There’s more to the community college conversation than just affordability and accessibility. Beyond providing second chances, these institutions remain one of the last places where exploration in higher education is still possible. As four-year colleges push toward career-focused efficiency, community colleges offer the freedom to discover interests without the crushing financial risk. The shifting language around education—once about broad learning, now about earning potential and social mobility—reflects a deeper change in priorities. But when the cost of entry is low and the opportunities are high, does that make community colleges one of the last true engines of upward movement?