Because of their open enrollment policies and their flexible scheduling of classes, community colleges offer a valuable option to students pursuing a first degree or who are interested in updating existing work skills. Their friendly environments can offer encouragement to students who are unsure of abilities or goals. In offering evening as well as day classes, community colleges accommodate the adult who must work while attending classes. Their low cost in comparison to four year schools offers an attractive alternative to students who are concerned about financing their education.
Technical colleges can prepare students for jobs in existing vocational fields.
Most programs at the technical schools are hands on, practical, skill-building classes designed to prepare the student for immediate employment. For-profit, proprietary schools offer programs similar to those offered at the community and technical colleges, but be aware that their credits are seldom transferable should you decide to continue at a four year institution. These schools have limited federal or state financial aid grants available to their students and rely heavily on student loans that must be repaid. Coupling that with their much greater cost, you will find that community and technical colleges are a much better educational buy. Many students elect to enter a four year college or university because they offer a greater selection of majors and classes than are available at a community college or technical school.