"Want to cut 2/3 off the cost of your college education? The search for the right college for you can sometimes seem like a daunting and potentially expensive path. What many students don’t realize is that they may be missing a gem in their own hometown. A community college may not seem like a “dream school,” but it can set you on the path toward a successful future for only a fraction of the cost. Earning credits or even an associate’s degree at a community college can be transferred to a four-year college or university and you can save a boatload of cash on your first two years of higher education.

Avoiding paying room and board for college (if you live at home instead of renting an apartment since there usually aren’t dorms at community colleges) is another cost-saving measure.

In 2017-18, the average tuition and fees for a full-time student at public two-year institutions nationally was $3,570, compared with $9,970 (in-state) at public four-year colleges and $34,740 at private universities, according to the College Board. After federal financial aid, 71 percent of community college students pay less than $1,000."

Loveland, Elaina. “Why Community College Is a Better Option Than You Think.” Teen Vogue, Teen Vogue, 2 Nov. 2017, https://www.teenvogue.com/story/community-college-better-option-than-you-think.