Many people who have immigrated to the U.S. or are exploring Denver for their children's college often worry, "Should I send them to a four-year university right from the start? The tuition is too much..."

So, they say, "The smartest way to save money is to start at a community college."

The most representative school in Denver is the Community College of Denver (CCD).

It is located on the Auraria campus downtown, and interestingly, CU Denver and MSU Denver share the same campus. When you first go there, you might wonder, "Is this really a community college?" because the college atmosphere is quite nice. The students are diverse, ranging from recent high school graduates to working adults and seniors studying after retirement.

The biggest advantage of this school is definitely the tuition. Everyone knows that college tuition in the U.S. is expensive. However, for Colorado residents, CCD charges about $180 to $190 per credit hour. If you take 12 credits in a semester, the tuition is around $2,200, and even including textbooks and various student fees, the total cost for a semester is roughly $3,000. When calculated for a year, it comes to about $6,000, which is much less burdensome than a four-year public university.

On the other hand, out-of-state students or international students will see a slight increase in tuition. It is about $600 per credit hour, so the tuition for a semester can be around $7,000 to $8,000. Still, compared to many private universities, it remains quite affordable.

Another reason many parents appreciate this school is the well-established system for transferring to four-year universities like CU Denver or MSU Denver after completing two years at CCD. Using the GT Pathways transfer program, credit recognition is relatively smooth, allowing students to save on tuition while ultimately earning their degree from a four-year university. This is a method that many American parents intentionally choose.

There are also a variety of vocational programs available. Programs in nursing, medical assisting, IT, accounting, automotive repair, welding, graphic design, and culinary arts are plentiful, making it a popular choice for adult students looking to change careers.

In the U.S., many skilled trades offer high salaries, so there are quite a few people who believe that "learning a skill is better than having a college degree."

If you're worried about your English, there's no need to be too anxious. The ESL program is well-run, allowing students to learn English while preparing for college courses. There is a system in place to help newcomers study step by step.

Financial aid is also available. If you meet the income requirements, you may significantly reduce your tuition burden through federal Pell Grants or Colorado's scholarship programs. In fact, some students receive scholarships that make their education nearly free.

Of course, just because it's a community college doesn't mean the studies are easy. There are many assignments and the exams are not trivial. However, if you work hard, you can save on costs and have a very realistic option for transferring to a four-year university or finding employment.

It seems that the era where you must attend an expensive university to succeed is already over in the U.S.

Especially in places like Denver, where the education system is well-established, starting at a community college might actually be the wisest choice. For parents, it reduces the burden of tuition, and for students, it allows them to take their time in deciding their career path, making it a good option for both sides.