Final answer:
A community college is a two-year institution that provides an affordable pathway to higher education and a four-year degree. They offer associate degrees that can be transferred to universities and are particularly accessible through state-funded programs supporting tuition costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question, 'Which is a two-year school that provides affordable postsecondary education as a pathway to a four-year degree?' is A) Community College. Community colleges serve as a valuable step for students seeking to achieve higher education without the immediate expense of a four-year institution. Not only do they provide a more affordable postsecondary educational option, but they also offer associate degrees which can often be transferred to four-year universities, ensuring a smooth pathway towards pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, for those looking into what further education they need, a community college can provide essential foundational knowledge and skills before entering the workforce or continuing on to a university.
State-funded community college programs can help alleviate the burden of tuition costs by covering part or all of it, making this option particularly accessible for lower-middle-class students. It's worth noting that these students can pursue subjects such as business, management, law, or medicine in community colleges before transferring to four-year colleges to complete their bachelor's degrees.