Ask Isa: The truth about community college stereotypes [spoiler alert: they're wrong]

I've received so many questions that allude to stereotypes about community colleges and wanted to address them here for anyone thinking about going to community college for an associates degree, a career program or to transfer on to eventually earn a bachelors degree. Hope it helps! :)

I feel like some people act like there is something wrong with community colleges, that they're for "dumb" people. Is that true?

There is NOTHING wrong with community colleges. But you are right the stereotype is there. It's just wrong. 

Community colleges started to open access to college for all people, especially those who may have been shut out in the past (e.g. low-income people, minorities, veterans, etc.).

Our culture is obsessed with status, and thus community colleges are seen as "less than" because you don't have to apply to "get in." That's why the tagline to my blog is "Because going to community college doesn't mean you couldn't get in anywhere else."

Community colleges are brimming with bright students, and many community college alumni go on to do amazing things. 

Community college courses are not for "dumb" people. (And really, I don't think there are "dumb" people. I think there are just people who haven't had the opportunity to see what they're capable of.) 

Many university students take summer classes at community colleges that transfer back to their universities! I've known many community college students who've gone on to the Ivy League, even Harvard. 

A reason you may sense a negative reaction to community colleges is that their graduation rates do tend to be low. 

But the reasons students drop out (keep in mind community colleges serve a large proportion of low-income and first generation students) seem to have much more to do with them not having enough money or schedule flexibility - not because they aren't smart or because the institution doesn't provide resources for success. 

The biggest difference is that in college, especially a large inexpensive community college, it is now up to you to seek out those resources on a daily basis (that's what my book is all about!).

In short: community college is a wonderful place to start and there is nothing wrong it.

Anyone who attends should be so proud. To me, community colleges are the
American Dream.


Can I really be successful with an associates degree? What if I just want to do a two-year program and don't want to transfer to a university? 

I see nothing wrong with getting an associates degree! You can check out some basic statistics on earnings here, and I encourage you to search the internet for additional reputable sources to find out more. 

Two of my other favorite places to research careers when it comes to degree requirements and earnings potential are the U.S. Dept of Labor's Occupational Handbook and InsideJobs.com. 

I think you are so smart for asking these questions now and doing the research early will serve you well. 

If you've done the research and you find out your ultimate dream career does not require a bachelor's degree then you are good to go! 

The best way to know is to ask advice of someone who is in that career and ask them what degree they got and what degree they think will help you best get the entry level job you want as well as create a sustainable career to allow you to move up to where you ultimately think you want to go in your future.

Also keep in mind it's never too late to get a bachelors or other advanced degree if you decide later. I've known many who've gone back in their 40's and 50's and done very well, though they do say getting it done earlier (before kids and mortgages) is preferable when possible. That's why it's so smart you're doing the research now.

Can I really be successful if I only go to community college and don't get a bachelor's degree?

Yes I truly believe that you can. I think success relies more on the effort you put forth, the self-learning you do, and the attitude you have much more than the type of college you attend. 

Statistics show that generally advanced degrees do equal higher earnings, so some form of post-secondary education is a great way to get a successful path started. And of course - it also depends how you define success! The amount of money you can make may not always be what drives you. 

I fully believe education is the best investment you can make. You are a good investment - but only when you are doing the research to make sure you're investing in something you really want to do and are able to bring your 100% to the process. 

And finally, as I'm sure you know, a degree alone isn't enough to equal automatic success. 

It takes so much more, but if you are asking these types of questions and doing the research then you are already on that path.

Keep doing the research, find out what you really want to do, set goals, plan your journey, seek mentors, adjust when necessary, and put in your 100% every single day. 

If you do that, you can absolutely be successful. Community college is a great place to start, and I think career programs (e.g. culinary, nursing, law enforcement, EMT, automotive, dental hygienist, welding, etc.) are some of the things that make community colleges so special, in addition to the opportunity to transfer.

3 myths about community college

I want to dedicate this article to all the people who stumble upon my blog and email me after google searching "community college" with many fears and nerves about what is next. This is for you.

3 myths about community college

Myth #1: Community college is just for people who can't get in anywhere else.

TRUTH #1: Community college is for people who are smart. 

Community college provides an open door to people who want an education and are dedicated to doing more with their life despite their background or circumstances. Going to community college means YOU have made a choice in the right direction, towards a better future. 

There are also many opportunities for honors students at community colleges, such as honors programs (ask your admissions office) and the opportunity to join Phi Theta Kappa. 

For many, like myself, community college allows for reduced student debt and a great education with the opportunity to transfer and earn a bachelors degree. That is a smart move.  

Myth #2: Community college doesn't have opportunities for social life outside of hanging out with your old high school friends who didn't move away to college. 

TRUTH #2: There are many opportunities to make friends and get involved in community college.

While many community colleges do not have the budgets for big orientations or forced freshmen interactions, most do have robust student activities offices whose sole job is to provide opportunities for you to make friends and join clubs.

Some community colleges have more programming than others, but even if your college only has one really active club, get involved and become an officer!

When you take a leadership role in your community college you'll stand out big time and attract tons of scholarship money for your next academic adventure. And you'll make friends who share your desire to do something more with your life. 

Myth #3: Community college is basically 13th grade. 

TRUTH #3: Community college classes are rigorous and will require more self-management and more time studying than in high school. Community college is still COLLEGE and the professors expect a lot from you. They should - because you are capable. 

A lot of students drop out of community college when life gets in the way - college is not easy. But anything worthwhile is hard, and if you put in the effort, community college will be the beginning to a very successful collegiate future. 

Your attitude about community college, and more importantly, yourself, has a huge impact on your success. Now is the time to realize the opportunity you have in front of you, and to jump right in with everything you've got.

Just don't do it alone. Find a mentor. Join clubs. Visit professors during office hours. And see why community college can be a launching point to a life you could have never dreamed of. 

Related Article: From Community College to Harvard

Currently in community college or about to start? Check out my book as it will help you build the connections you need to succeed in community college and beyond.