on Pennsylvania Colleges, College Admissions, and College Life
Options and Opportunity at Pennsylvania 2 Year Colleges
by Paul D. Rosevear
Pennsylvania 2 year colleges offer countless students what they desire when taking their academic or career goals to the next level: a blend of educational opportunity, affordability, and efficiency.
By The Thousands
Savvy students are no strangers to the option of attending 2 year colleges in Pennsylvania. At some schools, like the community college of Allegheny County, up to 80,000 students enroll annually to take advantage of the schools' 170 academic programs and professional development courses. In addition to a wide host of traditional academic coursework in fields like history, economics, and English, you'll find more specific job-oriented training in fields like nursing, aviation, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Whether your interest is in preparing for a very specific job market, or paving the way for continued academic study, you'll find the coursework you need at a 2 year college in Pennsylvania.
Career-Conscious Coursework
The beauty of the programming offered at many Pennsylvania 2 year colleges is that much of it is hands-on and career-oriented. For those students who don't want to spend time learning more theoretical or academic concepts, there is a 2 year college in Pennsylvania that can address any specific industry-based goals you may have. Schools like Butler Community College specialize in training students for careers in computer forensics, massage therapy, and metrology. For the student who wants to hone in on a very specific career focus, a Pennsylvania 2 year college might be the perfect solution.
The Transfer Trend
Other students at Pennsylvania 2 year colleges plan to use their experience as a transitory one, preparing them to advance onto a 4 year college. Bucks County Community College, one of Commonwealth's earliest community colleges, specializes in providing students with a solid foundation for when they transfer to another institution. Particular programs in the liberal arts like business and education lay the groundwork for students to confidently complete their education at a different institution, knowing that they've gotten a competitive start. This also affords many students the chance to explore a few different disciplines before they commit to one subject of focus.
Up Close and Personal
Many students prefer the intimate learning environment that 2 year colleges in Pennsylvania can provide. At schools like Montgomery County Community college, the student to faculty ratio is 16:1, offering one-on-one and personal learning experiences to it's 16,000-plus students. Not only is the student to faculty ratio low at many 2 year colleges in Pennsylvania, but so are the prices. For most students, cost is an issue and Pennsylvania 2 year colleges offer an alternative to some of the pricier 4 year institutions.