Community College 101
Community colleges offer a wide range of opportunities for anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent. But what is a community college anyways? Community colleges are public colleges that offer shorter, less expensive programs than universities to get you into paying careers ASAP. They offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates to guide you towards career success. Let’s break down what these programs are...
Associate Degrees
Goals:
Complete the first two years of a bachelor degree at a lower cost
or
Earn an associate degree to work in a chosen field
How:
General education courses or specific career preparation skills.
Takes about 2 years
2 years sounds better than 4 right? An associate degree is only two years instead of the four-year bachelor degrees at more expensive universities. An associate’s degree at a community college can help you transfer into a four-year university, saving you time and money. Transferring gets you ahead, and for much cheaper; a Louisiana transfer degree can get you a jumpstart at a four-year college for a much lower price. Just 60 credits of coursework at a community college are all you need (that’s two years, and could even be done in less time).
Associate degrees vary from three major areas: arts, science, and applied sciences. Think: literature, business, nursing, engineering, accounting...the list goes on. It’s basically a shorter, cheaper version of four-year college, so... sign me up!
We know that with a degree we can find higher-paying jobs, but what does that look like? According to a recent article, Women with associate degrees earn an average of $7,200 more a year than without one. On average, men can earn $4,600 more-—that’s 18% more than without a degree.
Diplomas & Certificates
Goals:
Learn what you need to jump into a job that doesn’t require a degree
Become an expert in a specific area/skill
How:
Classes, training, and hands-on experience
1 year or less
Do you already know what kind of job you want? Do you want to skip those general courses and focus on your interest? Well, most associate degrees have a diploma option. Diplomas are more specific programs, giving you the chance to finish your study faster and without the general requirements of an associate degree.
Diplomas focus on giving you the technical skills you need for your job. They aim to prepare you for the job market in a year.
Do you really know what field you want to study? Maybe you’re looking for a career change, or additional training in your field. Certificates focus on the training and work of a specific area. There are certificates offered within all kinds of industries. Many of them are in the high-demand career pathways that lead to good-paying jobs like healthcare, business administration and skilled trades.
Certificates are short, to the point, and offer many different start dates to fit your schedule.
Here’s an example: Debbie works in a kitchen. She’s been a waitress for the last ten years and loves her work, but she’s ready to become a manager. Debbie just needs that extra certificate to get on top. She could get an associate’s degree, but she already knows the basics from experience and she hasn’t got the time or money, she’s working, and working hard. Debbie gets a certificate in Culinary Management in under a year, walks into her boss’s office, and proves her expertise. You go, Debbie.
A certificate helps you stand out in the job market by sharpening your skills and getting you on the path of promotion.
That same article from Inside Higher Ed also writes about the increase in wages with a certificate at an average of $2,940 more a year for women and $2,110 for men.
So, what’s for me?
First, congratulate yourself for researching education opportunities! You’ve learned there are a lot of options at community colleges. You’ve learned programs vary in topics, duration, and cost. Community colleges are institutions that provide that post-secondary education you need to pursue jobs in trades, technology, and healthcare. There are many different ways to further your education in a way that works best for you, community colleges are made to help you find your way. Whether you’re working, have a family, or looking for an affordable option, you can still pursue postsecondary education.
On WhereWeGo, you can explore everything from diplomas to associates degrees. Hop in and happy exploring!