It’s no secret that college-level education yields many benefits. Earning a diploma—whether it’s an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree—provides you with highly focused training. It paves the way to steady employment while also empowering you to meet new challenges and explore your intellectual curiosities. But with so many academic avenues to choose from, deciding where to earn your degree, receive career training and invest in your future can be overwhelming.
Often, the best place to begin your educational journey is at a community college—known for their accessibility, quality, and affordability. Keep reading to discover why attending a community college may be the right choice for you and your career.
Studying at a community college can save you thousands of dollars in the overall cost of attendance (COA). This is mainly because community college tuition rates and fees are significantly lower than those of four-year universities. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average public university’s credit per-credit-hour rate is $406 compared to $150 at a community college. These figures are based on first-year students enrolled full-time at an in-state institution.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average total COA for full-time students living on campus at a four-year school was $36,436 in 2021-2022. Meanwhile, full-time students attending a two-year institution and residing on campus paid an average of $16,782—approximately $20,000 less. Northampton Community College (NCC), for example, can save you up to $40,000 per year compared to attending a four-year university.
Numerous factors can affect how much you pay for college, including the number of credits you take, the financial aid you receive and where you decide to live. But whether you want to earn your associate degree or tackle a bachelor’s program, enrolling at a community college helps kick-start your education while keeping the costs low.
If you are looking for an alternative path to earning your bachelor’s degree from a four-year university, you can begin taking courses at a local community college, where it’s common for students to take their general education classes or prerequisites. Many universities have transfer agreements with community colleges that make it easier to transfer from one institution to another. This helps maximize the number of transferable credits and their accuracy, saving you time and money.
NCC, for instance, has over 100 signed transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities nationwide. This network helps simplify the transfer process, so you and other students can focus on your education.
There are many avenues to earning your degree, and many community colleges work hard to craft numerous paths to serve students’ diverse needs. One primary way they do so is by providing flexible course schedules and formats.
Community colleges typically offer a generous mix of in-person, online and hybrid formats. Plus, they often schedule classes during the evenings. Whether you’re a working professional trying to level up your credentials or can’t come to campus, these options allow you to pursue your academic goals while maintaining a steady work schedule and fulfilling your other personal commitments
While your education is not a race, sometimes you want to accelerate the process to break into your career field. Community colleges are worth it because an associate’s degree program lets you earn your diploma in two years rather than four. From becoming a dental hygienist to working as an HVAC technician, deciding upon a two-year degree track can lead you to a successful career path and expedite the process.
Many community colleges, including NCC, also offer dual enrollment programs, so if you are an ambitious high school student, you can earn college credits and accelerate getting your degree. While the specific requirements vary from program to program, dual enrollment can serve as a helpful launching pad for your college education.
When deciding whether to enroll at a local community college, you may have questions about the kind of education you will receive. However, community colleges take great care to create strong programs, immersive learning opportunities and essential student resources to support your academic success.
Community colleges continue to raise the standard of education by employing expert faculty members. These instructors typically hold a master’s degree, but many have earned a doctorate in their chosen field. Engaging with instructors who have a wealth of industry experience and theoretical knowledge helps gain real-world insights that spur your intellectual and professional growth.
Along with hiring exceptional faculty, community colleges receive regional accreditation from organizations like the Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation guarantees that the school’s programs and training meet a satisfactory standard and boosts confidence in the relevance and quality of education.
Unlike traditional four-year universities, community colleges deliver more career-focused training in various skilled trade disciplines. Choose from programs ranging from automotive technician to early welding to construction management. Many career training programs incorporate general education requirements. This expands your foundational knowledge in communication, math, science or additional electives while advancing your technical proficiency. These specialized diplomas or associate degree programs help you gain industry-specific skills so you can focus on furthering your career and building your future.
One of the final benefits of attending a community college is that it allows you to remain local and maintain close ties with your community. If you plan to live on campus at a university but need a few years to acclimate to life as a college student, studying at your local community college may be the right choice. This can help you adjust to the pace of college-level coursework and gain essential time management skills. You can even work as you attend school, so you can continue your money-saving efforts.
Additionally, staying local lets you maintain professional networks, stay connected to your family and friends, and contribute to your community's growth.
With flexible course schedules, low tuition rates and quality instruction, community colleges make education accessible to everyone. They provide essential career training for those who want to pursue a skilled trade and help undecided students explore their interests while making academic progress. And, importantly, community colleges empower working adults with the opportunity to earn their degrees as they continue to support themselves and their families.
If you want to advance your education and increase your career prospects at a fraction of the cost of a traditional university, then attending a community college may be the right choice for you.
Since 1967, Northampton Community College (NCC) has delivered high-quality and affordable education. We take pride in our long history of excellence, innovation and integrity, and we pass these values along to our students and communities.
Our two campuses in Bethlehem and one in the Poconos serve thousands of students through a variety of services and resources, personalized faculty mentorship and a top-tier education. Choose from 120+ affordable degree and certificate programs that diversify your skill set and provide real-world training that helps you chart a new career path.
Be a part of the 96% of NCC graduates who work in their field or tackle more advanced professional opportunities. Join our community of ambitious scholars and working professionals by applying to Northampton Community College today.
Want to learn more about us? Discover why NCC is the school for you!
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
610.861.5300
