Community colleges are local colleges that provide two year degrees, certificates and many classes will move later into a four year college.
The national average college tuition cost for public universities is $4,694 per year for in state residents. This amount includes both tuition rates and fees for a complete time student.
The average college tuition price at private colleges and universities is around $20,000 each year in tuition and fees.
Now compare this to the average yearly tuition for a community school. The average cost of community college tuition is just $2,076 each year. This is less than half than a conventional four year public university and even less than a private school.
Attending a community school will even help offset the expenses if a student decides to continue their education toward a bachelor's degree. Since community college costs are lower pupils are not likely to be accumulating student loans that will aid their fiscal state in long term future.
One more factor to consider is that each year tuition prices rise. In reality school tuition costs increase at roughly twice the general inflation rate, about 8 percent each year. The near future and long term prices are something that college students, current and future, should consider when choosing a college.
Though community college tuition expenses and four year college costs increase, many students benefit from financial aid programs. Government grants like the Pell grant provide financing for many college students. In fact pupils who attend community colleges might qualify for grants which would cover most or all their community college tuition costs.
Scholarship programs given by schools, businesses and non profit organizations are also available to help students defray the cost of tuition. With a mix of savings, financial aid, and scholarships many students nowadays can afford college tuition expenses and further their education.