2-year College, also known as community or junior college, allows high school graduates to further their education and earn a degree without having to spend the time or incur the expense of 4-year College. Academically, 2-year colleges primarily grant what is called an "Associate's Degree" which qualifies recipients to work in a wide range of career fields. Many 2-year colleges also provide vocational training and certificates in a fashion similar to CTE's. What sets 2-year College apart is their emphasis on catering to the needs of their particularly student body. 2-year colleges are generally cheaper than their 4-year counterparts, and often offer flexible scheduling and programs that fit around your life outside of school.
Characteristics Of 2-year College
Needless to say there are several thousand 2-year colleges in the country, and they differ from each other in a variety of ways; the number of students attending, location, the cost and pricing structure, and of course the academic and social programs offered will change from college to college, but there are some fundamental attributes that remain constant amongst most 2-year colleges.
First, unlike most 4-year colleges, virtually all 2-year colleges are non-competitive, meaning that any student who meets a certain set of basic academic requirements is accepted. This can make 2-year College a great option for student's who struggled scholastically in high school or just aren't sure they are ready for a 4-year College environment.
If you complete 2-Year College you will earn an Associate's degree, which may qualify you to work in a number of fields. If you want to further your training, you can go on to 4-Year College and complete your Bachelor's degree. If you choose to go to 4-Year College, then your Associate's degree counts as the first 2-years of your Bachelor's degree; it's basically getting your Bachelor's degree for half the price.
Finally, 2-year colleges offer all of this at a relatively low price -- in fact the average 2-year College student only pays $4,818 a year for their education, and of course financial assistance is available to help with some of this cost.
Students Who Attend 2-year College Are...
The majority of students who attend 2-Year College are between 18-24 years old. Due to the nature of 2-year colleges, a portion of students will be older and employed, but these students bring with them their professional experiences and contacts, both of which will be useful when you enter the working world.
Students attending 2-Year College may have to balance other responsibilities. They may have to care for sick relatives, or may have to work in order to support themselves or their families. Overall, the student body at 2-Year College is as diverse in terms of age, race, ethnicity, culture and life experiences as 4-Year College.
People Who Choose This Path Usually End Up....
Like we said above, people who follow the 2-year College Path either earn their Associate's degree or go on to complete their Bachelor's degree. Even if they decide not to earn their Bachelor's degree, they can use their Associate's degree to get a job or improve their salary at their current job.