Prospective engineers seeking to begin their educational and professional journeys in the United States may be discouraged by the high expense of attending a four-year college or university. With community college tuition rates at a fraction of those found at other institutions, however, many engineering students are considering the variety of benefits of earning an associates degree, which could then be transferred towards a baccalaureate program.

Several programs in engineering science technology may be found at community colleges located throughout the country. As an example, the New Hampshire Community Technical College (NHCTC) System offers degrees in architectural, computer, electronic, manufacturing and mechanical engineering technologies at its Concord campus. The System also offers automotive, aviation, computer, electronic, marine, office, surgical, telecommunications, welding, and radiological technologies at other sites throughout the state.

New Hampshire is typical of states in the US offering a community college choice. Backed by state support, campuses are usually placed at a variety of locations, providing students with several geographical and academic options. Oftentimes, community colleges have arrangements with four-year programs within the same state, while others may have agreements with private colleges or universities.

Community colleges take pride in developing relationships with other entities based within their communities. Partnerships with local businesses and industries enable students to benefit from the expertise of professionals already working within the field. While campuses may offer state-of-the-art equipment, corporate work sites are sometimes made available for additional instruction opportunities, promoting first-hand experience as a critical component of programs in the engineering fields. Such experiential learning can be
invaluable in applying academics to real-work situations, and is a hallmark of community college engineering technology programs.

Small class sizes typical of community colleges enable students in engineering technology and other programs of study to receive training on a more individualized basis. Students are also able to become familiar with the faculty much more quickly at a two-year college. The opportunity for a faculty member to serve as a club advisor or athletic coach lessens impersonal barriers which could easily exist in a larger institution.

Another benefit of an education at a community college is that, while graduates have the option of transferring their credits to further their education, they also have the training and college degree to immediately enter the work force. NHCTC, for instance, claims an extraordinary placement rate of over 90% for those seeking employment following graduation.

The community college option is extremely attractive, when compared to enrolling in a baccalaureate engineering program but being unable to continue after completing the first two years, be it for financial or personal reasons. Alternatively, upon successfully completing two years of study at a community college, a graduate will hold an associate degree in one of the highly-employable engineering technology fields.

There are several advantages for those seeking an education in the United States to look to community colleges to begin their college career. Affordability, employability, personalized attention, and transferability make earning an associates degree at a community college a smart choice for students interested in a solid educational foundation, which can support academic and professional success in the engineering fields.

Authors
Theresa Novak Chabot & Michael Moffett
NH Community Technical College System