When most high school students think about their future, a four year university comes to mind. For some, getting accepted into a top university feels like the only option available to them. However, with rising student debts and lowering admission rates, it may be better to look beyond the traditional path. 

According to research from the Education Data Initiative, the average cost for college in the United States is $38,270 per year. This amounts to more than $150,000 for a four-year degree. 

That number can become even higher for students who take longer to complete their degree. About 30% of undergraduates change their major, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, which can delay graduation and increase costs.

Considering these costs, it’s no surprise that students are looking toward community college for their education. And while affordability is a major factor, students may also choose community college for flexibility, different opportunities, and other factors.

“We get students all the time who may have taken a gap year, needed more time to prepare, or wanted to save money. Some even had strong GPAs and AP scores but didn’t get into their top-choice schools, so they come to community college to reapply later,” said Brooke Sauter, a counselor at Saddleback College.

For students who are obtaining their bachelors degree, they usually complete their general education requirements over two years before transferring to a university. Many community colleges such as Saddleback have transfer agreements with nearby universities that guarantee admission if certain requirements are met.

The average cost for attending a community college for two years prior to attending a university is $67,000 in California. This is significantly cheaper than attending a university all four years, saving a total of $51,000, according to David Herman at Yahoo Finance.

This makes it possible to graduate with little to no debt while still earning the same degree as those who spent all four years at a university. As well as providing the flexibility for students to work, save, or explore their interests before transferring.

Community colleges also provide a more personal learning environment, smaller class sizes, and professors who often focus primarily on teaching rather than research. This can make the transition from high school easier and provide more support for students.

While community college may not be the perfect fit for every student, it deserves more recognition. Students often dismiss it because of social pressure to attend a four year university. However, community college can allow students to grow academically and personally with lesser financial burden and greater flexibility.

“Everyone has their own reason for attending community college, and I think it’s a good fit for really anyone,” said Sauter.