At Lutheran High, one of our biggest commitments to students is preparing you for life after graduation — and that means helping you make smart, informed choices about college. For many, the dream is a big university, but there’s another fantastic (and growing!) option that deserves real consideration: community college.
Over the last few years, community colleges have expanded their programs, built stronger transfer pathways, and remained an incredibly affordable option. Before you decide, let’s bust a few lingering myths and highlight why a two-year degree might be the smartest move you make.
Myth #1: Community college credits don’t transfer to other schools.
FACT: In Colorado, if you attend a community college and transfer to a four-year in-state university, your credits will transfer. Period.
Two-year and four-year colleges collaborate regularly to align courses, ensuring that when you take a class at a community college, it’s equivalent to what you’d take at a university. For example, Northeastern Junior College uses the same textbooks as UNC and CSU.
If you transfer out of state, you’ll still get credit, though some might count as electives instead of direct replacements. Either way, you’ll have a solid head start.
Pro Tip: Go in with a purpose! Plan to earn your associate degree before transferring — it creates a cleaner, more complete transfer.
Myth #2: Community college is only for students who couldn’t get into a university.
FACT: This is an outdated (and increasingly rare) misconception. The #1 reason students choose community college today is to save money.
With tuition rates far lower than universities, and additional support like the College Opportunity Fund (COF) — which takes $116 (for public schools) or $58 (for private schools) off every class just for being a Colorado resident — you’re looking at serious savings. Many students also work part- or full-time jobs alongside their classes, balancing their education with earning income and reducing future debt.
At LuHi, we have seen an uptick in our straight-A students - even those planning on getting their doctorate degree or going into a field like Physical or Occupational Therapy - choosing to start at a community college. They are front-loading the savings. Prerequisities are the same the first two years of college across most programs because those courses are foundational. It’s not a fallback; it’s a smart strategy.
Myth #3: Lower cost means lower quality education.
FACT: Community colleges work hard to keep pace with four-year universities. Some community colleges even offer bachelor’s degrees now.
Arapahoe Community College, for example, offers a bachelor's degree in nursing — all while skipping the room and board costs of a big university. Plus, many community colleges offer smaller class sizes than the large, public universities. And LuHi students know that smaller class sizes mean more direct support from teachers (or in the college student's case, professors).
And don’t forget: many community college students do transfer to a four-year university after earning their associate degree.
Myth #4: There’s no student life at community college.
FACT: Community colleges have come a long way in creating vibrant, welcoming environments.
From clubs and student government to on-campus coffee shops and events, community colleges make a real effort to foster connection. And remember: you can feel alone at a big school or a small school — it’s what you make of the experience. Both Arapahoe Community College and Red Rocks Community College have made a push to build and highlight their student life programs and chances for students to network.
Myth #5: A community college degree won’t get you very far.
FACT: Two-year degrees hold a lot of power — especially as college costs continue to rise.
Depending on your career path, you might not even need a bachelor’s degree to start working in your field. Community colleges also excel at stackable credentials. Start with a certificate, grow to an associate degree, and then continue to a bachelor's degree — all at your pace and budget.
Schools like Colorado Mesa University even offer the "best of both worlds": live on campus, start with trade school training, and build toward advanced degrees seamlessly.
Final Thoughts: Own your journey
At LuHi, over 85% of our graduates go on to four-year universities, and we love helping students reach those goals. But we also want to equip our students with all the options, because there’s no one right path.
Community colleges today are affordable, flexible, and offer high-quality education. They can be a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, a path to a professional certificate, or a smart start for a doctorate-level journey. LuHi students also know that their success depends far more on their drive, effort, and engagement than on the name of the school they attend.
And remember, your College and Career Advisors at LuHi are here to help you navigate the process.
Originally published in 2021, updated in 2025 for accuracy.
