Attending a community college has many advantages over packing up and heading off to a traditional college campus. Generally speaking, community college education is more affordable and tends to focus on practical topics that lead to gainful employment relatively quickly. The knock against community college has always been that it offers a comparatively low level of education, but the fact is that community colleges are excellent at training workers for skilled trades and offers an informal but productive environment in which to explore your skills and interests.
Many community college programs culminate in a diploma or certification, which will be recognized by employers in your field of study. Before you accept a community college's offer of admission, though, make sure any diplomas or certifications it offers are nationally recognized. Some offer credentials that are recognized only in a narrow region, which can limit your job prospects. You can also attend a so-called "junior college," which is a two-year community college program designed to prepare students for eventual transfer into a four-year bachelor's degree program. This is a common money-saving strategy for students, and is an excellent path to follow if you're not sure what you want to study but aren't yet ready to join the workforce full-time.
The primary advantage of going to community college is saving money. Many younger students are able to live at home while attending a local community college, and tuition rates are very affordable. Working professionals also attend them, since they usually offer classes in the evenings and even on weekends, allowing them to continue working full-time while training for a new or better career on their own time.
Flexibility is another major advantage of community college. These schools offer an incredible range of highly specific fields of study, so if you're curious, pick up a course calendar for a local school and check out the various programs they offer. You just might find the one that's right for you!