| Facts about attending Junior College. | | | | to consider. |
| First off, Congratulations! You either just graduated | | | | Take a good long look at where you want to be in 5 |
| from High School and are ready to take the next | | | | years. What industry and career are you leaning |
| step in your education, or you are heading back to | | | | towards? What is your passion? |
| school to enhance your education. Either way, you | | | | Often times the Junior College search does not |
| are probably looking at your different Junior College | | | | include Junior Colleges outside the student home |
| or Community College options . You may be trying to | | | | state. That could be a mistake. You need to consider |
| weigh the differences between attending a University | | | | what industry your are persuing and seek out those |
| or a Junior College for the first two years of your | | | | Colleges in those regions. These regions may have |
| education as well. | | | | internship opportunities, or other entry level positions |
| For most, this is big decision that should not be taken | | | | that can assist in getting to where you want to be. |
| lightly. There are many factors to consider before | | | | Yes, the cost is often more for out of state |
| you make a formal decision on moving forward such | | | | residents, but if it accelerates your career forward |
| as Financial costs, location, Career choices, Credit | | | | even better. |
| transfer opportunities, Specialties, and athletics. | | | | Career Choices |
| Below we will walk through some of the items that | | | | Before you finalize on a Junior College, make sure |
| should be considered when selecting the correct | | | | you are getting the best education possible for your |
| Junior College for you. | | | | area of interest. Many Junior Colleges have strong |
| Financial Considerations | | | | programs that get you started on the right foot |
| One of the many considerations for most is the cost | | | | while gaining credits towards your BA degree. |
| of a college education. The difference most times in | | | | You can find Junior Colleges that have strong |
| cost between a University and a Junior College can | | | | Computer Science and Nursing programs. Many of |
| be significant. The costs can be decreased further if | | | | these are highly regarded and can assist in getting |
| you stay in your local area to attend Junior or | | | | your foot in the door at a four year institution. Make |
| Community College. The in state rate for most | | | | sure to ask the College Counselors specifically about |
| residents is typically very affordable. | | | | your area of interest and your Career goals. If they |
| On option that most students consider is attending a | | | | are honest they may direct you to a more suitable |
| Junior or Community College for the first two years | | | | Junior or Community College that fits you. |
| and meet all the initial requirements prior to | | | | Athletic Choices |
| transferring to a four year institution. Economically | | | | Are you an athlete looking to compete at the |
| this makes a lot of sense. In addition, many also | | | | collegiate level? If so, many have had success at |
| reduce their expenses further by staying at home | | | | starting their collegiate athletic career in a Junior |
| for these first two years to offset some of the | | | | College and transferring to a University. Often times |
| living expenses related to the first two years of | | | | the University athletic programs are superior in quality |
| college. | | | | and depth. |
| Before taking this route, make sure to research the | | | | Why not start at the Junior College level and work |
| different options for transferring your credits from | | | | your way up. Often, University coaches will recruit |
| the Junior College or Community College of choice. | | | | from local Community and Junior Colleges. This is a |
| Many times this is relatively straight forward unless | | | | great way to stay competitive and work your way |
| you are attending a very specialized College. | | | | up. Many Junior Colleges also provide athletic |
| Location , Location, Location | | | | scholarships for Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball etc.. |
| It is very common for most to consider those Junior | | | | Don't overlook these opportunities if you want to |
| Colleges in their immediate area. While the financial | | | | continue competing in College. |
| decision there is a no brainer, there are other factors | | | | |