Sallie Mae

 
 
  Identifying Criteria
 
  Understanding College Options
  •  Community Colleges
    - Benefits
    - Admission Requirements
  - Choosing a School
    - Ways to Pay
    - Transfer Students
  •  Colleges & Universities
  •  Historically Black Colleges
  •  Graduate Schools
  •  Continuing Education
  •  Specialty Programs
 
Searching for Schools

Viewing State Resources

Evaluating Affordability

Narrowing Choices

 
 
Community College

Choosing a School

Quick Start | Questions


Community colleges offer affordable, accessible, and student-centered higher education that has helped many succeed. Because they're known for offering a wide variety of courses and degree programs, it's important to note that not all community colleges offer the same courses.

Quick Start

  1. Request a catalog and review course descriptions and programs offered.
  2. Schedule an appointment with a college counselor to discuss courses or program direction.
  3. Verify classes will fit your schedule.
  4. If you plan to transfer to a four-year school, check if your credits will transfer.
  5. Find out how much the classes will cost and what types of student financial aid is available.
  6. Select courses and complete application—finish enrollment process.

Questions

Consider the following when choosing a community college:

General

  • Is the school accredited or licensed?
  • What are the requirements for admission?
  • Does the course or program offer credit toward a degree or certificate?
  • How do students rate the school and courses?
  • Are there reciprocal agreements in place with neighboring campuses?

Classes

  • Does the school offer the program you want?
  • What degrees/programs are offered?
  • What is the average class size?
  • Are classes held during the day, evening, and weekends to accommodate your work schedule?
  • How long will it take to complete the courses you need?
  • Is distance learning an option?

Costs

  • How much will it cost to complete the program that interests you?
  • What is the total cost of your studies (include tuition, fees, books, parking, and supplies)?

Financial Aid

  • What type of financial assistance is available (such as scholarships, tuition waivers, work-study, and loans)?
  • When and how do you apply for financial aid?
  • Is special financial aid offered to help with child care, transportation, or other costs?
  • Are your studies eligible for employer tuition assistance?
  • Are military fee waivers offered to active duty personnel and their dependents?

Services

  • If you have children, is a daycare offered? What are the requirements and cost?
  • Are advising services available to help you select the right courses and develop a learning/career plan?
  • Are job placement services available?

Transfer Students

  • Will your coursework transfer to another school?
  • Does the school have articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities?

(Refer to our Transfer Student section for additional information.)

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Notable Alumni
Individuals who got their start at community colleges:

Billy Crystal
Actor and Comedian
Kweisi Mfume
Former President, NAACP
and U.S. Congressman
Calvin Klein
Fashion Designer
Nolan Ryan
Retired Major League
Baseball Player

Helpful Tools

School Search Tool
School Affordability Analyzer
Research Online Degrees


Unsure what career to pursue?
It's a big decision for many. Maybe it's time to take inventory:

Personality
Interests
Skills
Career possibilities

Student Loans

Signature Student Loan® for Community Colleges

Continuing Education LoanSM


Find Free Money
Use Sallie Mae's Free Scholarship Search to locate funding for your education. Our database also contains awards just for transfer students.
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