In fact, community colleges meet the needs of many students that are not as well served by four-year institutions. That is why they have grown so much in recent history.

The low cost of community colleges has helped attract students who may have otherwise failed to continue their educations beyond secondary school. In particular, community colleges seem to enroll a far greater percentage of adult students, minority students, and part time students than four year colleges and universities.

Cost, however, is not the only reason that community colleges are growing. Because the process of applying to community colleges is streamilined...test scores, completion of prescribed coursework, and references are seldom required...and because community colleges quickly admit all high school graduates, students are not intimidated by the process.

And, community colleges rarely have an application deadline. In most instances, students can apply and be admitted the same week a semester begins.

Not all students, however, are admitted to all programs. Students interested in medically related careers, for instance, may have to have completed a course in biology or chemistry. Similarly, some majors may be open only to students who have successfully completed high school algebra.

Although four-year colleges are more likely to offer more evening and weekend classes than ever before, community colleges are often more focused on offering classes at times that allow working adults to complete degree programs without taking time away from their careers. Only online colleges are more convenient.

Another value of community colleges is their ability to offer vocationally related courses or programs for students who seek training but may not wish to complete a degree program. In fact, although many people think of community colleges as the first stop on a journey to earn a bachelors degree, only about 25% of community college students subsequently enroll in a four-year college or university.

A community college can be a great choice for a student who has been away from academics for a long time, a student whose high school curriculum may not have been designed to prepare him/her for college, a working adult, or a student who requires higher education but may not be ready to commit to four years of college.