Community college is a great place for people with disabilities to begin their post secondary education.
With so many options, including four-year colleges and universities, trade schools and technical colleges, what is it about your neighborhood community college that is attracting more and more people with disabilities? We came up with ten good reasons to check out the community college option.

1.    Disability Support Services. Most community colleges offer a full range of disability support services, including assistive devices, accommodations for a personal care attendant, financial aid, health services, interpreters, testing options, guide dogs and much more.

2.    Cost. The average annual tuition and fees at a community college will set you back $2,402. Compare that with average in-state tuition and fees at a public four-year institution ($6,585), or costs for out-of-state students ($17,452), and the same tuition and fees in a private college or university ($25,143).

You could attend community college for 10 years and not pay as much as you would for a single year at a private institution! Additionally, see if you qualify for federal financial aid, including loans and grants.

3.    Enrollment Requirements. Most community colleges have an open enrollment policy that doesn’t discriminate against applicants with a GED. If hospitalizations or attention disorder caused you to do poorly in high school, you can probably still get in here.

4.    Entrance Exams. Didn’t take the SAT or ACT for college placement (although a student with disability can take either or both with accommodations)? Most community colleges use a placement exam for determining which class fits your ability in math, reading and English.

5.    Programs. Whether you’re interested in getting a two-year technical degree for more immediate employability, or you’re looking for an inexpensive way to start working on your bachelor’s degree, your community college likely has a program for you.

6.    Course Availability. Community colleges often cater to working adults, meaning that classes are offered online or in a variety of locations both on and off campus. Classes might start as early as 7 a.m. and go as late as 10 p.m. to accommodate schedules, including those of students with disabilities.

7.    Location. Because they are meant to be accessible, most community colleges are located within a metro area served by public transportation. Because the student can live at home while attending school, costs for room and board are minimized.

8.    Class Size. Community colleges tend not to have the 200-student mass lectures that are typical at four-year institutions. Classes average a total of 20 to 40 students, allowing for individualized attention.

9.    Community Feel. Because they are local and relatively inexpensive, students are more likely to know someone who has gone to community college or someone with whom they’ll be attending. It can be a comforting feeling to have a friend on campus, and to be familiar with the location of the school.

10.    Program Length. Most, if not all, programs at the community college level are for two years, thus leading to quicker employment or less time spent at a more expensive four-year institution.