Don't believe
recent headlines that insinuate you will earn less money if you graduate from a community college than if you enroll and complete your degree at a four-year college. These sensationalist articles are oversimplified claims drawn from a much larger,
in-depth study by Natalia Kolesnikova, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis . Though publications like USA Today are claiming that this proves a "community college penalty", it is important for students and parents to see the bigger picture in this discussion.
The study cited by reporters is actually not slamming
community college education at all. Rather, the research suggests that
community colleges are vehicles of upward
economic mobility. A careful reading of the report shows that there are fundamental differences between the community college population and the four-year college population, and these differences -- not
community college enrollment -- account for the later income disparity.
In truth, the study shows that there are many factors determining future income that go beyond where you begin your college education. These include:
Your Level of College Preparation
Why this factor matters: If you have a strong academic profile with good grades, challenging courses, and great test scores, you are more likely to succeed no matter what type of college you enroll in. "Open enrollment” policies at community colleges mean that the admissions standards are pretty lenient and your level of college preparation does not have to be competitive. However, if you are a strong student who chooses a community college transfer path (even though you were accepted to colleges with competitive admissions), then this community college “penalty”, may not apply to you!
Family Support for College Education
Why this factor matters: If you and your family believe in the value of a college education and are committed to the completion of your degree, then you are more likely to succeed in any college environment. Sometimes, community college students are going where no one else in their family has gone before: college. It is understandable that first generation students are pioneers who have a lot of uncharted territory to cover. One thing is for certain, students who attend college earn more money over their lifetimes than students who stop at high school graduation.
The College Major that you Choose
Why this factor matters: If you choose a college major that will prepare you for a more lucrative career, you will end up earning more income. Statistically, community college transfer students tend to choose college majors that lead to careers with lower earning potential. This is a matter of choice: you have a ton of options when it comes to choosing a college major that will prepare you for your future career. Choose a major based upon your strengths and interests.
Where You are in Life
Why this factor matters: If you enroll in college straight out of high school, you are more likely to be able to focus on your education and career planning without the added responsibilities of children and a demanding full-time job. Community colleges attract students of all ages in a variety of family and career circumstances. All of these factors affect post-graduate opportunities and career mobility.
Truth: The assertion that community college transfer students earn less than start-to-finish four-year college graduates may be true overall, but it can't be applied to everyone who chooses this route since future income is influenced by multiple variables. Depending on how you and your family approach your college education, this statement might be a myth when applied to you as an individual.
The most important thing to remember is that you have many college options that will serve you well in your future life and career. If you find that starting at a community college is the best option for you and your family, don’t be discouraged by these media distortions. Go to college and apply yourself, and you will have every opportunity to become successful!