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Community colleges have been around for almost 120 years, yet we’re still a little misunderstood.

Our story began in Joliet, Illinois, during the dawn of the 20th Century’s national economic boom. The first two-year college was established as a path for all people to achieve economic success regardless of their class position or background.

We’ve been referred to as junior, technical and community colleges, but now most of us are just plain colleges. Regardless of our name, we’ve consistently shared an important mission — to provide our communities with high quality, accessible, affordable education.

I’ve spent much of my career working for a variety of public and private colleges and universities, but when I took my first job at a community college 20 years ago, I knew I had found my passion. Since then I’ve been trying to bust the common myths that keep too many people from making a great choice.

Myth 1: Community colleges are for students who cannot get into a university.

Many of our students are high academic achievers. They applied to and got accepted into universities, but chose to save up to $50,000 by attending a two-year college first. That’s enough to buy a brand-new Tesla, a hefty down payment on a house or cover the cost of a master’s degree.

Other students prefer the small, close-knit environment and individual attention that a community college offers, or they just want to stay near their families. Regardless of the reason, our students aren’t here for lack of other options.

Myth 2: Community colleges do not offer the “real college experience.”

Community colleges haven’t always provided the same student experience as four-year schools, but that’s quickly changing. Our students are living on campus, playing sports, joining clubs, studying abroad, forging life-long friendships and growing professional networks. 

At Lake Michigan College, 71 percent of students are under the age of 25, but we’re also versatile enough to accommodate students who are raising families or working full-time.

The opportunity to share a classroom with diverse students from all walks of life is a unique advantage of the community college experience.

Like most things in life, a community college experience is what you make it, and the options are virtually endless.

Myth 3: Community College credits do not transfer.

Transferring from community college to a four-year university is more common than ever. In fact, 52 percent of all bachelor’s degree earners in Michigan went to community college first.

In 2014, our state developed the Michigan Transfer Agreement, which allows students to complete general education courses that easily transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Last month, there were even more state-wide agreements introduced for programs including biology, business, criminal justice and psychology.

Community college advisors are experts at helping students create, and stick with successful transfer plans that won’t waste any time or money. 

Myth 4: College is too expensive and I cannot afford to go.

Because the vast majority of well-paying jobs in the future will require some education beyond high school, you really can’t afford not to go to college.

A college degree is still one of the best long-term investments you can make. A two-year associate degree will increase your earnings by more than $16,000 each year. 

A degree will give you more power over your career, and help insulate you from the ups and downs of the economy.

Yes, it’s true the cost of higher education has generally risen, but public community colleges are committed to keeping college affordable. We’re about one third of the average cost of Michigan public universities and even less compared to private schools. Plus, scholarships and financial aid often cover a good portion of tuition, fees and even books.

I hope this clears up a few myths and misunderstandings for young people trying to decide their futures, their families, and working adults who want to make a career change. Michigan is fortunate to have 28 community colleges throughout the state. For more than a century we’ve been helping to transform lives, families and communities through education, and just like our students, we just keep getting better.

Trevor Kubatzke is the president of Lake Michigan College. He can be reached at by phone at (269) 927-8600 or by email at tkubatzke@lakemichigancollege.edu.