By Dominique Lamp, staff writer
The quality of education is “cheap” at community colleges. No one who goes to a community college will be successful.
Those are just two of the myths about community colleges that are not true.
Sometimes, community colleges get a bad reputation when compared to larger schools. Or as an educational provider in general.
The truth is, many of the rumors you hear about community college are based on assumptions. They are not true.
Here are a few of the most common myths about community colleges:
1. Students go to community college because they weren’t accepted to a four-year university.
Although this may be true, most students choose to attend a community college for a number of reasons. For example, the price difference between, the location or having to adjust to the college atmosphere.
Brice Magowan, a Lincoln Land student, received the presidential scholarship to attend Drake University in Iowa, but he chose LLCC. It is a bit cheaper.
“Community colleges provide an affordable and/or a convenient means of earning college credit prior to enrolling, or even while enrolled, in a four-year institution,” said Nathan Bell, director at the Counsel of Graduate Schools.
2. The classes are cheaper. So the education quality is “cheap” and not respected by employers.
Although classes at a community college are cheaper, the education
is still well-respected by employers. Most community colleges offer only an associate degree, while four-year schools offer a bachelor’s. Even then, students must take general education courses.
Compared to the state’s four-year universities’ costs for tuition and fees, Lincoln Land is a bargain.
For two years of full-time studies at LLCC, it costs $6,210 in tuition and fees. But at a four-year, public university, it costs $25,000 to more than $30,000 for tuition and fees.
3. Students at community colleges will not be successful.
Here is a list of successful individuals who attended community college:
- Walt Disney, Metropolitan Junior College in Missouri
- Gwendolyn Brooks, Wilson Junior College
- Ross Perot, Texarkana Junior College
- James Dean, Santa Monica College before transferring to UCLA Clint Eastwood, Los Angeles City College
- Tom Hanks, Chabot College
- Sarah Palin, North Idaho and Matanuska-Susitna Colleges
- Eddie Murphy, Nassau Community College
College success is not defined by where you got to school. Success comes from within oneself, and how far one person is willing to go to make his or her dreams become a reality.
4. Community College classes are not transferable.
Transferring classes from a community college is simple, if a student is organized and has an educational plan. Lincoln Land has many advisers and resources to help students do so.
LLCC advisers are very helpful in following a program of study. An adviser will ensure a student’s educational plan is more focused and organized.
5. Community college is more for technical educational jobs.
Many community colleges offer classes for most degree options and career paths, as they offer classes for technical and vocational jobs.
Many students who attend a community college to save money, while also continuing to take their core undergraduate classes.
Dominique Lamp can be reached at [email protected] or (217) 786- 2311.