--- title: Why Attending Community College is One of the Smartest Decisions You Can Make description: Choosing the right college can be stressful. As the nation's first public community college, take it from us - attending community college is one of the smartest decisions you can make. image: https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/community_college_smart.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) - [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) 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. # Why Attending Community College is One of the Smartest Decisions You Can Make Posted by [Sam Sottosanto](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-sottosanto) on Aug 8, 2016 12:28:01 PM ![Sam Sottosanto](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Why Attending Community College is One of the Smartest Decisions You Can Make Image](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/community_college_smart.jpg?width=598&name=community_college_smart.jpg "Why Attending Community College is One of the Smartest Decisions You Can Make Image") Whether you’ve just graduated from high school or are looking to change careers, choosing the right college is a big decision.  Our advice is simple. Ask yourself: what is your end goal? We’re going to guess that A.) you want to obtain a degree so you can earn enough to live comfortably, and B.) you want to work in a field you’re passionate about. As the nation's first public community college, take it from us - community colleges can provide those two things for you whether you choose to transfer or not.  Here’s why we think attending a community college is one of the smartest decisions you can make: **1. You Can Get a Good Paying Job** Careers in [sonography](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm) ($63,630 a year), [HVAC](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm) ($45,110 a year), [licensed practical nursing](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm) ($43,170 a year), [web development](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm) ($64,970 a year), and [fire science](http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm) ($46,870 a year) among many others, only require an associate degree. ![make money meme smart decision community college jjc](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/money_meme.jpg?width=269&name=money_meme.jpg "make money meme smart decision community college jjc")   **2. Get a Job in Your Field Earlier** By earning an associate degree first, you may get the opportunity to work in your chosen field early as you continue toward your bachelor’s degree. For example, [JJC nursing grads](https://go.jjc.edu/learn-the-top-eight-healthcare-jobs-for-2015?__hssc=&__hstc=267279889.75cb5e836d7ae366139ae0ba62880faf.1467920756820.1470229679260.1470246881326.26&hsCtaTracking=b1272562-d18c-4cb5-aee8-b896e33ae0ef%7C4825cead-1fd9-48c4-aca1-b7cb16f3fd47) can get RN hospital jobs with their associate degrees as they continue their education at a four-year school. ![supernatural we got work to do meme community college smart decision jjc](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/SUPERNATURAL_WORK.jpg?width=356&name=SUPERNATURAL_WORK.jpg "supernatural we got work to do meme community college smart decision jjc") **3. There's No Judging** Because there is such a diverse student population with many people coming from different walks of life, at community college campuses like JJC, there are no judgements. Whether you’re a returning adult student or someone who needs a little extra tutoring, among others, there are no labels here: just students. ![Elf love you jjc community college smart decision](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/ELF_LOVE.jpg?width=251&name=ELF_LOVE.jpg "Elf love you jjc community college smart decision") **4. Small Class Sizes** At JJC, the student-to-teacher ratio is 30 to 1. Take this statistic and compare it to many popular four-year public universities, and it’s easy to see where you’re going to receive more, individualized attention – and at a much more affordable rate than at private institutions. ![boy meets world community college smart decision joliet junior college mr. feeny](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/BOY_MEETS_WORLD.jpg?width=385&name=BOY_MEETS_WORLD.jpg "boy meets world community college smart decision joliet junior college mr. feeny") **5. The Opportunity to Go to a Better Four-Year School** If you couldn’t get into your dream school, attending community college gives you a second chance. While at JJC, you have time to start from scratch with your GPA and bring it up so you can transfer to where you’ve always wanted to go.   ![legally blonde graduation joliet junior college community college smart decision](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/LEGALLY_BLONDE_MEME.png?width=356&name=LEGALLY_BLONDE_MEME.png "legally blonde graduation joliet junior college community college smart decision") **6. Affordability** It’s no secret that you’ll [save thousands of dollars](http://www.jjc.edu/accounts-payments/Pages/tuition.aspx) by attending community college. At JJC, you can save $27,000+ over the course of two years compared to attending an Illinois public four-year university. ![big bang theory shelden cooper joliet junior college and that's how it's done community college smart decision](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/HOW_ITS_DONE_BIG_BANG.jpg?width=365&name=HOW_ITS_DONE_BIG_BANG.jpg "big bang theory shelden cooper joliet junior college and that's how it's done community college smart decision") **7. Flexibility** Since many community college students have full-time jobs and other commitments, flexibility is a crucial part of campus life. We know you have a busy schedule, so [JJC offers classes](https://eresources.jjc.edu/WAPROD/WebAdvisor?TOKENIDX=8124485411&SS=1&APP=ST&CONSTITUENCY=WBAP) in the evening, on weekends, and online – making it as easy as possible for you to attend classes. JJC also offers [hybrid courses](https://jjc.edu/online-learning), which means students come on campus for part of the time, and complete the remainder of their work as they would in an online class. ![awesome sauce community college smart decision jjc](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/AWESOME_SAUCE.jpg?width=243&name=AWESOME_SAUCE.jpg "awesome sauce community college smart decision jjc")   **Related Posts**[15 Rites of Passage for JJC Students](https://blog.jjc.edu/15-rites-of-passage-for-jjc-students)[13 Services JJC Offers You That You Didn't Know About](https://blog.jjc.edu/13-services-jjc-offers-you-that-you-didnt-know-about)[7 Ways to Know You've Chosen the Right Major](https://blog.jjc.edu/7-ways-to-know-youve-chosen-the-right-major)[5 Things to Do During Your First Week at JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/five-things-to-do-during-your-first-week-at-jjc)[10 Unique Classes You Can Take at JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/10-unique-classes-you-can-take-at-jjc)   \*\*\* **Like this post? Check out:**   [![Learn How to Get Started: JJC Nursing](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/487869/b1272562-d18c-4cb5-aee8-b896e33ae0ef.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/487869/b1272562-d18c-4cb5-aee8-b896e33ae0ef) Tags: [For New Students](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/for-new-students) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Just for Fun (67)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun) - [Tips & Tricks (67)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/tips-tricks) - [About JJC (65)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/about-jjc) - [For New Students (52)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/for-new-students) - [Community (32)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/community) - [Careers (26)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/careers) - [JJC Experts (18)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjc-experts) - [Student Services (18)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-services) - [Holidays (17)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/holidays) - [Summer (16)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/summer) - [In-Demand Jobs (14)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/in-demand-jobs) - [Online Learning (14)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/online-learning) - [Money Saving Tips (13)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/money-saving-tips) - [COVID-19 (8)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/covid-19) - [Majors (7)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/majors) - [Study Abroad (7)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/study-abroad) - [Student Voices (6)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-voices) - [Financial Aid (5)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/financial-aid) - [Healthcare (5)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/healthcare) - [Culinary (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/culinary) - [FAFSA (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/fafsa) - [History (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/history) - [MakerLab (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/makerlab) - [Mental Health (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/mental-health) - [Recipes (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/recipes) - [Safety Tips (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/safety-tips) - [#BelongAtJJC (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/belongatjjc) - [Art (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/art) - [Automotive (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/automotive) - [Continuing Education (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/continuing-education) - [Corporate and Community Services (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/corporate-and-community-services) - [Radiologic Technology (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/radiologic-technology) - [Romeoville Campus (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/romeoville-campus) - [Scholarships (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/scholarships) - [Theatre (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/theatre) - [Transfer (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/transfer) - [Virtual Tours (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/virtual-tours) - [Wiley's Pack (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/wileys-pack) - [#JJCHeroes2020 (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjcheroes2020) - [Adult Education (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/adult-education) - [Application (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/application) - [Athletics (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/athletics) - [Bookstore (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/bookstore) - [CDL (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/cdl) - [Cleared4 (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/cleared4) - [Disability Services (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/disability-services) - [EEAS (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/eeas) - [English as a Second Language (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/english-as-a-second-language) - [Fine Arts (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/fine-arts) - [High School Equivalency (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/high-school-equivalency) - [JJC Alumni (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjc-alumni) - [Job Fair (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/job-fair) - [Music (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/music) - [Respiratory Therapy (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/respiratory-therapy) - [Resume (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/resume) - [Social Media (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/social-media) - [Student Ambassadors (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-ambassadors) - [Supply Chain Management (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/supply-chain-management) - [Virtual (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/virtual) - [graduation (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/graduation) see all [![Joliet Junior College](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Logos/RGB%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.png)](https://jjc.edu/) 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL, 60431 [815.729.9020](tel:815.729.9020) - [Visit us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JolietJuniorCollege) - [Visit us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/jolietjrcollege/) - [Visit us on X](https://twitter.com/JolietJrCollege) - [Visit us on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@jolietjrcollege?) - [Visit us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/JolietJrCollege) - [Visit us on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jolietjuniorcollege/sets/) - [Contact Us](https://www.jjc.edu/contact-us) - [Academic Calendar](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-calendar) - [JJC News & Events](https://jjc.edu/news-events) - [College Catalog](http://catalog.jjc.edu/) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Employment](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Privacy Statement](https://jjc.edu/jjc-privacy-statement) - [Accessibility](https://jjc.edu/accessibility) - [Directory](https://jjc.edu/directory) - [Right To Know](https://jjc.edu/right-know-information) - [Title IX](http://www.jjc.edu/title-ix) © 2024 Joliet Junior College All Rights Reserved location time logo-full alert arrow calendar check close cta-chat cta-pencil cta-pin facebook flickr google-plus home instagram logo-shield menu minus number-one pinterest play plus plus2 search stat-1 stat-2 stat-3 twitter vine youtube tiktok