college 101
community college
5 REASONS TO CONSIDER
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Community colleges are increasingly becoming a primary option
for many high school graduates and adult learners ready to return
to school. Regardless of what career field you are interested in,
here are the top reasons you should consider exploring the
community college option.
FLEXIBILITY: For students whose lifestyles include working while in
college, community college schedules often are more flexible than a fouryear institution. They are familiar with catering to students of all ages and
backgrounds. Evening, weekend and online options give students flexibility
to take a full load or a few classes.
ACADEMIC QUALITY: Community colleges strive to offer quality
education by focusing on new technology that improves the student’s
experience. Students also can explore new and traditional majors from a
different, hands-on perspective.
TRANSFERABILITY: Community colleges make it easy to transfer to a
four-year college. The STARS (Statewide Transfer Articulation and Reporting
System) program helps students in Alabama make a smooth transition to
a four-year college, and seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree. For more
information, go to stars.troy.edu, or talk to an academic advisor.
DID YOU KNOW?
If your community college is not
SACSCOC certified, your credits
will not transfer.
Could I Earn More with a Degree
from a Community College?
According to Payscale.com, the average
salary range for recent graduates:
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Montgomery $29,000-$89,000
Birmingham $31,000- $91,000
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
Montgomery $29,000-$82,000
Birmingham $29,000- $80,000
DID YOU KNOW? Many universities offer special
scholarships to transferring community college students.
SMALLER CLASS SIZES: Smaller classes support individual learning
and increase the supportive environment to ensure that students succeed.
DID YOU KNOW?
2013 Average Tuition Costs
$20,000
$16,649
$16,000
DID YOU KNOW? You can only earn an associate
degree through a community college.
AFFORDABILITY: Community college tuition is four times less than the
average private college, so students can easily finance their education with
significantly less debt. Scholarships are based on High School GPA (not ACT
score). Many students save money on room and board by living at home.
$12,000
$8,000
$6,101
$3,422
$4,000
Private
4-year
Public
4-year
Public
2-year
DID YOU KNOW? Trenholm State, the only community college in the River Region, is transitioning
from a technical college to a comprehensive community college while maintaining all existing technical
education programs. This will facilitate the development of university-transfer courses that can lead to
an Associate’s degree in arts or science. Trenholm provides a low-cost option to complete two-years of
study and transfer to a university.
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