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What Is A Junior College?
Junior colleges are usually less expensive then four-year colleges. Some students earn an associate's degree at a junior college, while others take advantage of lower costs to complete credits before transferring to a four-year college.
Junior Colleges: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Four-Year Institutions
Four-year colleges aren't for everyone, especially considering the time commitment and cost. If you've decided you're not ready to commit to a four-year program, you may have heard about junior colleges. But what is a junior college? Junior colleges are two-year colleges that typically offer shorter programs that result in an associate's degree or a certificate. Some students attend junior colleges as a cost-effective way to complete courses or decide on a major before transferring to a four-year school.
Junior College Enrollment Is on the Rise
According to recent research, the number of students attending junior colleges has increased significantly over the years. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the number of students enrolled in two-year institutions increased by 27 percent from 1996-97 to 2006-07.
A major reason students choose junior colleges is the cost of tuition. According to the NCES, the average undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board rates charged for full-time students in 2006-07 was the following:- Four-year institutions: $18,471
- Two-year institutions: $7,466
While junior colleges are ideal for shorter programs, if you want to complete a bachelor's degree, you eventually need to transfer to a four-year college. If you plan to transfer, it is important to research which junior college credits can be applied to your four-year degree so you can avoid re-taking classes.
Whether you want to enroll in a career-focused certificate program or find a cheaper alternative for two years of college, junior colleges offer quality education for focused students.
The following schools can provide you with more information about attending college:
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