CC looks horrible on a resume. So much so, I will not recommend it to anyone interested in a STEM career. It will be challenged by the hiring managers.
“CC looks horrible on a resume.” Not if you go to a good four year college after you complete CC.
The Community College doesn't even need to be on a resume. It's a stepping stone to get into a four-year school or university, and an opportunity to knock off some of the lower-level requirements at a lower cost.
Agreed that the best scenario for a technical degree is to go to a four-year school.
But we are talking about financial limitations. I think one could explain that during the interview process, particularly if one does well for the upper-division work (which is what matters anyway.)
My neighbor did CC for lower-division work (honors program), and then completed work at a major four-year university and is now employed as a full-time engineer.