A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE PATH THROUGH A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE PIPELINE

More and more students who have intentions of pursuing a four-year degree and beyond to a master or even doctoral degree have seen the advantage to starting their college experience at a two-year institution. Some of the advantages of this two-year to four-year pathway are obvious: lower cost per credit hour for equivalent entry courses, smaller classes sizes, better teacher to student ratios, smaller campuses for a more intimate experience, and better re-entry as a non-traditional student.

Two-year colleges are typically more affordable and accessible than four-year universities. This could be the stepping stone a person may need in order to transfer to a four-year institution to get that next credential. Stats from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) indicate that approximately 1/3 of students who attend two-year colleges will go on to attend a four-year institution.

American two-year colleges represent about 1,000 educational institutions spread throughout the U.S. that offer recognized credentials. These are vital assets to employers in each community. These colleges collectively serve approximately 10 million students taking courses for credit.

According to AACC, the greatest economic impact of America’s community (two-year) colleges stems from the added human capital—the knowledge, creativity, imagination, and entrepreneurship—found in their alumni. Workforce experience leads to increased productivity and higher wages. It’s not the entry level graduate that creates this impact, but rather a cumulative growth effect from alumni that get out in the community and work hard to grow those careers. The proof is in the hard work that is seen over time. A seed that grows into a mighty tree, so to speak .

In recent years, community colleges have seen an increase in enrollment, particularly among older students and students from underrepresented groups. Many students choose community colleges because of their affordability and flexible scheduling, which allows them to work while pursuing their education.

The AACC reports that community colleges play a vital role in the U.S. education system, providing access to higher education for many students who may not have the opportunity to attend a four-year college or university. Community colleges also contribute to the economic development of their communities by providing workforce training and supporting local businesses.