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Alexia
Student
Hebron, NE
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Is a community college financially smarter than a university?
Just wondering. #education
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12 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
COMMUNITY COLLEGE VS. UNIVERSITY
If you are wondering whether to attend a community college or a university, you should have a solid understanding of the major differences between the two. Attending a community college can be a good way for students to ease into the world of higher education and learn at their own pace. This is especially true for students who struggled in high school or anyone who's unsure if they want to make the significant time and money investment in college, experts say. About 60 percent of community college students attend school part time, so anyone interested in taking one or two classes at a time will not feel out of place. This makes community college a good option for nontraditional students like parents and older students who wish to balance school with family or career obligations.
1) DEGREES
First on the list of differences between community colleges and universities is the type of degrees and programs offered. Community colleges are sometimes referred to as '2-year colleges' and mostly offer associate's degree programs that you can typically complete in two years or less, depending on enrollment status (i.e., full or part time). Associate's degrees can be used on their own for jobs that require a 2-year degree or to prepare you for transfer to a university. Most community colleges also offer short-term certificate and diploma programs that train you for a specific career. On the other hand, universities generally offer programs that result in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and take longer to complete (4+ years). Most people attend a two-year community college to fulfill their general education requirements and earn an associate's degree. This includes classes that focus on college-level reading and writing, mathematics, science and social science. These general credits can then be transferred to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree.
2) COST
Alongside degree programs, cost is probably the biggest difference between community colleges and universities--and one of the main factors when it comes to choosing a school! That said, community colleges are much cheaper than universities; in fact, the College Board reports that the average annual cost of tuition and fees for a public 2-year college is $3,500 for in-district students. However, according to the same source, the average annual cost for a public 4-year university is $9,800 for in-state students and $24,000 for out-of-state students. For a private 4-year university, you can expect to cough up $39,200 per year in tuition and fees. The differences are crazy, aren't they Alexia? Due to these huge price differences, many students choose to complete a two-year degree program at their local community college and then transfer to a university to complete their studies and earn a higher degree. Just remember that if you're thinking of doing this, always check to make sure your credits and degree will transfer when the time comes. Due to these huge price differences, many students choose to complete a two-year degree program at their local community college and then transfer to a university to complete their studies and earn a higher degree. Just remember that if you're thinking of doing this, always check to make sure your credits and degree will transfer when the time comes.
3) ADMISSION
Community colleges typically have much less strict admission requirements than universities. In fact, many have open admission policies, meaning any person who graduates high school and applies gets accepted. However, certain community college programs may have stricter admission requirements, such as those in nursing, law enforcement, allied health and engineering technology. Universities tend to be much pickier when it comes to admissions, which means you better be ready to do more than just submit an application. For example, Purdue University has admission requirements that include taking certain courses and earning certain grades in high school, completing essay questions, receiving a minimum score on the ACT or SAT, and more.
5) SIZE
Another crucial component to the community college experience is small class size. You won't see many huge, crowded lectures, if any. Most community college classes have twenty students or fewer. This allows for much more interaction and constructive discussion, rather than a one-sided monologue that is common in lower-level university classes. The small class sizes also contribute to the quality of the teaching, as described above. Professors in small classes are naturally compelled to make the learning process more engaging and interactive. Classroom discussions are more common and professors are generally more accessible to students. And with fewer papers and exams to grade, professors can give more feedback and develop personal relationships with students. The average class size at community colleges ranges from 25-35, while classes at universities can have 150-300 students! If you enjoy one-on-one teacher attention, this can have a huge impact on your school decision.
5) CULTURE
This is one area where large universities will always have community colleges beat. Most community colleges don't invest as much in campus facilities, athletic programs, and student clubs/organizations. That makes it more affordable, but many students feel the need to have “the college experience”, which includes living in student dorms and participating in campus life. You won't find nearly as much of this culture at community colleges, and certainly no fraternities or sororities. But you may be surprised by some of the campuses in the nation's larger community colleges. Many have invested substantially in campus facilities like student centers, campus dining, computer labs and state-of-the-art classrooms. Some community college students who transfer to big universities have an adjustment period. It is easy to feel alienated when you're new to an environment and most other people have already been there for two years. Most universities provide services for transfer students that make it easier to engage in the social life of the campus. If you'd like to play sports but don't feel that you're ready for NCAA Division I competition, you may be able get more playing time and better enjoy the sport at a community college. Many of the larger schools have active and diverse athletics programs, including competitive football, basketball, track and field, baseball, volleyball and more.
Alexia now that you have the major differences between community colleges and universities laid out in front of you, you should have a clearer idea of which type of school will work best for you and your individual needs. Remember to keep in mind the differences between degrees, cost, admission requirements, living arrangements and class sizes when making your decision.
Hope this was Helpful Alexia
If you are wondering whether to attend a community college or a university, you should have a solid understanding of the major differences between the two. Attending a community college can be a good way for students to ease into the world of higher education and learn at their own pace. This is especially true for students who struggled in high school or anyone who's unsure if they want to make the significant time and money investment in college, experts say. About 60 percent of community college students attend school part time, so anyone interested in taking one or two classes at a time will not feel out of place. This makes community college a good option for nontraditional students like parents and older students who wish to balance school with family or career obligations.
1) DEGREES
First on the list of differences between community colleges and universities is the type of degrees and programs offered. Community colleges are sometimes referred to as '2-year colleges' and mostly offer associate's degree programs that you can typically complete in two years or less, depending on enrollment status (i.e., full or part time). Associate's degrees can be used on their own for jobs that require a 2-year degree or to prepare you for transfer to a university. Most community colleges also offer short-term certificate and diploma programs that train you for a specific career. On the other hand, universities generally offer programs that result in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and take longer to complete (4+ years). Most people attend a two-year community college to fulfill their general education requirements and earn an associate's degree. This includes classes that focus on college-level reading and writing, mathematics, science and social science. These general credits can then be transferred to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree.
2) COST
Alongside degree programs, cost is probably the biggest difference between community colleges and universities--and one of the main factors when it comes to choosing a school! That said, community colleges are much cheaper than universities; in fact, the College Board reports that the average annual cost of tuition and fees for a public 2-year college is $3,500 for in-district students. However, according to the same source, the average annual cost for a public 4-year university is $9,800 for in-state students and $24,000 for out-of-state students. For a private 4-year university, you can expect to cough up $39,200 per year in tuition and fees. The differences are crazy, aren't they Alexia? Due to these huge price differences, many students choose to complete a two-year degree program at their local community college and then transfer to a university to complete their studies and earn a higher degree. Just remember that if you're thinking of doing this, always check to make sure your credits and degree will transfer when the time comes. Due to these huge price differences, many students choose to complete a two-year degree program at their local community college and then transfer to a university to complete their studies and earn a higher degree. Just remember that if you're thinking of doing this, always check to make sure your credits and degree will transfer when the time comes.
3) ADMISSION
Community colleges typically have much less strict admission requirements than universities. In fact, many have open admission policies, meaning any person who graduates high school and applies gets accepted. However, certain community college programs may have stricter admission requirements, such as those in nursing, law enforcement, allied health and engineering technology. Universities tend to be much pickier when it comes to admissions, which means you better be ready to do more than just submit an application. For example, Purdue University has admission requirements that include taking certain courses and earning certain grades in high school, completing essay questions, receiving a minimum score on the ACT or SAT, and more.
5) SIZE
Another crucial component to the community college experience is small class size. You won't see many huge, crowded lectures, if any. Most community college classes have twenty students or fewer. This allows for much more interaction and constructive discussion, rather than a one-sided monologue that is common in lower-level university classes. The small class sizes also contribute to the quality of the teaching, as described above. Professors in small classes are naturally compelled to make the learning process more engaging and interactive. Classroom discussions are more common and professors are generally more accessible to students. And with fewer papers and exams to grade, professors can give more feedback and develop personal relationships with students. The average class size at community colleges ranges from 25-35, while classes at universities can have 150-300 students! If you enjoy one-on-one teacher attention, this can have a huge impact on your school decision.
5) CULTURE
This is one area where large universities will always have community colleges beat. Most community colleges don't invest as much in campus facilities, athletic programs, and student clubs/organizations. That makes it more affordable, but many students feel the need to have “the college experience”, which includes living in student dorms and participating in campus life. You won't find nearly as much of this culture at community colleges, and certainly no fraternities or sororities. But you may be surprised by some of the campuses in the nation's larger community colleges. Many have invested substantially in campus facilities like student centers, campus dining, computer labs and state-of-the-art classrooms. Some community college students who transfer to big universities have an adjustment period. It is easy to feel alienated when you're new to an environment and most other people have already been there for two years. Most universities provide services for transfer students that make it easier to engage in the social life of the campus. If you'd like to play sports but don't feel that you're ready for NCAA Division I competition, you may be able get more playing time and better enjoy the sport at a community college. Many of the larger schools have active and diverse athletics programs, including competitive football, basketball, track and field, baseball, volleyball and more.
Alexia now that you have the major differences between community colleges and universities laid out in front of you, you should have a clearer idea of which type of school will work best for you and your individual needs. Remember to keep in mind the differences between degrees, cost, admission requirements, living arrangements and class sizes when making your decision.
Hope this was Helpful Alexia
Thank You for your continued support Dexter. If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten, It’s what you practice in private that you’ll be rewarded for in public.
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Alexia,
I am in full agreement with Sarah Tarta. They really do have their own strengths. My kids aren't old enough yet, but when they ask me for advice for the best path forward, my advice would be to go to a community college for two years, then transfer to a four year university. This will get you the name brand degree, as Sarah stated, and it'll get you the network that a great college is so valuable for.
I think on the surface, it feels like a community college is much cheaper, given that they teach the same classes for a much cheaper price, but the extra price does give you some benefits. If you can get to a highly ranked (academically) university, even if the class names and syllabus are the same to a community college, you'll probably get a more engaging instructor and smarter classmates to measure yourself against. I mean don't get me wrong, there are horrid university professors, but at least in my own experience of going to UC Berkeley for 3 years, and attending around 10 community college courses, I felt that the quality of education at Berkeley was much superior to the various community colleges I attended. I also feel that as human beings we constantly measure ourselves against our peers, and when you are surrounded by academically focused classmates in universities (versus community colleges, where many students have to work and study), it makes you study that much harder.
I feel that the most valuable thing (besides the degree) you get out of universities are connections. The classmates, professors, friends and acquaintances you make at universities will help you in your career. I mean, there are just so many opportunities at universities, if you're looking (research projects, jobs at research labs, startup-like projects, etc). If you can prove yourself to the various people you meet, they'll ask for help in whatever they're pursuing, and many times, it can lead into a career.
There are also chance encounters at seemingly random events. For me, this happened in my senior year. My girlfriend at the time, through an honor society, got to go shadow engineers at an established company. It just so happened that they had an extra spot, and I was offered it. Of course I took it because, well I got to go on a trip with my girlfriend. What I actually got out of that visit though, was that I found out that my degree that I was pursuing (Electrical Engineering with a focus on analog design) led to a job that I didn't want to do for the rest of my life. I believe that if it weren't for this serendipitous visit, I'd been hard headed and wouldn't have pivoted my career to IT/web development as soon as I did. These types of events and opportunities are plentiful at universities and the quality of such events are much higher at universities compared to what's available at community colleges (in my personal experience).
At the end of it, universities are valuable for a reason, but at the same time, you gotta choose what works best for your situation. I wish you the best of luck!
--
Dexter
I am in full agreement with Sarah Tarta. They really do have their own strengths. My kids aren't old enough yet, but when they ask me for advice for the best path forward, my advice would be to go to a community college for two years, then transfer to a four year university. This will get you the name brand degree, as Sarah stated, and it'll get you the network that a great college is so valuable for.
I think on the surface, it feels like a community college is much cheaper, given that they teach the same classes for a much cheaper price, but the extra price does give you some benefits. If you can get to a highly ranked (academically) university, even if the class names and syllabus are the same to a community college, you'll probably get a more engaging instructor and smarter classmates to measure yourself against. I mean don't get me wrong, there are horrid university professors, but at least in my own experience of going to UC Berkeley for 3 years, and attending around 10 community college courses, I felt that the quality of education at Berkeley was much superior to the various community colleges I attended. I also feel that as human beings we constantly measure ourselves against our peers, and when you are surrounded by academically focused classmates in universities (versus community colleges, where many students have to work and study), it makes you study that much harder.
I feel that the most valuable thing (besides the degree) you get out of universities are connections. The classmates, professors, friends and acquaintances you make at universities will help you in your career. I mean, there are just so many opportunities at universities, if you're looking (research projects, jobs at research labs, startup-like projects, etc). If you can prove yourself to the various people you meet, they'll ask for help in whatever they're pursuing, and many times, it can lead into a career.
There are also chance encounters at seemingly random events. For me, this happened in my senior year. My girlfriend at the time, through an honor society, got to go shadow engineers at an established company. It just so happened that they had an extra spot, and I was offered it. Of course I took it because, well I got to go on a trip with my girlfriend. What I actually got out of that visit though, was that I found out that my degree that I was pursuing (Electrical Engineering with a focus on analog design) led to a job that I didn't want to do for the rest of my life. I believe that if it weren't for this serendipitous visit, I'd been hard headed and wouldn't have pivoted my career to IT/web development as soon as I did. These types of events and opportunities are plentiful at universities and the quality of such events are much higher at universities compared to what's available at community colleges (in my personal experience).
At the end of it, universities are valuable for a reason, but at the same time, you gotta choose what works best for your situation. I wish you the best of luck!
--
Dexter
Sarah Tarta
Consumer Banking Associate
8
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Everyone has their own path when it comes to college. Yes, community college is definitely cheaper than standard university tuition, but each option comes with its strengths. Based on your budget, you could do community college for a few years, then transfer to a university to get a 'name brand' degree as well as the huge alumni network. Or, you could do the full four years at community college and still have a great career with the right networking and outreach.
There are also hundreds of scholarships out there, so using an online aggregator to find apps for them, or searching up specific university scholarships could be a great way to also make attending university financially smart as well.
Different career paths also have different requirements for which college to attend - some colleges are direct pipelines to certain companies, so its best to research where you'd like to eventually end up as well.
I hope this helps!
There are also hundreds of scholarships out there, so using an online aggregator to find apps for them, or searching up specific university scholarships could be a great way to also make attending university financially smart as well.
Different career paths also have different requirements for which college to attend - some colleges are direct pipelines to certain companies, so its best to research where you'd like to eventually end up as well.
I hope this helps!
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Alexia:
You've received some great comments thus far. Id' like to share that my nephew went to a community college and later transferred to a four year university. He recently completed medical school and interviewing for medical match program. Each path is different; so pick what is best for you.
Best of luck to you!
You've received some great comments thus far. Id' like to share that my nephew went to a community college and later transferred to a four year university. He recently completed medical school and interviewing for medical match program. Each path is different; so pick what is best for you.
Best of luck to you!
Bryce Cromer
Student Teacher
89
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Bryce’s Answer
Hi Alexia,
In almost every situation community college is financially smarter than attending a university. Community colleges often offer the same classes as the university. Some community colleges offer 4 year degrees, but for the ones that do not you are still able to achieve an AA or the for 2 years of college at a greatly reduced price. That being said there are some situations where you can go to University for pretty cheap. This is when scholarships come into play. Community colleges still offer scholarships, but usually no where near the amount that universities give. I hope this helped answer your question. Good luck!
In almost every situation community college is financially smarter than attending a university. Community colleges often offer the same classes as the university. Some community colleges offer 4 year degrees, but for the ones that do not you are still able to achieve an AA or the for 2 years of college at a greatly reduced price. That being said there are some situations where you can go to University for pretty cheap. This is when scholarships come into play. Community colleges still offer scholarships, but usually no where near the amount that universities give. I hope this helped answer your question. Good luck!
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Alexia,
Just like most questions - it depends. Community college can be cheaper as long as you are smart about your overall education strategy. Most people only do two years at a community college to get their basic credits for a 4-year degree program. You have to be very careful to check that the credits from your community college will transfer to a 4-year university. That was one of the mistakes that I made. And that was how I ended up overpaying for college, because some of the credits did not transfer and I had to retake classes (paying for them again) which ended up costing a lot of money in the long run. I added to that mistake by moving to another state, which made even my 4-year college credits invalid in another state. I would recommend making sure that you take a route from college to college that does not cause you to have to retake classes to make the most of the cost.
Gloria
Just like most questions - it depends. Community college can be cheaper as long as you are smart about your overall education strategy. Most people only do two years at a community college to get their basic credits for a 4-year degree program. You have to be very careful to check that the credits from your community college will transfer to a 4-year university. That was one of the mistakes that I made. And that was how I ended up overpaying for college, because some of the credits did not transfer and I had to retake classes (paying for them again) which ended up costing a lot of money in the long run. I added to that mistake by moving to another state, which made even my 4-year college credits invalid in another state. I would recommend making sure that you take a route from college to college that does not cause you to have to retake classes to make the most of the cost.
Gloria
Jan Liberson-Helferstay
Pharmacist
1
Answer
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Jan’s Answer
Community College can be a cheaper alternative when Gen Ed. Requirements are not degree specific. However, some professions it may be a better opportunity to get credit at the school you see intending to finish your degree such as nursing or pharmacy. Often a limited number of applicants are selected for admission and already attending can provide an edge when applying. Transfer students are not always considered first.
TLAUREN TLAUREN
CA
120
Answers
San Gabriel, California
Updated
TLAUREN’s Answer
Whenever individuals talk about advanced education, the discussion of whether going to a junior college or a college is better. There is no genuine response to that since none of them have precisely the same objectives. No matter how you look at it, junior college is substantially more reasonable. The normal educational cost is a large portion of that of a state-funded college. Some portion of this is on the grounds that junior colleges are stripped down, dodging things like huge grounds framework and extracurricular projects that expand the overhead everywhere colleges. However, most community colleges promote classes that are designed for transferrable credit to most universities
Steve Swisher
Category Manager of Procurement
69
Answers
The Woodlands, Texas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I think so as you can get the basis courses out of the way for the first two years then transfer most credits to a 4-year university. In this manner you can cut your college costs substantially for 50% of your college days, assuming you strive for a 4-year degree. Community colleges are great and you will be prepared for the next level when you complete your first 60+ hours.
Keep learning. It's the best investment in your life, which no one can take away.
Keep learning. It's the best investment in your life, which no one can take away.
Kelsey Kleine
Executive Assistant
4
Answers
Berkeley, California
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Hi Alexia,
I think that getting your Associate's Degree at a community college is an excellent (and financially beneficial) way to figure out what career path you want to be on and to boost your chances of getting into the best schools for that path.
My mother went to community college for 2 years, then transferred to a 4-year university, and THEN got her PhD at UC Berkeley. She is a great example of how community college is an awesome jumping off point for your future!
I think that getting your Associate's Degree at a community college is an excellent (and financially beneficial) way to figure out what career path you want to be on and to boost your chances of getting into the best schools for that path.
My mother went to community college for 2 years, then transferred to a 4-year university, and THEN got her PhD at UC Berkeley. She is a great example of how community college is an awesome jumping off point for your future!
Janet Marcus
Retired Bilingual School Psychologist
28
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Janet’s Answer
You will save a good deal of money going to a community college. Work hard at your courses and talk with your professors about your career goals. They should be able to give you advice.
Pro Professional
207
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Pro’s Answer
A community college is a lot cheaper, and you could have 50-75% of your Bachelors degree already finished when transferring