Community colleges are becoming more attractive as students place greater importance on cost rather than reputation

Chris Tomasso, the chief executive officer of

, a breakfast and lunch chain valued at $1 billion, has emerged as a strong supporter of community colleges, following in the footsteps of notable figures like Steve Jobs and George Lucas. Now 55, Tomasso began his academic journey at Manatee Community College before moving on to the University of Central Florida. He believes that young people entering the workforce should focus on practicality rather than prestige. "Don't let your ego interfere," Tomasso shared with Fortune, can lead to a rewarding career. His story highlights a growing trend in higher education, where community colleges are increasingly viewed as a smart starting point instead of merely a backup plan.

The attractiveness of community colleges is growing as student debt rises and the expense of four-year colleges becomes harder to bear.

shows that community college enrollments climbed by 4% in 2025, surpassing the growth seen at both public and private universities. Tomasso described his choice to attend a community college as a "business decision," explaining that lower tuition and housing costs allowed him to keep up academically without taking on debt. as over 30 states now provide tuition-free options for eligible students, making community colleges an even more affordable choice.

This movement is not limited to individuals. Organizations such as

, a for-profit education provider, have experienced significant enrollment increases that have fueled revenue growth. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Legacy , which they attributed to a 37.7% boost in student numbers. This surge points to a wider demand for accessible, career-oriented education. Still, not every company in the field is prospering. Stride Inc. (LRN), which offers online education services, is currently facing a lawsuit from shareholders who allege the company exaggerated enrollment figures and failed to comply with regulations. that Stride used "ghost students" and reduced staff to hit profit goals, resulting in a drop of 10,000 to 15,000 students. These differing results illustrate the sector's instability and the importance of oversight.

Technology is also transforming how schools attract students. Havana, an edtech company, has recently introduced an AI-powered recruitment platform that allows schools to connect with potential students around the clock through various channels. This solution has already

and reduce manual work by over 250 hours. For schools facing enrollment declines, such technology offers a crucial tool to meet changing student needs. However, as seen in Stride's ongoing legal issues, ethical and operational challenges remain significant concerns.

Tomasso’s advice to Generation Z—choose resourcefulness over reputation—rings true as traditional career paths are being reimagined. His own professional journey, which began with a retail job to buy a suit for an NBA internship, demonstrates the importance of taking initiative. "Let people see your eagerness to learn," he recommended,

. As the landscape of higher education continues to shift, the balance between affordability, technological innovation, and responsibility will define the opportunities available to future generations.