--- title: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Community Colleges description: It's no secret that community colleges are affordable, flexible and provide easy ways to transfer. But did you know that more than 7.4 million students across the country attend community college each year? Learn more about community colleges in this blog. image: https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/JolietJuniorCollege-December-2017/pic%20for%20spanish%20page.jpg --- [Joliet Junior College Home Page ![Joliet Junior College Home Page](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/RGB%20JJC%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.svg)](https://jjc.edu/) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1) - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - 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[Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) Search Together we can find what you're looking for: Enter your search term: Search Close Search - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search # JJC Blog Learn more about student life and what you can accomplish at Joliet Junior College in our blog. # 5 Things You Didn't Know About Community Colleges Posted by [Sam Sottosanto](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-sottosanto) on Apr 23, 2018 8:05:00 AM ![Sam Sottosanto](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![5 things community college jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/5%20things%20community%20college.jpg?width=685&height=221&name=5%20things%20community%20college.jpg) It's no secret that community colleges are [affordable](http://jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-school), offer [flexibility](http://jjc.edu/academics/online-learning), provide easy ways to [transfer](http://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/transfer-information) and are made up of a diverse student body, from those right out of high school to returning adults.  But did you know that there are more than [1,460 community colleges in the United States](https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/cclo/ccfacts.html)? Illinois, California, New York, Texas and North Carolina house the most community colleges in the country. Take a look at our list below to learn even more about community colleges.  ********1. On average, 7.4 million students across the United States attend community college each year.******** In addition to that number, [5 million more sign up for community college non-credit courses](https://www.readspeaker.com/10-facts-about-community-college-students/). The average age of a community college student is 28. Want to learn about JJC's non-credit courses? Visit [jjc.edu/LLC](http://jjc.edu/LLC). ![5 things community college jjc joliet junior college 7.4 million attend](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/walking%20miami%20GIF%20by%20FIU-source.gif?width=400&height=225&name=walking%20miami%20GIF%20by%20FIU-source.gif)   ********2. More than half of community college students go to school part-time.******** About [60 percent](https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2017/09/08/report-part-time-students-overlooked), to be exact. This may be a testament to the flexibility that many community colleges offer. Learn more about JJC's flexible class options [here](http://jjc.edu/academics/online-learning). ![5 things community college jjc joliet junior college part time](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/university%20college%20london%20writing%20GIF%20by%20UCL%20Institute%20of%20Education-source.gif?width=400&height=400&name=university%20college%20london%20writing%20GIF%20by%20UCL%20Institute%20of%20Education-source.gif)    ********3. Community colleges offer smaller class sizes compared to most four-year universities.******** According to the [Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System](https://study.com/blog/community-college-vs-university-the-big-differences.html), you're more likely to receive individualized attention at a community college. On average, community college class sizes range from 25-35 students. Four year schools have an average of 150-300 students per class. ![5 things community college jjc joliet junior college small class size](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/ap%20bio%20GIF%20by%20NBC-source%20(1).gif?width=400&height=225&name=ap%20bio%20GIF%20by%20NBC-source%20(1).gif)   ********4. You can still get a high-paying job with a two-year associate degree.******** The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that web developer positions had a 2017 median pay of [more than $67,000 a year](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm). Diagnostic medical sonographers make [more than $65,000 a year](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm), and radiologic technologists make [more than $60,000 a year](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm). The best part? All of these careers only require an associate degree. To learn more about the high paying, in-demand careers you can get with an associate degree, click [here](https://blog.jjc.edu/eight-in-demand-high-paying-jobs-you-can-get-with-a-jjc-degree). ![5 things community college jjc joliet junior college high paying job associate degree](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/money%20cash%20GIF-source.gif?width=400&height=225&name=money%20cash%20GIF-source.gif)   ********5. Most of today's registered nurses got their start at a community college.******** [And they're not alone.](https://blog.frontrange.edu/2013/07/22/things-you-didnt-know-about-community-colleges/) Firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs are also more likely to attend community college. Visit [jjc.edu/nursing](http://www.jjc.edu/nursing) or [jjc.edu/academics/health-and-public-services](http://jjc.edu/academics/health-and-public-services) to learn more about how you can start a career in these fields at JJC. ![5 things community college jjc joliet junior college registered nurses emt law enforcement](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/ask%20the%20storybots%20health%20GIF%20by%20StoryBots-source.gif?width=400&height=225&name=ask%20the%20storybots%20health%20GIF%20by%20StoryBots-source.gif)   ****![JJC photo 1901 high school 115 years](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Joliet_High_School_1901.jpg?width=356&name=Joliet_High_School_1901.jpg "JJC photo 1901 high school 115 years") Did You Know...**** Did you know that JJC was the first community college in the U.S.? The very first JJC classes took place at Joliet High School in 1901 (pictured above). Want to learn more about our rich history? Visit [this blog](https://blog.jjc.edu/celebrate-jjcs-115-anniversary-through-photos) to learn more and view some of our photos from the archives.     **Related Posts** [What You May Not Know About JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/what-you-may-not-know-about-jjc)[10 Famous JJC Alumni](https://blog.jjc.edu/10-famous-jjc-alumni)[7 Celebrities Who Attended Community College](https://blog.jjc.edu/7-celebrities-who-attended-community-college)[Celebrate JJC's 115th Anniversary Through Photos](https://blog.jjc.edu/celebrate-jjcs-115-anniversary-through-photos)[8 In-Demand, High Paying Jobs You Can Get with a JJC Degree](https://blog.jjc.edu/eight-in-demand-high-paying-jobs-you-can-get-with-a-jjc-degree)[5 In-Demand Career Education Jobs You Can Get with a JJC Degree](https://blog.jjc.edu/5-local-in-demand-career-education-jobs-you-can-get-with-a-jjc-degree-0)   \*\*\* **Like this post? 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