For new high-school graduates and adults already in the job market alike, the question of furthering your education can weigh heavily on the mind. Should you enroll in a four-year university? Or should you consider a two-year associate’s degree at a community college instead?

Continuing your education either way will certainly enhance your value in the job market, but while both options have their benefits, enrolling in a community college may be the best choice for many people. Here are some reasons why:

Community college offers smoother transition for high school grads

High school seniors go from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a huge ocean, and this transition can be very difficult for some students. The smaller campuses and class sizes are a gentler introduction to college life, allowing younger students a better opportunity to adjust to greater independence and heavier workloads.

Greater individual instruction at a community college

Because universities are typically so much larger than two-year junior colleges, class sizes are much larger and personal instruction is less possible. This is especially true of most the pre-requisite courses taken during the first few years, which are typically held in large auditoriums. Smaller two-year colleges, on the other hand, offer the same courses in much smaller classes, with more opportunity for personal interaction with instructors and other students. Since oftentimes the instructors at community colleges are active in the workforce themselves, this one-on-one interaction with the professors gives you access to more real-world experience.

Community college prices are more affordable

Some recent sources indicate that the average annual cost of attending a community college can be as little as one third the cost of a year at a four-year university, placing a much lighter financial burden on families and your budget.

Easier access

If you do not live in a major metropolitan area, then attending a large university may involve a long commute. However, community colleges are just that: in your community! The convenience of a closer location not only saves time and money in commuting, but also helps those who already have a job and are looking for a career change. Many community colleges offer night and weekend classes, as well as online coursework for even greater flexibility.

Targeted preparation for specific jobs

Attending a four-year university usually involves about two years of taking preparatory pre-requisites for your major course of study. However, at a community college you can begin training in a specific field right away, with more targeted two-year degrees that will jump-start your career much more quickly.

Hot jobs available for community college degree holders

 There may be more well-paying jobs available to two-year Associate Degree holders than you think.  Did you know that a dental hygienist, for example, can make up to $58,000 a year? If you don’t already have a career in mind, talk to a Career Advisor on staff at your local community college for ideas.

For a list of the top 15 highest-paying jobs that are available with an Associate Degree, visit: 15 Hot Jobs for Two-Year Degree and Associate Degree

If you’re undecided about the field you want to enter

Many people, especially recent high-school graduates, may not be quite ready to declare a major course of study. Since in general the first two years of a four-year degree are spent taking general courses required in many fields of study, it makes sense to take these classes at the less expensive junior college.  After two years, if you have a better feel for the field you’d like to enter and decide to continue with a four-year degree, almost all universities will accept your coursework credits from an accredited community college.

1. Dental Hygienist – $58,000

As a dental hygienist you'll help the dentist and perform services such as X-rays and cleaning of the patient's teeth. You will help to instruct them on how to care for their teeth, and will be responsible for collecting information from them during the appointment. Typically a 2-year degree is acceptable for this line of work, which you may be able to obtain through a top online college.

2. Funeral Directors – $49,620

Funeral directors must be able to work with people respectfully and compassionately. They speak with the family and help make arrangements for the funeral. These jobs range from putting an obituary in the local newspaper to planning the date, time, and place of the funeral. Many are also embalmers at their funeral parlor as well.

3. Registered Nurses – $54,190

Registered nurses are in charge of not only collecting information from the payment, but recording the symptoms they are experiencing and performing various medical tests. They may give shots and draw blood.They usually do the tests, and work along side the doctor who does the initial check-up and diagnosis. It is one of the most in demand and sought out jobs today.

4. Engineering Technicians – $45,850

Many engineering technicians work as assistants. They must have a good grasp of math and technical skills as well as science. Primarily they conduct research and assist in development. Experiments may be performed also, but vary greatly by the type of engineering that you choose to do.

5. Court Reporters – $45,610

Court reporters are responsible for recording what is said doing a trial. They will transcribe the conversations, usually by typing them,so they can be reviewed later on. Their job is essential for legal matters as well as helping the trial to be reviewed later in time. If you have held a job that requires excellent typing skills, then you may want to look into a related dress program at a top online college.

6. Radiological Technicians – $48,170

Radiological technicians are responsible for administering materials into the bloodstream of patients, and primarily taking X-rays. They are trained in X-raying different parts of the body and giving the images to the doctor for review.

7. Respiratory Therapists – $40,840

As a respiratory therapist you are responsible for caring for patients with breathing problems. You will evaluate their condition and help with treatment and diagnoses of it. Training for most physical therapists, such as this, are usually 2-years.

8. Science Technicians – $40,629

Technicians help scientists to set up and monitor experiments. They record the findings of their research and at times come up with the conclusions of the experiment, either alone or working with scientists.

9. Heavy Equipment Mechanics – $34,520

Heavy equipment mechanics are responsible for repairing machines,whether on the job or for a private company. They check the machines for problems, and make repairs if necessary. They may have their own shops, or work for a specific company on the job site.

10. Automotive Body Repairers – $38,500

Automotive body repairers work on cars that have been in accidents.They repair dents and make repairs to broken parts of the car or truck. As an automotive body repair person you will be in charge of restoring parts as well as paint jobs to cars that have been wrecked.

11. Paralegals – $50, 670

Paralegals are responsible for helping lawyers in their work. They research laws and past cases that may help in their current case. They are responsible for having a thorough understanding of the current case so that they can inform the lawyer of the details both before and during the hearing. Some paralegals can work as virtual secretaries for lawyers who are more flexible on telecommuting. If you have never held a related job, you can look into a telecommuting program at top online colleges.

12. Cardiovascular Technologists – $42,300

These technologists are responsible for assisting with the treatment and diagnoses of patients with cardiovascular, or heart, problems. They work with a doctor as their assistant.

13. Sales Worker Supervisors  - $33,960

As a sales worker supervisor you are responsible for overseeing the sales going on in various departments. You will also be the one to interview and hire new employees. Many times the supervisor assists in training the new workers. People skills are important in this line of work. The courses required for this degree would be obtainable through a top online college.

14. Machinists – $24,960

Normally working in a factory, machinists are responsible for building a specific metal part. Normally they produce many of the same part during the course of day. They have various mechanical and engineering skills, but must only be able to put together their specific part inmost cases.

15. Surgical Technologists – $36,080

Working under a surgeon, a surgical technologist is an assistant. They help by setting up equipment, and cleaning the patient before surgery. During the surgery itself they monitor the patient's vitals and assist the surgeon.

More Career Choices! (newly added in 2010)

16. Auto Mechanic -  $55,000 to $60,000

An auto mechanic serves by solving problems of vehicles. There is also plenty of room for advancement in the auto mechanic‘s field.