Is a JUCO College Right for You?

If you’re ready to move on with your life, and higher education is calling to you: you may think that you only have a handful of options.  There’s a four-year college, a community college, or a trade school: but what if there’s more than that?  JUCOs or junior colleges are an option that many don’t realize is there, but that can help you get on the path you want in life.  Here are some facts about this type of school and why it might be the best fit for you.

What Is a JUCO?

JUCO college is an older term that’s starting to slip back into popular language.  These schools are typically aimed at two years of education in anything ranging from trades to boosting what you learned in high school.  Although many may associate these schools with athletics, there’s a lot more to them than what you initially assume.  Most who attend JUCOs do so right out of high school and then use it as a stepping stone to push them towards their next large life decision.  

What Do You Want From Your Education?

If you’re considering going to a junior college, you must think about what your education as a whole looks like.  If you have a certain degree in mind, and it’s going to take at least four years, a JUCO might not be right for you since it aims for two years.  On the other hand, if you want to get some excellent job training and focus on getting into the workforce faster, this could be a great option.

If you have a long eight-year educational path laid out for you, you don’t necessarily have to rule out a JUCO since most credits transfer, and you can start your education more affordably this way.

What Has Your History Been With School?

How did you do in high school?  How long has it been since you attended?  If you didn’t have an excellent track record in high school or haven’t been in school for over fifteen years, you may want to consider attending a JUCO before jumping into a four-year school.  These junior colleges allow you to get back into the swing of things and possibly beef up your educational background in ways you couldn’t get in high school.  There’s nothing wrong with admitting you need to work on yourself more, and it’s good to take the time to do it.

Where Do You See Yourself In Ten Years?

In ten years, do you see yourself as new to a complicated job after tons of training, or do you see yourself as someone who’s proven their name in a vocation they’ve held for years?  Junior colleges allow students to get into the workforce faster, which will enable them to gain hands-on information that could be harder to learn in a classroom.  If instead, you want to go the slow and steady route through college, a JUCO can still be a fantastic place to start since it can help you get accepted into the school of your dreams!