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How do I go about with this I've got two plans for the upcoming college season - 1 year in community college and the rest in university, or 2 years in community college, with the rest in Texas Tech's med-school branch. Which would be the more financially viable one?
For better context, i'm probably going to be subsisting off of FAFSA money and (should I prove to be lucky enough to get one) scholarship money, too.
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Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Sabastian
When evaluating your two plans—1 year in community college and the rest in university versus 2 years in community college and then transferring to Texas Tech’s med-school branch—the financial viability depends on several factors, including tuition rates, living expenses, and potential scholarships.
Let's look at some considerations for each plan:
1. Plan: 1 Year in Community College and the Rest in University
Cost of Community College: Generally, community colleges are much cheaper than universities, especially for in-state students. On average, community college tuition can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year depending on the state and whether you qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Cost of University: After completing the community college portion, you’ll transfer to a university, which is likely to be more expensive in terms of tuition and fees. For instance, public universities often have tuition rates ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per year for in-state students, and private universities can cost much more.
FAFSA & Scholarships: FAFSA will cover part of your financial aid, and scholarships can help reduce the university’s tuition. However, the amount of scholarship money you receive may be less predictable compared to community colleges, and this plan might result in higher costs for the later years.
2. Plan: 2 Years in Community College, Then Texas Tech Med-School Branch
Cost of Community College: This plan starts similarly with two years in community college, which will still be low-cost and manageable. After two years, you will have earned your associate degree, which could be a strong foundation to transfer into a Texas Tech med-school branch.
Cost of Medical School: Medical school is a different cost structure compared to undergrad. While Texas Tech's med-school tuition might be more affordable than other medical schools, it will still likely be significant. Med-school tuition for Texas Tech is generally around $20,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students. Keep in mind that med school is often 3-4 years depending on the program, and there will be additional costs for books, living expenses, and other fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships: For medical school, you will have access to different forms of financial aid, including student loans, scholarships, and potentially FAFSA for graduate students. Scholarships for medical school tend to be more competitive, but some universities offer merit-based scholarships that may ease the burden.
Cost Comparison:
Community College for Two Years: Both plans will begin with 2 years of community college, which is generally inexpensive. However, if you plan to transfer to a university for the final years, the additional cost of university tuition will need to be considered.
Total Cost for University (Plan 1): After one year in community college, your final three years in a university will likely increase costs significantly, especially if you’re attending a private or out-of-state institution.
Total Cost for Medical School (Plan 2): While you’ll spend more time in community college with Plan 2, transferring to Texas Tech’s med-school branch could add financial complexity due to the higher cost of medical school tuition. However, you may receive additional support for medical programs, and the potential for a higher earning potential in the long run.
Considerations for Financial Aid:
FAFSA: FAFSA provides financial aid based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and the total aid you receive can vary depending on both the cost of attendance and the type of institution. Community colleges tend to provide more generous financial aid options to in-state students.
Scholarships: Community college scholarships are often easier to obtain than university or medical school scholarships, which can be more competitive and merit based.
Med School Loans: For medical school, you might need to rely on student loans, which can be substantial, but they may come with lower interest rates than private loans.
Final Decision:
Plan 1 (1 Year Community College + University) is generally more affordable in the short term, with lower community college costs initially, but will likely be more expensive in the long run due to the higher tuition costs at the university.
Plan 2 (2 Years Community College + Medical School) could be financially more challenging due to the cost of medical school, but it offers a specialized career path with the potential for higher earning potential in the future. Additionally, Texas Tech’s med-school branch may offer more affordable options for medical students, especially in-state students.
In conclusion:
If your primary focus is on minimizing cost, Plan 1 may be a better starting point due to the lower costs of community college and the ability to transition to a more affordable university. However, if you're set on pursuing medical school, Plan 2 may make sense in the long run despite the initial financial burden, as it leads to a specialized career.
When evaluating your two plans—1 year in community college and the rest in university versus 2 years in community college and then transferring to Texas Tech’s med-school branch—the financial viability depends on several factors, including tuition rates, living expenses, and potential scholarships.
Let's look at some considerations for each plan:
1. Plan: 1 Year in Community College and the Rest in University
Cost of Community College: Generally, community colleges are much cheaper than universities, especially for in-state students. On average, community college tuition can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year depending on the state and whether you qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Cost of University: After completing the community college portion, you’ll transfer to a university, which is likely to be more expensive in terms of tuition and fees. For instance, public universities often have tuition rates ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per year for in-state students, and private universities can cost much more.
FAFSA & Scholarships: FAFSA will cover part of your financial aid, and scholarships can help reduce the university’s tuition. However, the amount of scholarship money you receive may be less predictable compared to community colleges, and this plan might result in higher costs for the later years.
2. Plan: 2 Years in Community College, Then Texas Tech Med-School Branch
Cost of Community College: This plan starts similarly with two years in community college, which will still be low-cost and manageable. After two years, you will have earned your associate degree, which could be a strong foundation to transfer into a Texas Tech med-school branch.
Cost of Medical School: Medical school is a different cost structure compared to undergrad. While Texas Tech's med-school tuition might be more affordable than other medical schools, it will still likely be significant. Med-school tuition for Texas Tech is generally around $20,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students. Keep in mind that med school is often 3-4 years depending on the program, and there will be additional costs for books, living expenses, and other fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships: For medical school, you will have access to different forms of financial aid, including student loans, scholarships, and potentially FAFSA for graduate students. Scholarships for medical school tend to be more competitive, but some universities offer merit-based scholarships that may ease the burden.
Cost Comparison:
Community College for Two Years: Both plans will begin with 2 years of community college, which is generally inexpensive. However, if you plan to transfer to a university for the final years, the additional cost of university tuition will need to be considered.
Total Cost for University (Plan 1): After one year in community college, your final three years in a university will likely increase costs significantly, especially if you’re attending a private or out-of-state institution.
Total Cost for Medical School (Plan 2): While you’ll spend more time in community college with Plan 2, transferring to Texas Tech’s med-school branch could add financial complexity due to the higher cost of medical school tuition. However, you may receive additional support for medical programs, and the potential for a higher earning potential in the long run.
Considerations for Financial Aid:
FAFSA: FAFSA provides financial aid based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and the total aid you receive can vary depending on both the cost of attendance and the type of institution. Community colleges tend to provide more generous financial aid options to in-state students.
Scholarships: Community college scholarships are often easier to obtain than university or medical school scholarships, which can be more competitive and merit based.
Med School Loans: For medical school, you might need to rely on student loans, which can be substantial, but they may come with lower interest rates than private loans.
Final Decision:
Plan 1 (1 Year Community College + University) is generally more affordable in the short term, with lower community college costs initially, but will likely be more expensive in the long run due to the higher tuition costs at the university.
Plan 2 (2 Years Community College + Medical School) could be financially more challenging due to the cost of medical school, but it offers a specialized career path with the potential for higher earning potential in the future. Additionally, Texas Tech’s med-school branch may offer more affordable options for medical students, especially in-state students.
In conclusion:
If your primary focus is on minimizing cost, Plan 1 may be a better starting point due to the lower costs of community college and the ability to transition to a more affordable university. However, if you're set on pursuing medical school, Plan 2 may make sense in the long run despite the initial financial burden, as it leads to a specialized career.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sebastian !
Typically, community colleges are less expensive to attend than four year Universities so I would say there's a few things you'll need to do because you know which two colleges you're talking about. Some community colleges can be quite expensive, too and some have special programs for financial need in structuring the tuition rate, so you'll have to explore this at the community college you plan to attend.
Texas Tech in Lubbock is quite far from El Paso, so we can assume that the community college you will attend will be in El Paso. If that is correct, you wouldn't have guaranteed transfer, but you would if you went to a nearby partnering university near the community college you attend or a community college in Lubbock. You will have to call Texas Tech and see what the academic advisor there says about transferring to their college with an Associates Degree from your specific community college. There's no one clear answer to this until you speak to the people at Texas Tech as this information is not provided publicly and specific details would be involved.
My advice for scholarships is to apply for all scholarships and grants that you fit the category of. Your chances of getting some scholarships and grants will increase if you dedicate the time to find and apply for many. Your Federal Student Financial Aid will be in the form of a grant, Work Study and/or Loans but you can indicate what you want on your application. I advise applying for the Work Study because it will be great to work in your major department and you'll learn a lot. You'd get paid by the Financial Aid program.
So even though the financial part of this is important, so are the academics, the actual courses you take. The receiving college will evaluate the courses you took to see if they are equivalent to the courses they offer. If the courses are, they transfer over, if not you'd have to take that college's version of the same course. You'll receive a lot of definite information if you contact Texas tech.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Typically, community colleges are less expensive to attend than four year Universities so I would say there's a few things you'll need to do because you know which two colleges you're talking about. Some community colleges can be quite expensive, too and some have special programs for financial need in structuring the tuition rate, so you'll have to explore this at the community college you plan to attend.
Texas Tech in Lubbock is quite far from El Paso, so we can assume that the community college you will attend will be in El Paso. If that is correct, you wouldn't have guaranteed transfer, but you would if you went to a nearby partnering university near the community college you attend or a community college in Lubbock. You will have to call Texas Tech and see what the academic advisor there says about transferring to their college with an Associates Degree from your specific community college. There's no one clear answer to this until you speak to the people at Texas Tech as this information is not provided publicly and specific details would be involved.
My advice for scholarships is to apply for all scholarships and grants that you fit the category of. Your chances of getting some scholarships and grants will increase if you dedicate the time to find and apply for many. Your Federal Student Financial Aid will be in the form of a grant, Work Study and/or Loans but you can indicate what you want on your application. I advise applying for the Work Study because it will be great to work in your major department and you'll learn a lot. You'd get paid by the Financial Aid program.
So even though the financial part of this is important, so are the academics, the actual courses you take. The receiving college will evaluate the courses you took to see if they are equivalent to the courses they offer. If the courses are, they transfer over, if not you'd have to take that college's version of the same course. You'll receive a lot of definite information if you contact Texas tech.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Sebastian!
That's a great question. It really depends on how credits will transfer over from the community college to the university. Here's my little breakdown.
Associate's at Community College:
Not all credits will necessarily transfer and if they do, they may be your generals and a lot of extracurriculars. This isn't a bad thing but it means when you go to Tech you will be working on mostly classes related to your major. I did this at a different school and was able to transfer 60 credits, however 25 of them or so were extracurriculars. I didn't have to take any "fun" classes at the university so although it saves money, there could be a missed opportunity.
1-Year Transfer:
You will have to finish any generals or extracurriculars during your second year, however, you can blend it with classes from your major so your course load isn't as heavy. This option may be more expensive in the long run as you have less time to save up money during an associate's (assuming you will have time to work) and you will have to take more credits at Tech.
TLDR: Transferring with an Associate's will be cheaper, but could leave you with a heavier schedule of classes from your major.
I don't know about med programs specifically, but this is at least general advice for transferring school. Good luck!
That's a great question. It really depends on how credits will transfer over from the community college to the university. Here's my little breakdown.
Associate's at Community College:
Not all credits will necessarily transfer and if they do, they may be your generals and a lot of extracurriculars. This isn't a bad thing but it means when you go to Tech you will be working on mostly classes related to your major. I did this at a different school and was able to transfer 60 credits, however 25 of them or so were extracurriculars. I didn't have to take any "fun" classes at the university so although it saves money, there could be a missed opportunity.
1-Year Transfer:
You will have to finish any generals or extracurriculars during your second year, however, you can blend it with classes from your major so your course load isn't as heavy. This option may be more expensive in the long run as you have less time to save up money during an associate's (assuming you will have time to work) and you will have to take more credits at Tech.
TLDR: Transferring with an Associate's will be cheaper, but could leave you with a heavier schedule of classes from your major.
I don't know about med programs specifically, but this is at least general advice for transferring school. Good luck!
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
In general, community college is less expensive than traditional four year universities, so the more of your schooling that you can complete there the cheaper for you. If your major requires that you eventually transfer to a university be sure that you're certain that the college credits from the community college (CC as referred to below) will transfer to the university you're wanting to attend and that they'll be weighted the same (meaning for the same number of credits). You'll need to contact the admissions office at the university to get that information. There will inevitably be classes that you'll need to take at the university, so you can calculate how much university schooling you'll need by figuring out what will and will not transfer from your CC, and from there determine if two years at that school is worth the cost savings or if you should transfer sooner to get moving on those required classes that you couldn't take at the CC.
You can also contact the admissions office of either school and they should be able to help you with this decision as well.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
You can also contact the admissions office of either school and they should be able to help you with this decision as well.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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