Myth #2: College Doesn’t Fit Into My Busy Schedule
Ask Us a QuestionWelcome to Myth #2 in our “5 Myths About Community College” series.
College can feel out of reach when you're balancing work, family, and other responsibilities—but it doesn’t have to be. We believe cost shouldn’t stand in the way of your education. That’s why we offer practical ways to help you pay for college, including options that don’t require taking on debt. No matter your situation, we’re here to support your goals and help you move forward without stretching your budget too far.
A Conversation with Slater the Gator
Greg: I’d like to go to college, but I have to work all day and I have a full life on top of that. It’s not like I can just call all of that off to go to college.
Slater: 100%. College is absolutely a time commitment, but GRC has a bunch of flexible options that might work for you.
Greg: I know about night classes. You can’t really do a whole program just with that.
Slater: That’s generally true, but there are more options that could work along with just night classes.
Greg: Sounds promising. How can I piece it all together?
Slater: Let’s explore that!
About the 5 Myths
Community college isn't second rate - it's a smart choice!
This series clears up common myths about community college...so you can decide what's right for you with confidence.
Ready for the Next Step?
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Community college is one of the most affordable ways to get a college education. Even if you plan to go to a university later, starting at Green River College can save you a lot of money and help you avoid big student loans. High school students can save even more through programs like Running Start, where you can earn college credits—or even a full associate degree—while finishing high school.
If you’ve taken college classes before, many of your credits may transfer to Green River, so you don’t have to start over. With several locations in South King County, GRC might also be closer to home, saving you time and travel costs. Not everyone finishes college in two or four years—and that’s okay. Life is different for everyone, and college can fit your schedule.
Make GRC Fit into Your Day
Online and Hybrid Classes:
- There are more online or hybrid classes available at GRC than ever before.
- Online classes offer the flexibility to learn from home or any location. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments entirely online.
- Hybrid classes blend online learning with in-person sessions, providing a mix of remote flexibility and face-to-face interaction for a full educational experience.
Night Classes:
And of course, night classes are an amazing tool when you work during the day. Between these and in-person classes, there’s a lot of flexibility to work with all the other time commitments in your life.
Take GRC Classes Close to Home
With four locations in south King County, going to Green River College could save you time simply because your commute might be shorter.
Main GRC Campus (Auburn)
Enumclaw Campus
Progress at Your Own Pace
Real talk: many successful graduates earn their degrees over more time than the suggested two or four years. Every life is different and yours has as much time for college as your situation allows.
It’s important to know that some types of financial aid, like loans, require a certain number of credits to qualify. And attending less than half-time will lower the cost of attending college, reducing the financial aid available. The key is to understand how slowing down affects aid and to keep making progress. But there is a great deal of flexibility to proceed at your pace.
The Green River College Promise:
We commit to be an anti-racist institution where all students, faculty, and staff receive the access, resources, and services needed to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. Green River College makes social and economic justice, equity, and inclusion our highest priorities.
The Green River College definition of equity encompasses all identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, economic status, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religion/spirituality, immigration status, age, and culture. We understand individual needs vary widely, and the effects of discrimination and historical oppression must be taken into account while aiming for equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.
Let this be a call to action to all members of the Green River College Community: everyone must contribute to this on-going effort to achieve equity for all.