Community College for Military Veterans
Convenient and Inexpensive Option for Student Veterans: Community College
Many options exist for earning a degree. One is attending a community college. These colleges, also known as junior colleges, are a smart choice for many people.
Many factors come into play when choosing where to go to school. Here are some reasons a community college or junior college can be the right choice for you.
The Cost of Community College
Community college can be more affordable than four-year options. If you plan to transfer to a four-year school after earning your associate’s degree, you will save money compared to starting at a four-year school.
Smaller Campus
Overall, community colleges have smaller campuses than four-year schools. This makes getting around a lot easier and a lot less overwhelming. This can benefit both an 18-year-old high school graduate and a 30-something returning to school after a twenty-year break.
In addition to a smaller campus, you will also find smaller classes. While the average class size at a larger school can be 150-300 students, you’ll find an average of 25-30 students in a community college class. This also makes it easier to get to know your professor and form a relationship with them.
Military Installation Connection
You can often attend community college at your military installation. Both family members and service members can attend classes, making it easier to return to school.
Depending on your installation, some allow you to take classes on base or on post instead of going to the school’s campus. For some, that’s 5-10 minutes versus 30 minutes or more to get to class. You can even start your schooling this way by taking general education classes you will need for transferring later.
SpouseWorks/MYCAA
SpouseWorks/MYCAA is a program for military spouses. If you qualify, you can get up to $4,000 for school. Attending a community college is one of the best ways to utilize this benefit. Use MYCAA for a two-year program or certificate, or apply it to your first two years of school while you work toward your associate’s degree.
Online Options
Community colleges offer online programs for those who prefer not to attend in-person classes or can’t attend. Several options are available when choosing to attend school online. Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to earn your degree by taking only online classes.
This can be especially helpful if you need to PCS during your school years or are deployed while pursuing your education. While four-year schools also offer online classes, community college classes can be more flexible for the non-traditional student.
You Are Not Sure What You Want To Do
Some students are unsure of their career goals at first. Going to a community college lets students take general education classes they will need no matter what their major becomes. During these classes, students can determine what they want to do and then choose the best university to transfer to.
Find GI Bill-Approved Community Colleges for Military and Veterans.
RELATED:
- Scholarships for Community College Students
- Community Colleges by State
- Tennessee Free Community College for All Adults
- A Community College for Airmen & Women
About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
