Mai-Lin Buckson
For many students, going straight to a four-year university after high school may seem like the “normal” thing to do. However, some students are choosing a different route by starting their journey at a community college.
The Community College of Baltimore County gives students the opportunity to earn a degree, explore different career paths, and complete courses before transferring to a four- year university. For some students, the decision to attend CCBC comes down to affordability, flexibility, and having more time to decide what they want to do in the future.
One of the biggest differences between starting at CCBC and attending a four-year university can be the cost.
For the 2026-27 academic year, Baltimore County residents pay $124 per credit at CCBC. A student taking 15 credits each semester would pay an estimated $5,196 in tuition and fees for the academic year according to CCBC.
For Nyomi Reed, she chose to attend CCBC over a four-year college because she believed it would be a cheaper route to take while trying to figure out her future goals. “I chose CCBC over a four-year university because I wasn’t sure what I exactly wanted to do in life," Reed said. "Community college has given me the chance to figure that out while being able to stay home and save money. I still plan to transfer to a university in the end.”
This was a great example that saving money doesn’t mean students have to give up their plans of eventually attending a university. CCBC has designed programs arranged with four-year universities that help students transfer their credits and possibly work towards a bachelor’s degree. Some partnerships include scholarships, discounted tuition, and guaranteed admission for students with certain requirements.
CCBC says more than 5,000 of its students continue their education at a four-year university each year. The college also says Baltimore County students can save an average of $14,396 by attending CCBC for two years compared to attending a Maryland university for two years.
“Once I finish here, I plan to transfer my credits to Coppin for nursing school," Kamya Greene said. "I wasn’t sure if that was the direction I wanted to go but after learning about different career paths, I think that’s what I want to do.”
Students have several options when deciding where they want to continue their education. CCBC has transfer partnerships with schools including Towson University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Baltimore, and other colleges inside and outside of Maryland.
Another reason some students may choose community college is flexibility. CCBC offers courses at three main campuses in Catonsville, Dundalk, and Essex, along with other locations in Owings Mills, Randallstown, and Hunt Valley.
“The biggest reason I decided to start at CCBC was to still be able to work, still make time for my son, and it was cheaper to take my prerequisites,” said Dawnta Wilson.
That flexibility can be important for students who are balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.
CCBC had 25,697 students enroll in credit courses during the 2025-26 academic year, according to CCBC data. Of the college’s total student population, 22,805 were classified as part-time students.
Starting at a community college may not be the path every student chooses, but for some, it provides an alternative way to work towards the same goal. Students can save money, complete college courses, and prepare to transfer without immediately taking on the cost of attending a four-year university.
For students who know they eventually want a bachelor’s degree, starting at CCBC can be the first part of that journey. Choosing community college doesn’t mean you’re giving up on a four-year university.
