Community College
The Basics
Kim Downey, Counselor
Community College Degree Options
 1- or 2-Year Technical Degree or Certificate
 Gain technical skills in a specific area
 Get job in industry immediately after graduation
 Work on credits to transfer for a 4-year degree
 Goal = transfer to 4-year college or university
 General education classes
 Earn dual high school & college credit
 Expanded Options & Advanced Diploma programs
Certificates & Associates of
Applied Science (AAS)
What it is
Examples
 1 or 2-year degree programs
 Automotive Technology
 Learn technical skills specific
 Culinary Arts
to an occupation
 Very hands-on
 Complete necessary training &
licensing for occupation
 Goal = job in industry
immediately after graduation
 Computer & Information
Systems
 Dental Assisting
 Fire Science
 Nursing
 Veterinary Technician
Transfer Programs
(AAOT or AS)
What it is
Examples
 Associate’s degree
 Anthropology
 General education courses &
 Biological Sciences
foundational courses for a specific
subject area or university major
 Goal = transfer to 4-year university for
bachelor’s degree or higher
 AAOT – Junior status @ OR public
universities & some others
 AS – meets gen. ed. requirements,
not guaranteed Junior status
(engineering, science, business)
 OTM (Oregon Transfer Module) - First
year gen. ed.
 Engineering
 English/Literature
 Pre-Law
 Psychology
 Pre-Veterinary
Advanced Diploma &
Expanded Options
 RPA pays for your student’s tuition, fees, and books at
COCC!
 Same programs, slightly different paperwork
 Technically stay an RPA student, but are working toward a
degree by taking COCC classes
 “Dual-enrolled”
 Receive RPA High School diploma @ end of 5th year
 Can be finished with HS credits, or take classes @ RPA
while also taking classes & earning credit @ COCC!
This is still College!!
Advanced Diploma & Expanded Options are still
COLLEGE!!
The grades and completion rate you earn will impact your student’s
college transcript
FOREVER!!
But, all the benefits of pursuing college still apply!
Pros and Cons of Community
College
Pros
 Cost is significantly less
 Avg. community college tuition
= $4,500
 U of O = $9,900
 *financial aid applies to both
 Stay close to home
 (can be a Con as well…)
 Flexibility of scheduling
 Degree in 2 years
 Hands-on, practical training
Cons
 Limitations of degree programs
 Limitations of course offerings
 Not all courses transfer
 Limitations of campus
involvement
 Commuter campuses
 Sports/activites/clubs
 Lack of research
 Student population
 Different ages
 Different goals & priorities
Steps for Community College Next
Year:
1. Contact your student’s Advisor
2. Encourage your student to attend COCC College 101 Dec.
12th 9:00am – 2:00pm (RPA will take a bus!)
3. Fill out the FAFSA – beginning Jan. 1st
Sometimes grants can offer more money than we can!
4. Attend Advanced Diploma Info. Night – Spring Term
5. Complete necessary paperwork with your student – Spring
Term
6. Support your student in passing all classes this year and
working toward graduation!
Questions?