools are less inclined to teach courses than they are to strive to bring more research grants (which also boosts their pay).

One way to assess a CC is to know how many students transfer to a 4-year school, what 4-year schools do they transfer to...and how those 4-year schools perceive the quality of the students transferring from that CC. Be careful to research the data and the sources. For example, some CCs report high numbers / percentages of students transferring...but be sure you know exactly how they define "transfer" because they have a vested interest to show impressive statistics. Just keep reminding yourself about Enron's bookkeeping techniques and some basic statistics to keep you on track.

When transferring from a CC, remember, all the 4-year schools are looking for "outstanding students." So again, you have to figure out their specific definition of "outstanding". For my experience sitting on admissions / scholarship evaluation committees, grades can be misleading. For me, an outstanding person is well-rounded / balanced in academics (theory and book learning), practice (practical application of theory and book learning), demonstrated strong ethics and integrity, and demonstrates social responsibility (community service).

Coming from a CC or straight from High School was not a concern. No more than ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, marital status and age should be a concern. Potential to successfully complete the program and being a decent human being should be the prime concern as these graduates are a good reflection on the college.

Answer 4

It really depends on what you are planning on doing.

If you have no idea what you want to do after college, then a community college is superb place to begin taking classes and decide whether or not you want to continue your education. It is best not to waste all the money fees and tuition of a major university if it is not necessary.

If you want a major specialized degree, or something other than an associates, you may want to look into something more prestigious.

If you just want to do service or repair types of jobs (i.e., learn a trade), then check out some trade schools, or vocational schools.

There is a world of opportunity out there, you just have to find what it is right for you!

Answer 5

Consider it a good place to start. Low prices and transferable credits will get you a taste of college life while allowing you more time outside of school.
You can finish, associate's in hand, if you find a career that sticks, or use the time to find a four-year school.
Times are changing, and it is not really something that is frowned upon as low-level anymore (although it is generally pretty easy compared to universities.)

Answer 6

Many community colleges go to great pains to hire teachers part time who actually work in the field they are teaching. Your accounting teacher may actually be a CPA.
Many 4 year colleges go to great pains to hire people with a PhD.
Nothing against them, but some who go strait through could be a PhD and never have worked a day in a paying job for that field, ever.
My sister went to both and she said the Community College classes were harder!!

Answer 7

I support Community Colleges. They have regular professors and just about everything a university has, except dorms. My sister goes to a community college and she loves it. I think it is good place for an education.

Answer 8

I loved community college much better than state. The instructors really loved their jobs, smaller classrooms, smaller campus, you feel less like a number. State college had way too many "kids". The campus was MASSIVE. They made the commuters walk sometimes in the snow about 1/2 mile to get to where you needed to go. Less flexible schedule, much more expensive. Not worth the hassle.

Answer 9

It's good prep for transferring into a 4-yr university, IMO much better than the basic high school level (AP classes excluded). It is not to be taken as a substitution for higher end institutions, however.

Answer 10

doesn't matter and it's cheaper. talk to a counselor.