What is the first thought that comes to mind when you think of community college? Is it typically viewed as an affordable, convenient option for families who may be struggling financially, or students who prefer to stay closer to home and cut the costs of education? Or, is it usually seen in a much less desirable light, often portrayed in the media as a place for washouts who couldn’t make the cut to a better future? Despite their benefits to both individual students and their communities, community colleges are often viewed as inferior to four-year universities.
Community colleges are significantly cheaper than four-year universities, typically offering free admission and lower living and schooling costs. They are also a much more feasible option for students from low-income areas or families. Most of these institutions offer financial aid and support for low-income students, and some programs can virtually eliminate all student costs throughout the individual’s college years.
The College of San Mateo, located just a few miles from NDB, is an example of a school that provides a multitude of opportunities for students with financial need. CSM offers two tiers of financial aid: Level 1 offers a waived unit fee, while Level 2 covers the health fee, student fees, and other supports. These financial aid options can dramatically benefit dedicated students with a desire to continue their education, but who are unable to afford it.
Even those who may not be from low-income families may choose to attend a community college simply because they would prefer to lessen the financial burden that comes with higher education. Many smart, accomplished students choose to attend a community college for this reason; graduating from college debt-free can leave a student with more options later due to a more stable financial position.
In addition to financial benefits, community colleges provide an opportunity for working students or students who need to remain at home to finish higher education without traveling far. Graduating seniors with a sick or elderly relative may need to stay at home to provide support for their families. Some students are their family’s sole source of income or main provider, and must work to continue supporting their families.
Many community colleges also offer transfer credits, allowing students to spend the first part of their college experience in a low-stress, low-cost environment. Students can enroll in community colleges to avoid the overwhelming college admissions race, and transfer into another university.
Unfortunately, with the prevalence of hustle culture, as well as the pressure from schools and communities alike to attend the most prestigious universities, community college tends to be looked down upon and stigmatized. This societal shaming comes at the cost of students’ mental health, especially for underprivileged students with community college as their only option to pursue higher education.
Being scorned by others and the media can often drive a student to neglect even attending college at all, an outcome that is detrimental to both the individual and to the whole community. To support students of all backgrounds, financial situations, and unique circumstances, we as a society should choose to uplift and stand by students, regardless of their choice of college. Instead of viewing community college as somewhere only for underperforming students, we should choose to applaud and respect anyone who chooses to put in effort and time to pursue a higher ducation.