WHAT IS A COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
A community college is a public institution of higher education that typically serves the local community. Community college are also known as junior colleges or technical colleges. They offer a variety of programs, including:
- Associate Degrees: The most common degrees offered at community colleges, usually taking two years to complete
- Certificates: Often can be earned in one year or less
- Bachelor's Degrees: Some community colleges offer four-year bachelor's degrees in certain majors
- Technical and Vocational Programs: These programs are often linked to local employers, community groups, and high schools
- Community Programs: These programs can include resume help for job seekers or swim classes for children
- Continuing Education Programs for adults
WHAT ARE OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES?
While students can attend any community college that meets their needs and supports their interests, these are the community colleges that Northwood students typically attend:
- Irvine Valley College (IVC)
- Santiago Canyon College (SCC)
- Orange Coast College (OCC)
- Saddleback College
- Golden West College
WHY CHOOSE A COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
- Affordability
- Personalized Attention and Smaller Class Sizes
- Career and Educational Path Exploration
- Ability to complete general education requirements before committing to a four-year college
- Professional certificates
- Transfer agreements or a second chance at a first-choice college
- Honors programs
- 116 campuses throughout the state of California