The fact of the matter is that beginning your college career at a two-year community college might be the smartest choice you make. It doesn't mean that you settled for second best; getting an Associate Degree is no longer considered an inferior choice but rather a preparatory program for the next step.

The hundreds of accredited community colleges in the U.S. have become competitive, even offering honors programs for gifted students. These schools in our own backyard can provide a smoother transition from high school to higher education and then serve as a primer for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A). Besides, students can save money or explore their career interests before plunking down the time and money for a four-year university.

True or False:
The open-admissions policies of community colleges mean any low achiever can graduate.

False. If you don't make the grade, you won't get the diploma. Just because anyone can get in doesn't mean that it is easy to stay and graduate. In fact, the drop-out rate is much higher than it is at four-year schools.

True or False:
Going to community college makes it harder to transfer credits toward a four-year degree.

Absolutely False. If you choose the proper course load - a combination of general education courses, electives and the core classes required of your major - you will have a smooth transfer to an upper-level college.

True or False:
Community college is only for older people who are continuing their education later in life.

True AND False. The vast majority of the student body is of average college age - under 25 - but these colleges are also excellent choices for older working students who attend night classes or are enrolled part-time.

There are more than one-thousand community colleges nationwide and they can make the difference between no college education, and a viable, affordable option that can prepare students for the job market.

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