So the community colleges in America are basically just for individuals that can't afford a university or can qualify to get into a university.

But generally it all costs money and you'll end up with student loans. This state had passed a "millionaires tax" and so far they have now made community college free and gave all students in the state free school lunches, cuz we also charge kids to eat at our public schools.

Community college is usually much cheaper than traditional 4 year college. They are only 2 years and you work towards an associate's degree instead of a bachelor's degree.

I went to a community college before going to a 4 year so I could accomplish all the core credit classes for cheaper and then transfer them to a 4 year.

Generally in addition to purely academic programs. Community colleges will offer more practical adult education programs that don't tie into a traditional academic pursuit.

For example the community college in my hometown SCC offered a series of courses designed to teach you how to drive a semi and prep you for your CDL. They offer a lot of those sort of programs in addition to the common Associates (2yr) degrees that can be transfered to a 4 year university if desired.

As an individual returning to school after working for 15 years, a community college was on my list with online schools (they also have an online community college, of course) as the price of it is much lower than a university. If it were free for younger folks, that would be an incredible incentive to learn a trade.

Where I live (N. Colorado), a community college's cost can get rather steep. If you take eight credit hours, you could pay $1500+ just for the classes, and you may buy books. That's a typical out-of-pocket for a local school here, so you may get a grant, program, or scholarship to help you, but yeah, it's hard...