Efforts to promote college for all for all has opened college doors to a broad range of students. But college--and career success after college--doesn't have to mean a bachelor's degree. Community college credentials, such as associate's degrees and one-year certificates, can lead to further degrees or jobs that offer more benefits than students may realize. These options mean that students poorly served by traditional four-year college programs can still obtain credentials that lead to desirable jobs. Research into community colleges offers four important lessons. Community colleges provide a path to career success. Credentials students earn in community college lead to higher rates of employment, better salaries, and more career satisfaction than jobs that require only a high school diploma. The academic standards at community colleges make them accessible to students with low test scores and low levels of academic achievement. One standard isn't enough. Efforts to align high school standards to college placement exams may leave out students who aren't ready to pursue a bachelor's degree but who could earn a community college credential. College scorecards can help students see a wide array of career options and determine which colleges will best prepare them for success in those careers. Community colleges offer programs that reduce financial and academic barriers and confer workforce benefits to a wider range of students. If students see these opportunities, they can make choices that better serve their goals.