3 answers
Makayla
Student
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
2
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Asked
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Should I look into going to my local community college to take all the basic college courses?
I live thirty minutes away from my local community college and was interested in taking all the typical courses that all college students have to take. It would be at a much cheaper price than at a price from the university. Would this be a good investment #medicine
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3 answers
Richard A.
physician
2150
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Updated
Richard’s Answer
You have the right idea about community college.
If you can keep your expenses down (live with parents, attend community college which can be free in some cities, complete your degree at an inexpensive public institution etc) debt doesn't have to be out of control.
Having high debt can cause unnecessary stress during the first years of practice.
Another unfortunate consequence of debt is limiting the student's choices after graduation. If a student has a passion for pediatrics, but crippling debt, they may be forced to apply to residencies with higher future earning potential.
If you can keep your expenses down (live with parents, attend community college which can be free in some cities, complete your degree at an inexpensive public institution etc) debt doesn't have to be out of control.
Having high debt can cause unnecessary stress during the first years of practice.
Another unfortunate consequence of debt is limiting the student's choices after graduation. If a student has a passion for pediatrics, but crippling debt, they may be forced to apply to residencies with higher future earning potential.
Barry Nelson
Social Impact, Nonprofits, Higher Education, Diversity & Inclusion
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Barry’s Answer
Community college can be a good option for a number of reasons, certainly if you would like to save money in preparation for tuition at a four-year college or university. Community colleges can also be a good way to prepare for the increased academic demands of college if you're feeling unprepared for any reason, or you would like to become a more competitive candidate by improving your GPA.
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
129
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
I was an industry engineer, Instructor, and Academic Advisor at a local community college so here are a few of my thoughts:
1) Community Colleges are a great way to reduce the costs of college!
2) Community Colleges are great if you must take math/reading remedial classes or simply want to experiment with classes to see what you like.
3) I believe everyone should go to the best college that they can afford (and get accepted to) however that must be balanced by how much you will end up borrowing (which must be paid back with interest). High paying jobs will make it easier to pay off student loans.
4) VERY IMPORTANT: If you plan on attending a community college and then transferring to a 4-year university, you must make sure that you are taking courses that the 4-year university will accept (Universities do not accept all classes from other colleges/universities). Discuss this with the college College Transfer Advisor at BOTH colleges!
5) If you go to a Community College and then transfer to a 4-year university, you should find that employers only focus on the 4-year university degree (which is always more prestigious).
6) Whatever you decide, if the classes are very easy, you should continue to push yourself and not "float" along with the coursework. Either request more advanced classes, change to a stronger college, or work on related material on your own.
7) I went to a community college, transferred to get an Electrical Engineering degree at a 4-year university and then retired at age 59 after a 34 year career as an engineer (and part-time college instructor). It worked out very well for me!
1) Community Colleges are a great way to reduce the costs of college!
2) Community Colleges are great if you must take math/reading remedial classes or simply want to experiment with classes to see what you like.
3) I believe everyone should go to the best college that they can afford (and get accepted to) however that must be balanced by how much you will end up borrowing (which must be paid back with interest). High paying jobs will make it easier to pay off student loans.
4) VERY IMPORTANT: If you plan on attending a community college and then transferring to a 4-year university, you must make sure that you are taking courses that the 4-year university will accept (Universities do not accept all classes from other colleges/universities). Discuss this with the college College Transfer Advisor at BOTH colleges!
5) If you go to a Community College and then transfer to a 4-year university, you should find that employers only focus on the 4-year university degree (which is always more prestigious).
6) Whatever you decide, if the classes are very easy, you should continue to push yourself and not "float" along with the coursework. Either request more advanced classes, change to a stronger college, or work on related material on your own.
7) I went to a community college, transferred to get an Electrical Engineering degree at a 4-year university and then retired at age 59 after a 34 year career as an engineer (and part-time college instructor). It worked out very well for me!