The feeling of validation at community colleges is encouraging to students.
Community colleges offer an affordable alternative to students pursuing different paths. Whether a student is pursuing a four-year degree, an associate's degree, or a certificate, community colleges can pave the way to a successful career. According to College Board, the tuition at four-year colleges is approximately $9,000 per year while community college tuition is $2,713 as of 2010. Persistence is essential when attempting to complete a goal. The affordability that community colleges offer can be encouraging to students.
Validation
According to an article in the Winter 2011 edition of the Review of Higher Education, Elisabeth Barnett noted that a strong correlation between the validation received by students from professors is a factor in their persistence. Students who have positive experiences in the classroom are more likely to continue with their studies at community colleges. A professor who implements a level of caring within the classroom will be an encouragement to students.
Mentorship
Students attending community colleges come from all walks of life. From the adult who is returning to school after 20 years to the student fresh out of high school, all will benefit from professors who serve as not only instructors, but mentors. Inspiration for a better life is helpful to a student to continue on and persist at a community college.
Welcoming Diversity
The demographics at any community college can vary widely. It is important for students from all walks of life to feel welcomed. Elisabath Barnett noted in her article in the 2011 edition of "The Review of Higher Education" that professors who are welcoming to diversity have an effect on students' intentions of continuing their studies at community colleges.
Financial Aid
Receiving financial aid makes attending college possible for many students. Availability of grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid plays a key role in many students' persistence at community colleges according to the study, "Financial Aid and Persistence in Community Colleges" published in the 2009 edition of "Community College Review." Students' ethnic background and incomes can effect the level of financial aid they are able to receive.
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