What's the scoop on community colleges in Philadelphia, PA?

I'm checking out community colleges in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and I want to know the best options. Any insight into what each college offers, especially any unique programs?

Sure, I can share some info about prominent community colleges in Philadelphia. Keep in mind that "best" is subjective and depends greatly on what you're looking for specifically in a community college.

1. Community College of Philadelphia (CCP): CCP is the key public community college in the city itself. It offers a wide array of programs, from Business Administration, Nursing, and Computer Science to Liberal Arts. Notably, the college has a dual admissions program with four-year institutions in Pennsylvania like Drexel University and Temple University, allowing students to seamlessly transfer into these universities after completion of their associate's degree while also providing financial benefits.

2. Delaware County Community College (DCCC): Although this isn't right in Philadelphia, it's not too far away, in nearby Media. Delaware CCC has many of the standard course offerings like Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, and Business Administration. They have transfer agreements with a number of colleges, and their New Choices Career Development program stands out for helping adults in transition gain or refine crucial career skills.

3. Montgomery County Community College (MCCC): Again, not exactly in Philadelphia, but worth mentioning given its proximity and offerings. MCCC offers programs such as Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, and Business Administration. Unique to MCCC is the Culinary Arts Institute, which offers notable programs for fields like Baking & Pastry.

4. Bucks County Community College (BCCC): Located in Newtown, BCCC provides an array of programs like Marketing, Social Work (which is designed to set you up to eventually earn a 4-year degree), and STEM fields. They are also known for the Music and Multimedia program, which could be a good fit if you are interested in working in the entertainment industry in some capacity.

Remember to consider the accessibility, cost, and specific program offerings when looking at community colleges. Each of these colleges has its unique strengths and offerings. It's also beneficial to look into the transfer agreements these schools may have with four-year institutions, especially if you plan to transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree after your associates.