Posted On: February 24, 2010

What do you want to be when you grow up? This question was often asked to us as young kids. Our replies were usually ambitious and entertaining. We were confident in being able to become whatever our youthful heart desires. However this same question comes to us again during our senior year of high school. Our replies have now changed. Instead of confidently declaring that we will be a doctor or an astronaut, we worry about how we will pay the costs of college tuition.

Fortunately, community college and technical schools offers us the education we need to get the future we want.

Costs

Education after high school costs money. Community colleges and technical schools cost less money. The average annual tuition and fees for community college is $2,361. Compare that cost to the typical four-year college that costs an average of $6,185 annually. Students pay less because the schools are primarily financed from state funds. Lower costs put more money in your pockets.

Community College

Nation wide there is a total of 1,195 community colleges. These colleges are located within an hour’s drive from most of our homes. The campuses may be large or small, urban or rural. Smaller class sizes are common, allowing more one on one teaching. High School graduates will feel right at home.

Community college is a great place to explore a variety of career options. Students are able to discover their talents in an array of classes and programs. Such programs include business, performing arts, transportation, philosophy, and healthcare. So whether you want to be a lawyer or a personal trainer, there is a program for you.

Technical Schools

Technical schools are two-year colleges that help students learn valuable trade skills for employment. Courses are short term, usually a year or less. Competition is equally small, due to the various specialization fields. You will be trained and certified for jobs in demand, so you can begin working soon. Graduates from technical schools have the opportunity for careers such as an electrician, carpenter, or computer technician. You can craft your skills and abilities in a focused certified program.

Advantages

Students can earn their degrees, or explore their options before transferring to another college or university. Unlike other colleges that decline acceptance applications, these facilities have an open door policy. You are able to fulfill your basic general education requirements, find the major that fits you, and boost your GPA. Acceptance into another college after learning at a community college will be easier.

Quality instructors are prevalent at community colleges and technical schools. Their jobs are highly competitive. The professors are more focused on teaching you, the individual and preparing you for the workforce.

What you do in the future is your decision. The dreams we had as young children are still possible. Community colleges and technical schools allow us to develop the skills we need, have the college experience we want, and to be ready to work in a career we love. The worries of graduating high school can be overcome. We can declare with confidence that we will have the future we want.