Starting smart: why students choose LCCC first

Chrystal Alonzo-Colon | Writer

Elizabeth Burkit attends class at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Four-year universities often dominate college conversations, but students at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) chose a different starting point.

While the reasons vary slightly, an overwhelming majority chose LCCC because of its affordability.

“It's just cheaper here overall,” said Leland Dobson, a current LCCC student. “It made more sense financially.”

Dobson said beginning at a community college will allow him to move forward without overwhelming debt.

“It's a better starting point,” he said.

Jessica “Jes” Hudak also chose LCCC to reduce long-term costs before transferring.

“It's a lot more affordable,” she  said. 

Hudak mentions that living at home also helps keep expenses low as she works towards her degree.

For Elizabeth Burkit, flexibility matters just as much as tuition.

“I didn’t even plan to go to college at all,” Burkit said. “It’s cheaper. It’s a lot more flexible with your day-to-day life.”

Burkit said professors understand that many students work, commute, or manage responsibilities outside of school. 

Many students described the transition from high school to college as overwhelming, and said they felt that starting at LCCC gave them space to adjust both academically and personally.

Students also pointed to the campus environment as a major factor in choosing LCCC versus a four-year university to start their academic careers.

“I like seeing diversity,” said Joelina Pereyra. “It’s very cool to see more people from different races.”

Several students said that diversity on campus helps them feel more comfortable and open-minded. They explained that interacting with classmates from different cultural and social backgrounds broadened their perspectives and will prepare them for working in diverse professional environments. For many, that sense of representation and belonging plays an important role in their overall college experience.

Klea Tahiri agreed.

“It’s very inclusive,” Tahiri said. “It gives you more opportunities to work and meet new people.”

While students cite affordability and flexibility as deciding factors for choosing LCCC, college officials say they more commonly see reasons relating to course offerings.

“We have a huge nursing department,” said Fauzia Graham, transfer adviser at LCCC. “Some students get their associate degree and go straight to work. A lot do transfer.”

Graham said planning ahead is critical for students who intend to move on to a four-year university.

For many LCCC students, community college is not a second choice. It is a strategic first step that balances cost, opportunity, and long-term goals.