Community College Degrees: Which Ones are the Most Useful?

Hi! I've been considering going to community college first before transferring to a four-year school, mainly due to the financial aspect. What community college degrees have you found to be the most useful, and why?

The usefulness of a community college degree can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as your career goals, the job market, and the field of study. However, here are some degrees that are commonly recognized for their usability.

1. Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN): Many community colleges offer this two-year program, which can lead to a decent starting salary and provides a significant stepping-stone for those planning to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) or beyond.

2. Business Administration: This is a versatile degree that can open up a plethora of entry-level management and administrative positions in various industries. Moreover, the skills you learn, such as accounting or marketing, can be useful if you decide to start your own business.

3. Computer Science or Information Technology: Given the increasing demand for IT professionals, an associate's degree in this field can offer valuable skills and a competitive edge. This degree can prepare you for a range of roles in tech companies, or even in the IT departments of non-tech organizations.

4. Engineering: Some community colleges offer pre-engineering associate degree programs that can be a great foundation if you plan to transfer to a university to earn a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Depending on the field of engineering, the demand, and salary prospects can be quite strong.

5. Health Science: This degree can lead to jobs as health educators, medical and health service managers, or medical records and health information technicians. These roles are valuable in our aging society and the increasing need for efficiency and efficacy in healthcare.

Remember, even though these degrees can be valuable, it's crucial to research your local job market and universities that you plan to transfer to ensure that the degree will meet your personal goals. Do verify that credits from your community college program will transfer appropriately to your intended four-year institution.