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