Community colleges such as Miami Dade are commonly looked down upon by many people for their generous acceptance rates and relatively affordable nature. Despite the many benefits and seemingly convenient characteristics of these schools, they go on surrounded by stigmatization and remain associated with stupidity and lower quality education by those brainwashed by the notion that community college will always fall short when compared with bigger universities.

Why do community colleges find themselves held to a different standard than big name universities?

For one, the more selective and expensive the school the lower acceptance rates. If the school has a low acceptance rate, the individuals accepted seem smarter, and as a result, the more bragging rights acquired in the process.

Miami Dade College has often been referred to as “13th grade,” by many students and teachers, alienating it from the college experience by deeming Miami Dade College as nothing more than an extension of high school. It seems that because the inclusive process of Miami Dade College admissions process is less demanding, it leads to the misconception that community colleges provide lower quality education compared to other big name schools.

Community colleges serve as an affordable option close to home that students can take advantage of and use to their benefit. Going to community college does not make a person less intelligent than one attending an Ivy League. Colleges take several factors, including average income and parent’s education into consideration when going through the admissions process. By going to a school like Miami Dade College, many students find themselves saving thousands of dollars by staying at home and not having to worry about spending on housing and food.

Community schools often serve as a safety net for many students and can be the only option many students who either cannot afford tuition rates seen at bigger colleges or lack academic qualification. Although community colleges lack the exclusive nature that makes Ivy Leagues and big name schools so attractive, they function an efficient and cost-effective way of getting a degree.

Whatever the case, community college gets a bad rap. The college one attends does not determine one’s worth. The idea that all things associated with low income people demonstrate inadequacy must be put to an end. Arrogant and classist thoughts about community college result in shame and embarrassment for many who attend such schools. Additionally, the idea that the only colleges a person should be proud of getting into resemble the ones that are expensive and exclusive is a dangerous and unrealistic notion. Many Miami Dade College alumnis have gone on to achieve real success, such as Micky Arison who currently serves as the CEO for Carnival Corporation and the owner of the Miami Heat.

Students must think realistically. Those who come from lower income backgrounds who leave to big-name schools often find themselves in a mountain of debt and frustration. Realities like housing, food, books and tuition can become a serious problem for those who are more independent and go to bigger schools away from home.

No shame lies in attending a community college, they aid those looking to save money or who simply cannot afford the pricey tuition fees of big name colleges. College should be about education and the beginning of adulthood, not about bragging rights.