Why You Should Attend Community College for Fun
By Tessa Cooper
Published on July 23, 2021
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Some individuals attend community college to earn a two-year degree. Others attend to transfer credits to a four-year college. However, many students also attend community college for fun. With free time, extra money, and a desire to learn, broadening your education in this way can feel fulfilling.
Every student makes their own decisions on what constitutes fun classes. For some, a jewelry-making course could provide the knowledge needed to fuel their passion. Other students might prefer recreationally learning about floral arranging, painting, French, or literature.
Low community college costs make pursuing a fun degree attainable, but it may not suit everyone. Keep reading to learn about the benefits and downsides when you attend community college for fun.
Community College Students Common Asked Questions
Generally speaking, two-year colleges follow an open acceptance policy. Even learners with low GPAs and test scores can gain admittance.
This depends on whether students work towards a degree or certificate, or simply take fun classes. Degrees and certificates feature mandatory classes.
In most situations, a community college features educationally stimulating classes that challenge students to learn more than they would in a high school course.
Students wanting to enter the workforce shortly after degree completion should aim to spend two years on an associate degree. Learners who attend community college for fun can continue taking courses as long as their budget and schedule allow.
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Benefits of Attending for Fun
- Attending community college allows students to meet individuals with common interests. Learners meet new people to socialize with outside of class.
- Gaining knowledge for leisure purposes can ease stress. Similar to reading a book for enjoyment, learning new things in fun classes can fill your time in a relaxing way.
- Community college can help you meet non-work related goals. Jobs often take up a majority of your time and energy, limiting your bandwidth for passion projects and personal growth. With set class meeting times, community college courses give you the accountability you need to learn French, brush up on history knowledge, or discover the basics of floral arranging.
- Take away the pressure of earning a good grade by auditing a class. Some students who attend community college for fun choose to audit a course. Learners who audit a course do not earn a grade or college credit. Some professors do not require auditors to complete tests or essays either.
- Class participants discover new viewpoints. Since two-year colleges accept students of any background and academic merit, they feature a diverse student body. Learners get to broaden their world view and hear different perspectives during class discussions.
- Community colleges offer flexible scheduling. Students wanting to learn a new skill or niche subject with a fun degree often do so from home. Many community colleges offer asynchronous online courses without set meeting times. Students in these courses watch pre-recorded, rather than live, lectures.
Downsides of Attending for Fun
- Community college students miss out on other fun college activities. Two-year colleges keep tuition low with reduced overhead. These colleges do not feature dorms. Additionally, community college students typically can not rush for a fraternity or sorority.
- These educational institutions offer fewer amenities. To further lower costs, community colleges keep extra buildings, gardens, and resources to a minimum. On the other end, traditional colleges and universities often feature recreational centers, many computer labs, and student unions.
- Recreational community college courses may only transfer as elective credits. Fun classes such as jewelry making, wine tasting, and floral arranging usually transfer as electives, not degree credit, to traditional four-year schools.
- Taking courses for fun can become expensive. Although community colleges tend to charge less per credit, one credit still costs more than the average online course or tutorial.
Before signing up for classes, prospective community college students should know a few things. First, learners must make a plan for paying for their education. Some students choose to take out loans or apply for grants through the FAFSA. Individuals who take out loans should also factor in interest rate costs.
Secondly, aspiring students should know their options. Individuals can compare course offerings and costs between multiple community colleges. Online learning allows students to attend community colleges outside their local area.
Lastly, individuals should consider whether they must take prerequisite courses before gaining access to their desired courses. Prerequisite courses drive up the cost.
Tessa Cooper
Tessa Cooper is a freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to international and regional publications focused on education and lifestyle topics. She earned a bachelor’s in public relations from Missouri State University and is passionate about helping learners avoid high student loan debt while pursuing their dream major. Tessa loves writing about travel and food topics and is always planning her next meal or vacation.
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