Why should I go to college?
To gain a competitive edge in work and life
It’s why most people go to college. But big questions remain. Like what to study, where to go, and is college worth the cost?
Why go to community college?
To help you decide, explore 9 reasons why attending a community college like CLC is a good idea.
Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" who can answer questions about going to college, guide you through career & program exploration and help you get started at CLC.
1. You’ll make more money
Going to community college gets you a bigger paycheck. With an associate degree, you typically earn 13% more than someone with a high school education. Over a lifetime of working full time, you earn $495,000 more.
2. You'll save money
More people are enrolling at community colleges like CLC. Why? Staying close to home is a great value compared to living on campus at a public 4-year school, which costs $26,146 a year on average.
To save money, many students start at CLC and then transfer to a 4-year school. Associate degrees and career certificates are affordable and let you work while you learn. To help pay for college, CLC has financial aid, scholarships, internships and apprenticeships.
3. You'll get a good job
By 2031, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require more than a high school education. The associate degree or career certificate you earn at CLC qualifies you for a good job.
Employers recognize the excellent education you get at CLC. They want to hire CLC graduates. CLC helps you find a job. In fact, 78% of graduates of the Class of 2023 were employed within one year of graduating. CLC also prepares you to transfer to a 4-year school.
4. You'll stay employed
You are less likely to lose your job if you have an associate degree or some college education vs a high school education. This is true even during economic recessions. CLC prepares you for jobs valued by employers.
5. You’ll have options in high-demand fields
Choose from 170+ degree and certificate programs in nine areas of study at CLC. Programs are high quality. Some you can complete in less than a year. Instructors are experts who have real-world experience in their fields. In 2023, 19 employers offered 69 apprenticeships to CLC students.
6. You’ll transfer to a 4-year school
If your goal is to get a bachelor's degree, starting at CLC is a smart choice. You'll save money and be more prepared to succeed at university.
Your Academic Success Advisor helps you transfer to the 4-year school of your choice. Transfer guides by college and major, articulation agreements and Guaranteed Transfer Agreements (GTA) make it easy.
7. You’ll find applying free and easy
Applying to college can be a big deal. Compared to 4-year schools, the process at CLC is a lot less stressful. It's free, fast and requires no essay.
Your dedicated College and Career Navigator answers questions and sets you up for success. Once classes start, your Academic Success Advisor steps in to help you stay on track to achieve your college goals.
8. You'll be seen and heard
You'll get personal attention and feedback from instructors at CLC. You won’t attend class with hundreds of students like at big schools. Instead, classes have about 15 students on average.
Many academic resources and support services are available to help you be successful.
9. You’ll learn about yourself and find your people
CLC is a safe and welcoming place to learn. Here, you can network, explore your interests, and meet new people from all over the world. Student life is vibrant at CLC.
Students share why they chose CLC
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Why should you choose CLC...
Am I ready for college?
It’s common to have doubts about going to college. The good news is you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Just take it one step at a time at CLC.
How does CLC help me to afford college?
It’s true! There are many ways for you to earn a debt-free degree or certificate.
How will CLC help me to be successful?
Explore the many free ways we support your personal journey, education and well-being.
How will I balance school with work/life?
CLC focuses on a multi-faceted approach to keep all aspects of your life in equilibrium. We’ll help you make sure you have enough time to do everything you need to tackle in a day.