7 Reasons To Start A Career Journey At Community College Published June 20, 2023

This article originally appeared in The Oklahoman written by Cemile Kavountzi. 

Rose State can be the starting point into a world of opportunity.

With the rising costs continuing education after high school, many college-bound students and their parents are discovering that opting for community college is a smart way to get on the right path toward a degree and a job down the line. Whether you want to get an associate degree or continue to a four-year college, enrolling in a community college helps many students save money and study with flexibility.

In Midwest City, only 10 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City, Rose State College has a lot going for it. It was named the best online community college in Oklahoma and it’s also highly ranked for workforce development. Here are some benefits of going to a community college first. 

1. You’ll save money

Students can get more bang for their buck with a community college and can expect no large, unexpected costs or hefty fees from Rose State. Some well-known area schools charge more than $6,600 for tuition and fees, with add-ons like a $15 charge for necessary student IDs and $350 for a parking pass. By contrast, the cost of tuition and fees for a Rose State semester (12 credit hours) is $2,004 and a student ID is just $5 along with an affordable $5 parking permit. High school students can also get a jump-start on earning credits with concurrent classes to graduate college earlier while spending less overall. Eligible high school seniors are entitled to a tuition waiver covering 18 credit hours per year and juniors can get up to nine credit hours. 

2. High-quality advisement

The faculty at Rose State are fully invested in student success. You’ll study with professors and advisors who really care, know you by name and genuinely want to see you achieve your goals — even if you’re not 100% sure what those dreams are just yet. Rose State also has a favorable 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring closer attention from professors that’s nearly impossible to find in a 400-seat lecture hall.

Rose State’s campus is home to more than 60 academic programs and certifications with options to transfer to a 4-year institution or go straight to the workforce

3. Great on-campus and city life

Rose State has a ton of free events open to students and the community like Raider Days to kick off a new semester, as well as holiday lighting celebrations. Students get the best of both worlds at Rose State with clubs and organizations on campus along with the ability to spend time in downtown OKC, just 10 minutes away.

4. Scholarships are available

Scholarships are another way to bring down the costs of a degree. The window to apply for scholarships is open year-round, but March 1 is the priority deadline for top awards for the fall semester. Some to consider include the Ticket to Rose for local students, the President’s Leadership Class (PLC) for a full ride covering tuition and fees and the Oklahoma State Regent’s Academic Scholars Program for a full ride for four years that will stay with them if they transfer schools.

Student life at Rose State can mean a meetup at the student union or taking advantage of all that’s in downtown OKC. 

5. Living in student housing

For the full campus experience, Rose State is the only urban community college with student housing in the area and has great facilities overall, including a student union with a café, a comfortable student lounge, a coffee shop and a student engagement office. When hitting the books, there’s a large library with plenty of quiet study space plus The Underground coffee shop for staying caffeinated when it’s crunch time. 

6. Playing a college sport

Have a sport you want to continue playing? Rose State has plenty to offer student athletes, including five NJCAA sports teams for women’s and men’s soccer, softball, baseball and women’s volleyball. Athletes can receive scholarships and have opportunities to get recruited by other universities. You can also play intramural sports and work out in the wellness center.


No matter your interests, there’s always something to explore at Rose State.

7. Parking is cheap and convenient

At Rose State in Midwest City, you’re only a 10-minute drive from downtown Oklahoma City, but with the convenience of easy, on-campus parking. Forget fighting crowds just to get to class – you can park, walk in and focus on your studies with no stress. Not to mention a parking permit is only $5 compared to over $350 at other Oklahoma schools. 

At Rose State, you’ll receive a great education with more than 60 degree and certificate programs and enjoy the full college experience — with less student loans and debt. When getting your four-year journey started, there’s no better choice. 

To apply to Rose State College, visit apply.rosestatecollege.site.