Actually there are some very good community colleges. A community college is an excellent alternative for a student with limited funds.
As an adjunct professor at a community college, I would agree with your assessment. Community college can be an excellent alternative for motivated students with limited funds. Sadly I see too many in my classes with plenty of funding and no motivation.
On a related note. I went to high school on the left coast and have personally know 3 Evergreen State graduates. All of them went there as liberals and came out making Mao look like a College Republican.