| Community college costs are normally lower than | | | | community college costs are lower students are not |
| four year universities. Students can take classes at | | | | likely to be accumulating student loans which will help |
| community college and earn credits toward a two | | | | their financial state in long term future. |
| year or four year degree program at a lower cost. | | | | Another factor to consider is that each year tuition |
| Community colleges are local colleges that offer two | | | | rates rise. In fact college tuition costs increase at |
| year degrees, certifications and many classes will | | | | about twice the general inflation rate, about 8% per |
| transfer later to a four year university. On average | | | | year. The future and long term costs are something |
| community college costs are lower than four year | | | | that all college students, current and future, should |
| universities. | | | | consider when choosing a college. |
| The national average college tuition cost for public | | | | Even though community college tuition costs and four |
| universities is $4,694 per year for in state residents. | | | | year college costs increase, many students benefit |
| This figure includes both tuition rates and fees for a | | | | from financial aid programs. Government grants such |
| full time student. | | | | as the Pell grant provide funding for many college |
| The average college tuition cost at private colleges | | | | students. In fact students who attend community |
| and universities is around $20,000 per year in tuition | | | | colleges may qualify for grants that would cover |
| and fees. | | | | most or all of their community college tuition costs. |
| Now compare this to the average yearly tuition for a | | | | Scholarship programs awarded by colleges, businesses |
| community college. The average cost of community | | | | and non profit organizations are also available to help |
| college tuition is only $2,076 per year. This is less than | | | | students defray the cost of community college |
| half than a traditional four year public university and | | | | tuition. With a combination of savings, financial aid, |
| much less than a private college. | | | | and scholarships many students today are able to |
| Attending a community college will also help offset | | | | afford college tuition costs and further their |
| the costs if a student decides to continue his or her | | | | education. |
| education toward a bachelor's degree. Since | | | | |