Community colleges as a gateway to higher education, is a good place to start. Especially for handicapped students, who require individualized assistance. Because of disabled student services, qualified students are encouraged to seek post community college higher education. They are also a gateway to higher education for the following reasons:

MORE AFFORDABLE

1) Community colleges are more affordable than their four year college and university counterparts. BEOG GRANTS are available for qualified students, and/or tuition wavers. Veterans also access community colleges has a gateway to higher education.

2)DIRECT TRANSFEREES TO FOUR YEAR INSTITUTIONS
Several community colleges now have partnerships with four year institutions. Everett Community College has extension Western Washington University Programs. Students interested in either human services ,or education are able to directly transfer from EVCC to WWU providing they met their admission requirements.

Community colleges have two year degrees that are directly transferable to four year institutions: Associate Degree in Arts, Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences, and Associate Degree in Business Administration are just a few of their available transferable degree programs

The University of Washington is looking for a site for an extension university in Snohomish County. They realize that because of accessibility, many students would prefer to attend classes much closer to home.

3)WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Everett Community College has a nursing program, journalism, and a criminal justice program, for example, that are transferable to four year colleges or universities. Edmonds Community College has a para legal program that is transferable. However, students who enter their programs with a BA degree have a higher success rate!

4) SMALLER CLASS SIZES
Typically because community colleges have smaller class sizes, students are able to receive more instructor's assistance. If a student requires additional help, he/she is channeled into: tutoring and/or lab classes for instance.

5) EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Many community colleges offer employment services for their students and their alumni at a lower costs than their four year counter part. They work together with the employment offices and disabled student programs such as the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

6) MORE ACCESSIBLE
Snohomish County is home to two Community Colleges. Edmonds Community College is located in the city of Edmonds. Students who live in south Snohomish County usually enroll in their community college; however, students who live in north Snohomish County have been enrolled there also. It was common for students to attend both community colleges at the same time.

Everett Community College is located in Everett. Students who live in north Snohomish County usually attend there. Students who live in Marysville, Snohomish and Arlington are much more likely to enroll in Everett than Edmonds Community College because of the price of gasoline, and the length of their commute time.

Learn more about this author, Roxanne Dubarry.
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