“There’s no way she’s going there,” a classmate mutters, wrinkling his nose. He turns his phone towards me, revealing a college decision post on Instagram. I squint at the screen and read the caption beneath a familiar name: “City College of San Francisco”, typed in small red letters. “What’s wrong with that?” I ask, confused. He rolls his eyes and replies, “She probably failed all her classes and got rejected from everywhere else.” And there it is… The automatic judgment, as if attending community college is some kind of punishment or proof that you made mistakes in high school. The assumption that attending community college equals failure is so deeply rooted in Lowell’s culture that people don’t even question it — they just repeat the same negative assumptions.
It’s almost November and we all know what that means at Lowell; college application season. Seniors are making big decisions about their futures, and everyone’s thinking about what the next few years of their life will look like. One question, more than any other, echoes through classrooms and conversations: “Where are you going next year?” For many, the answer is clear: going straight to a four-year university. At Lowell, we’re surrounded by high achievers and a culture of competition, especially during college application season. But there is another path that often goes unrecognized and unappreciated: community college. However, when this option is mentioned, it’s often followed by a whisper or a snicker.
There is a huge stigma about attending community college, especially at a competitive school like Lowell. Some students believe that community college is only an option for people who didn’t try hard enough in high school, or those who got rejected from all other universities. But that assumption is completely false — and deeply harmful. The truth is, students choose community college for all kinds of reasons, and many of these reasons are smart, strategic, and financially conscious.
Community college can be a wise financial decision. With the cost of college rising every year, student debt is becoming an unavoidable reality for many, and some students do not wish to, or are unable to, take on this financial burden. Community college allows students to gain access to a large amount of education, for a fraction of the cost. It’s also a flexible option. Some students want or need to stay closer to home, take care of family, or work part-time. Others want more time to figure out what they’re passionate about without the pressure of committing to a major at a more expensive four-year university. Additionally, many community colleges have strong programs that lead directly into careers. Like CCSF’s education or healthcare programs. For some, community college provides a second chance to raise their GPA or retake classes, or an opportunity to take a college level course as a high schooler. For others, it’s a stepping stone to a four-year university through transfer agreements with CSUs, UCs, or private colleges. Students at community colleges are building futures that make sense for their goals, not just checking off a box to meet society’s expectations.
We cannot let stereotypes define what success looks like. At Lowell, where the pressure to get into a “top” school can feel suffocating, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that community college means you’ve failed. So why the stigma? Why is a student’s decision to go to community college still met with side-eyes and assumptions, here at Lowell? It might come from misunderstanding, pride, or an obsession with acceptance rates and status. Whatever the reason is, this mindset needs to change, because this stigma is harming students who may seek out and thrive in a community college environment. It’s time to open our minds to different possibilities. Not everyone’s path looks the same, and that’s great. What matters isn’t the name of the school. It’s the fit, the opportunity, and what you make of it once you’re there.
When you hear the phrase, “They’re going to community college,” with a tone of pity or judgment, stop and think,“Maybe they’re doing what’s right for them. Maybe they’re saving money, exploring their interests, taking care of their family, or setting themself up for a stronger transfer application.” Whatever their reason, they don’t owe anyone an explanation. Lowell students are smart, driven, and capable of thinking critically, so we should apply the same mindset to how we think about the colleges others attend. Support each other’s choices instead of ranking them. Be honest about what education costs — financially, mentally, and emotionally. Start celebrating the students who choose what’s right for them, even if it doesn’t match what you expect. Lowell students need to realize community college isn’t a step down; it’s a step forward for many students.
