Question About Community Colleges

[Garuda]

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This is a somewhat odd question, since I've already graduated from college, and am in medical school.

I've never quite understood what exactly a community college is. What makes their status different from other colleges and universities? Why are they not allowed to award degrees (I always hear about people transferring after 2 years), even though they seem to offer the same courses?

And what's a junior college? Is that the same thing?

Thanks.

 

[Heal&Teach]

Not that I know any better, but I'll take a stab at this. Community colleges do award Associates degrees, which I guess you could consider going halfway through a Bachelor's (which is why many folks may go on to four year institutions). However, many Associates programs can serve as terminal training opportunities for people going into vocational specialties (e.g., medical technology, business administration, some clerical, mechanic). Junior colleges generally grant Associates degrees in three years, and typically serve the same function as community colleges. Also, both provide adult education and other community courses at an affordable price, versus the higher cost of tuition at some universities.

 

[hnbui]

This is a somewhat odd question, since I've already graduated from college, and am in medical school.

I've never quite understood what exactly a community college is. What makes their status different from other colleges and universities? Why are they not allowed to award degrees (I always hear about people transferring after 2 years), even though they seem to offer the same courses?

And what's a junior college? Is that the same thing?

Thanks.

a junior college is basically the same thing. I believe that in california alot of the community colleges are called junior instead. (I'm not to sure about that.)

but community colleges can only award assoc. degrees.

 

[Teragen]

I live in cali and go to a community college, that's what they are called here. They are two year colleges that thereafter you transfter to a 4 year institution. They offer the same classes as the universities, though not as many to choose from, but at a much cheaper price.

 

[Luck]

A community college is a junior college. I remember I heard this joke on a radio show, "What do you call a classroom full of idiots? A junior college."

I'm not saying this is right. You be the judge.

 

[i77ac]

Not that I know any better, but I'll take a stab at this. Community colleges do award Associates degrees, which I guess you could consider going halfway through a Bachelor's (which is why many folks may go on to four year institutions). However, many Associates programs can serve as terminal training opportunities for people going into vocational specialties (e.g., medical technology, business administration, some clerical, mechanic). Junior colleges generally grant Associates degrees in three years, and typically serve the same function as community colleges. Also, both provide adult education and other community courses at an affordable price, versus the higher cost of tuition at some universities.

well said. 👍