56.2% of American college students go to an institution located under an hour’s drive from their hometowns. Students may think of college as the time to get far away from home and become independent, but with the majority of students staying close to home, there are clearly compelling reasons to stay local by going to a community college.

Why Attend a Local College?

1. Save Money

If you live at home, and commute to college, you can save on the cost of room and board. By living at home and attending a community college close by, you can save upwards of $8,000 a year. Even if you want to transfer to a four-year school later, you will reduce your debt considerably.

2. Healthier Lifestyle 

According to one study, 70% of college students gain weight and body fat during college. Late nights studying and snacking, without time or motivation for exercise, can take a toll on your body. When you move away and have a newly unstructured schedule, it’s easy to make unhealthy choices.

When you live at home or attend a community college close to home, you can still enjoy the health benefits of home-cooked meals and be reminded of the benefits of a weekly routine.  

3. Keep Your Local Job & Doctors 

If you attend a community college close to home, you can usually keep working at the job that you might’ve grown attached to and that helps pay the bills instead of starting at square one. You can also keep using your preferred healthcare providers.

4. Maintain Important Relationships 

69% of college freshmen experience severe homesickness. While it is important to form new relationships, the adjustment period can take a toll on students’ mental health. As a result, many of them struggle with anxiety and depression. By living close to home or at home, you can forge new friendships while also having the support network of family and friends from high school. If you’re worried that this will make you anti-social, get involved in campus organizations and push yourself to socialize with classmates at least two to three times a week outside of class.

Start the exciting next chapter of your life at Southeast Community College. Through SCC’s transfer program, you can complete the first two years of a four-year degree at roughly a third of the cost. Call 402-471-3333 to learn more about SCC’s Beatrice, Lincoln, or Milford locations. Visit their website for application information.