National Retention and Community Colleges

While there are no guarantees and the fear of the grip that debt can put on a person is always imminent, a college degree is still a solid stepping-stone into a brighter future. According to College Board, the average cost of an education has gone up %70 in the past decade. Which has more than doubled the inflation rate of the same time frame. But the average income of someone with that degree is $10,000 dollars more than someone without it.

Another worry of the college student is finishing school. It is a tough enough decision determining whether or not college is right for you. Then on top of that you have to maintain a level of success to ensure graduation. It’s a terrible shame when people go to college for a year or two than drop out and still find them selves in debt, but without a degree. As of 2008 the national average college retention rate was 74.7 percent, and only forty-two percent of people who enter a four-year institution actually graduate.

For those who know that they want to continue their education but are having trouble funding their future, or are intimidated by attending a four-year college, community college is recommended. Community colleges are typically cheaper than public and private colleges. The national average cost of a community college is $2,076, which is more than half as much as the $4,694 tuition cost at a public university. Another benefit to community colleges is they normally are for commuters only. This allows you to save money by avoiding having to pay for room and board and other miscellaneous fees. You are also allowed to complete 2-year associates degrees as well as your typical 4-year bachelors. Community colleges also allow you to work at a more leisurely pace. Many people can continue working jobs and earning money while you complete your degree.