When it comes to getting your General Education Degree in college, is it better to got to a community college after high school or straight to a Cal State or UCs

College education is a huge investment, so it is smart to consider your options, and weigh the pros and cons based on your personal situation. You want to get the best possible value out of your time and money, and that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to do the same thing as everyone else.

Here are some things you might want to consider:

1.   Do you know what career path you’d like to follow? Does it require a university degree? If you are unsure, then a community college is an affordable way to experiment with courses in various disciplines, so you can narrow down your preferences, before committing to an expensive university program. Depending on what career path you choose, you may even find you don’t need a university degree, but rather an apprenticeship or fellowship might be a better value.

2.   Can you afford to go off to a university now? In addition to higher tuition costs, think about room & board, meals, transportation, etc. Attending a community college for a few years can keep costs down, and reduce your need for student loans. They often offer more flexible schedules, too, so you can work while in school.

3.   Will the university accept coursework from your community’s college? If you plan to transfer later, make sure your courses will count towards your degree program. A university admissions adviser should be able to help ensure you choose courses that will count.

4.   How ready are you for independence and self-sufficiency? If you go off to a university in another city, you get to move away from home, start off fresh with a clean slate, and you’ll be responsible for yourself, perhaps for the first time in your life. Does that scare you, or thrill you? Some high school grads are more prepared to do this than others.

5.   If you go straight to a university after high school, you will get to start and finish college at the same time as most of your age group peers. If any of your high school classmates are attending the same university, you'll be able to share rides, find a roommate, and start off college with a few people you already know, which can make your transition easier.

6.   If you go right to a university, you’ll enjoy four years at one college, without the stress and disruption of transferring schools and moving to a new town, half-way through. You’ll be able to take part in the camaraderie and bonding that goes on among students during the first two years in college. They join social groups, rush sororities, study together, live together, eat together, and form a lot of close friendships in those first two years. My closest friends from my first year dorm continued to be my roommates in the following 3 years, and one even stayed my roommate for a few years after college. Is any of this important to you?

There is really no wrong or right answer to any of these questions. Each person has different priorities, so it is a good idea for you to weigh the pros and cons against your personal financial situation and preferences, so you can make a strong decision for yourself and your future. Good luck!