Saving money and flexible class times are some of the main pros people think of when they consider community college. But there are plenty of other perks of attending community college, including the following that you might not have heard of.
Easy Transfer To Local Four-Year Colleges
If there’s a major at a four-year college you’re really interested in – take a look at partnerships with local community colleges. Many CCs offer majors with full credit transfer to certain colleges that they work closely with. Dual admissions programs are also a great thing to look into – in these programs, you’ll apply to both the CC and the four-year college in question and transfer seamlessly upon completion of your associate degree.
Internship Opportunities
Most majors require an internship at some point during their program, but doing an internship at your CC has a few extra benefits. Getting an internship under your belt early helps you narrow down your career field if you’re still exploring. Or if you’re sure of your path, it can help you get some connections and experience early on and help make transferring and future job searches even easier. Add that to the additional schedule flexibility offered by CC classes, and you’ve got a winning combination.
Not to mention the exclusive internships offered specifically for community college students. A few of the most prestigious opportunities include the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community College Internship programs, but there are even more out there once you start looking. Just a reminder, not all community colleges will offer internships, so make sure you check first!
Exclusive Scholarship Opportunities
We all know that going to a CC is a great way to save money, but did you know it can also put you in an even better position to get scholarships towards your transfer degree too? There are many scholarship opportunities just for community college students from organizations such as the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (PTK), and so many more. Not to mention the four-year colleges that offer specific scholarships to students transferring with a high GPA or PTK membership. The important thing is to do your research and, of course, apply!
Professional Certificates
Community colleges are known for offering professional certificates, and if you play your cards right, you can earn additional qualifications while working on your associate degree. There are many reasons to consider adding a certificate program to your college plan. Depending on your career goals, getting an extra certificate under your belt may greatly improve your chances of landing that dream job or internship. From IT to Manufacturing/Technology to Business Administration and Management, there are countless opportunities to beef up your resume with a few extra certifications.
Discount Services
If your community college has programs like cosmetology, massage therapy, dental hygiene, or auto repair and maintenance, very often you can get services from students at a discounted rate! Not only are you helping your fellow students get experience towards their future career, you’re able to get a quality service at low cost.
