Updated: Sep 28, 2021
Computer science as a major
Computer science majors study how computers process, store, and solve information. Learn more about this expanding college major, including potential career paths, knowledge requirements, and more.
Attending a two-year college can benefit your lifestyle, finances, and career opportunities.
As you think about your college plans, your vision may be centered on a four-year program. But that’s definitely not your only option. There are also community colleges, which offer mostly two-year programs like associate degrees and certificates.
Some people choose a degree program that finishes in the two years they attend community college, while others use it as a starting point and transfer to a four-year college or university. And some community colleges even offer four-year bachelor’s programs for certain majors such as nursing or electronics engineering.
Community colleges are more affordable and accessible than four-year colleges and universities, and class schedules can be more flexible. For some lifestyles and career paths, community college can actually be a better fit. Let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits.
Going to community college may be a smart financial choice. Here’s why:
Do you need to go to school at night or on the weekends? If so, community colleges, which tend to offer more of these class times, might be a good fit. This is especially beneficial for:
Some people graduate high school knowing exactly what career path they want to follow, and some of those jobs only require an associates degree or certificate. In that case, community college is the perfect fit. Other students aren’t quite sure what they want to study, and a less expensive option gives them the opportunity to explore. Additionally, some people may find a community college to be a more supportive environment—classes tend to be smaller, and the culture can be less competitive. For students who need a little time to develop academic skills, it can be a smart choice.
One major reason to go to college is to prepare you to find a job in your chosen field. You may be interested in a career that you can train for at a two-year college. And, starting at a community college can help you get into a better four-year school than if you’d gone that route straight out of high school.
Community college isn’t the right choice for everyone. But for many students, it’s something to at least consider. When deciding between two-year and four-year schools, think about your financial constraints, the learning environment you’re looking for, what you want to get out of the college experience, and the career path you hope to pursue.