Question about community college...?

All I really know about community colleges is that they are cheaper than 4-year schools, you can transfer, and you can do 2 year programs. I've been doing some mentoring at a high school and I have been working with a young man who claims he can't go to college because he can't afford it and he has to pay for it. He is incredibly smart and I know he would do excellent in college. I was thinking about suggesting going to a community college for a few years...does anyone think this would be a good idea? Would it affect his chances of going on to graduate programs? Any help would be exellent! thank you!