Benefits of Attending a Community College

Prepares Students to Transfer to Four-Year Universities:

• Credits can transfer to many four-year instituitions across the country.

• Many community colleges offer articulation agreements with different four-year instituitions.

  • For example, CLC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) that has statewide GECC agreements that transfer to over 100 colleges and universities in Illinois.

Small Class Sizes:

• Most community colleges have an average class size of 25 to 30 students.

  • For example, CLC tries to keep their class size at 21.

• Students have an opportunity to interact more with professors and other classmates.

Faculty Focused on Teaching:

• Community college faculty are primarily focused on teaching.

• Tenure is awarded based on teaching skills rather than on research and publications.

• Faculty have practical work experience helping students gain real-world perspectives.

Student Diversity:

• Community colleges give students the opportunity to work and learn in a multicultural environment.

• Student diversity in community colelges provides students with an understanding and appreciation of diversity within our society and the workplace.

• For many students the community college is their first exposure to a diverse student body; including traditional and non-traditional populations with life and work experience.

Many Programs to Choose From:

• Community colleges offer programs in all major areas of study - from art to science.

• Community colleges offer career preparation regardless of whether you are plannig on transferring, getting your Associates Degree, or completing a technical program or certificate.

• CLC offers a Joint Agreement Program for students who wish to complete programs that may not be offered at CLC.

• CLC Promise: Tuition and fees scholarships for students with a 2.3 GPA or higher.

Use of Latest Technology:

• Most community colleges have connections with local businesses, and therefore are often equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

• Community colleges are leaders in many cutting-edge fields.

Low Tuition Cost:

• Community college tuition is approximately 50% lower than most four-year instituitions.

  • For example, CLC's annual tuition is approximately $4,400, and can be as high as $20,000 to attend a four-year public university in Illinois.

• Students who attend a community college for two years and transfer to a four-year university can lower their costs significantly.

...And So Much More!

• Community colleges provide excellent student support services.

• Community colleges do more than just educate students; they give students encouragement and the confidence to continue with their education by pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral Degree.

• Community colleges are a cost effective alternative to starting a career.

• Community colleges encourage lifelong learning.