Top 5 Reasons to Attend College Programs

1. Lower tuition
Who doesn't want to save money? By attending college programs, you stand to earn a respected post-secondary credential and keep about half of the money you would have spent on a university tuition in your pocket. That's because on average, fees for two terms of college in a general diploma program are about $2,400. Fees for a general university program are about $4,200. An important step in finding the right college programs is to research tuition as well as how the school may be able to help you financially. For example, at Centennial College, students of certain college programs may be eligible for grants, unemployment insurance during in-school class (in the case of automotive apprenticeship students) as well as student loans. Applying for scholarships and grants once you've been accepted to the college program of your choice is a good place to start saving even more money.

2. Smaller-sized classrooms
Because college programs are facilitated from small-sized classes, students have a better chance at one-on-one time with instructors, peer-to-peer interaction and networking. The set-up of Centennial's college programs encourages students to build relationships with their instructors so that they feel comfortable clarifying any course material with which they may be having trouble. In college programs, students are definitely more than just a number. Additionally, smaller-sized classrooms allow for collaborative work between groups of students that mimics real-world assignments they will encounter once they graduate.

3. Shorter study times
College programs are known for offering students the opportunity to earn a post-secondary credential in a short amount of time. Unlike a university education, which typically takes four years to complete, many college programs run from two to three years. Certain institutions, like Centennial College, also have an option known as "Fast-Track Programs." These college programs are designed for learners who seek shorter, relevant programs that complement their education and experiences. For example, qualified college or university graduates gain direct admission into certain college programs at an advanced level.

4. Hands-on application
While university programs often focus on theory, college programs are far more practical. As such, study time is usually split between theory and practical application through case studies, lab work, projects that imitate assignments they may encounter after students graduate, field trips, real life simulations as well as the use of certain on-campus facilities designed specifically for student use. At Centennial, students of the School Engineering, Technology and Applied Science are housed at Morningside Campus, which is the most technologically advanced of the intuition's four campuses. Here they find various labs that are fully equipped with cutting edge equipment they will find in their field.

5. Real-Life Experience
Many college programs include the opportunity for students to gain real life experience before they graduate. This is usually achieved through a placement with a company where they apply what they have learned, have the opportunity to network and work alongside seasoned professionals. Centennial's college programs have varying field placement experiences that range from paid co-op to unpaid work placement in various settings. A work placement is vital to any resume as employers seek professionals who already have some sort of field experience.