Community College
There are many reasons why you may want to consider a community college. You may be working toward a transfer degree or getting an certification to move more rapidly out into the work force. Whatever the reason, Oregon is rich with community colleges that offer a myriad of options -- some even have co-enrollment with area 4 year colleges. Below are some reasons to consider a community college, followed by contact information for all Oregon community colleges.
Your wallet will thank you.
If the price tag associated with a traditional 4 year college is daunting, you may want to consider the financial savings of attending a community college. Since most schools have students completing general education requirements the first two years, consider the savings of doing them from a community college at half the cost -- not to mention the added savings of being able to live at home during that time. If you attend community college in Oregon directly after high school, you may be eligible for the Oregon Promise Grant, a two year state grant that helps to cover tuition costs for students with a 2.0 GPA.
You have your eye on a certification program.
You want to get out of school and start earning a good wage. Community colleges have certificate options that provide intensive training in specialized fields like emergency medical technician, computer-assisted drafting, hospitality management, pharmacy technician, dental assistant or paralegal studies to name just a few. These certificates usually take six months to a year to complete.
You need time to think about what you want.
Many graduating high school students feel pressure to know what they want to study, but most do not. A community college is a great place for career exploration, which is important since most students switch majors at least once during their college years. After a year or two of classes at a community college, you're likely to have a much better idea of where you want college to take you.
Your class schedule fits your busy life.
Not everyone has the luxury of being "just" a college student. You may need to make college fit in with a job or family responsibilities. With classes in the evening, on weekends, and even online, community colleges offer the flexibility to help you proceed with your education while doing the other things you need to do in your life.
You can strengthen your academic standing.
If your academic record isn't as strong as you are capable of, a community college is a great place to buckle down and work toward a transfer degree to the college of your dreams. Take two years to prepare yourself for a successful admission application as a transfer student.
Portland Area Community Colleges
Portland Community College
Clackamas Community College - Oregon City
Mt. Hood Community College - Gresham
Clark College - Vancouver, WA
Oregon Community Colleges with on-Campus Housing
Central Oregon Community College - Bend
Columbia Gorge Community College - The Dalles
Southwestern Oregon Community College - Coos Bay
Treasure Valley Community College - Ontario
Other Oregon Community Colleges
Blue Mountain Community College - Pendleton
Chemeketa Community College - Salem
Clatsop Community College - Astoria
Klamath Community College - Klamath Falls
Lane Community College - Eugene
Linn-Benton Community College - Albany
Oregon Coast Community College - Newport
Rogue Community College - Grants Pass
Tillamook Bay Community College - Tillamook
Umpqua Community College - Roseburg