When imagining the future, most students don’t include community college in their post-high school plans. They dream of going to a four-year college like Lehigh, Temple, Penn State, or Pittsburgh. However, when it’s time to get serious about going to college, you may realize it is a good option to begin your education at a community college.

REASON #1: It is A LOT cheaper.

Community colleges are a lot cheaper than four-year colleges. In college, you have to pay for your classes, books, room, and tuition. Plus when you’re done with college you have to pay student loans. If you attend community college, you won’t have to pay as much. It may be financially wiser to attend community college for general education classes rather than paying the costs of state college and university rates.

You can save money when you take classes that aren’t related to your major. Students in their freshman and sophomore years take general education classes, then in their junior year, they start taking classes that are related to their major.

If you attended a high school that supports Lehigh Carbon Community College, that only costs 1,900 dollars per semester. Northampton Community College costs 1,955 dollars for students who live in Northampton County that are enrolled in 12-18 credit hours.

“I would rather spend the least money possible,” senior Jacob Steirer said. “When you graduate, you don’t want to be drowned in debt.”

REASON #2: Community College gives the time to decide your major.

Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in your life. You should have as much time as you need in order to decide on what career you want to pursue. Students at four-year universities often experience stress when deciding on a major.

Why spend more money at a four-year college if you are unsure of a major?

“Community college provides students with a little extra time with what they want to do,” guidance counselor Mr. Carl Crouse said. “They can go there undeclared, meaning they don’t have a major. They just take the general education courses required for most bachelor degrees. It offers them more time to research their career options.”

REASON #3: Smaller classrooms.

It can be hectic when you’re in a class with a hundred other students. It can also be annoying when you don’t even know your professor. At community colleges, classes are smaller, and you are more likely to get to know your professor. You can also get more help from your professor.

“Smaller classrooms can be more focused on the student,” senior Noah Lycett said. “It’s more interactive, and you can ask more questions.”

REASON #4: You get a feel for what college is like.

While saving money, you get to feel what college is like. If you don’t like the college experience for any reason, guess what? You don’t have to go to college. There are other options out there. There are jobs that don’t require a college degree. What’s the benefit about attending community college over a four-year college if you don’t like it?

“I am glad I started out at a community college,” special education teacher Mrs. Rose Touma said . “I thought I wanted to be a dental hygienist, but when I realized that’s not what I wanted to do, I was able to take different general education classes to assist me in choosing a career. It made the transition smoother by not spending as much money and it better prepared me for a four-year college.”

REASON #5: It’s an easier transition.

The community college lifestyle is more relaxed than at a four-year college. Some community colleges have good support to help you make the transition.

College is a huge step from high school. Assignments are a lot harder and require a lot more effort. You have to do all the reading on your own. Not all homework is graded.

Many college freshmen realize once they get there, no one will tell you to do your work or go to class. It’s up to you if you want to succeed. Your teachers and parents have probably told you that.

Kaelee Rupell, a 2014 Southern Lehigh graduate who transferred to East Stroudsburg University, started out at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

“You get to go home every night. You still get college experience,” Rupell said. “You don’t get homesick. If you live at dorms, you live close enough to go home.”

If you are a senior, talk with your parents and your guidance counselor about your options. You may find that community college is the best choice for you.