4 answers
jordan
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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would you recommend community college or university?
I love school but its also tiring so I don't know where to go.
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Having attended a community college and working for most of my career at one (and at a public university), in my opinion I received my best education at a community college.
The classes are smaller, the resources are more easily accessible, and you are not treated like you are just another number. So, I think the best option would be a community college.
The classes are smaller, the resources are more easily accessible, and you are not treated like you are just another number. So, I think the best option would be a community college.
Beverly Schott
Academic coaching, advising and teaching
24
Answers
Canton, Connecticut
Updated
Beverly’s Answer
Good question, Jordan. The choice is yours and both paths offer a great education.
The difference between attending a community college first and then transferring vs going straight to a university is as follows:
1. A community college is a good choice to take your basic classes that transfer, with professors who will be there for you in smaller classes and more office/campus availability.
2. A university is good choice if you are trying to get into a major that requires you to start there or if you want a bigger college experience with dorms and a fuller campus life.
I started at a community college and transferred to a large university near me. My community college experience was more personal and I learned more about college and careers from my professors there. When I transferred to the university I felt more prepared. As a first-generation college student, the community college paved the way for my successful career and I did not go into debt in the first two years.
See my suggestions below so you can get started on your search:
Contact your local community college to see if it offers the major you would like or classes to transfer toward that major.
Speak with admission counselors and faculty at the local community college first. Find out about transfer pathways for your bachelor's degree.
Attend an open house at the community college and at the university you are considering to see the differences. Ask questions that help you learn more.
Talk with students who have attended a community college and also with those who went straight to a university. Find out their perspectives.
The difference between attending a community college first and then transferring vs going straight to a university is as follows:
1. A community college is a good choice to take your basic classes that transfer, with professors who will be there for you in smaller classes and more office/campus availability.
2. A university is good choice if you are trying to get into a major that requires you to start there or if you want a bigger college experience with dorms and a fuller campus life.
I started at a community college and transferred to a large university near me. My community college experience was more personal and I learned more about college and careers from my professors there. When I transferred to the university I felt more prepared. As a first-generation college student, the community college paved the way for my successful career and I did not go into debt in the first two years.
See my suggestions below so you can get started on your search:
Beverly recommends the following next steps:
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
58
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
I would honestly recommend whatever work for you. I went to Community College for the first year and then applied to a University. Even while in University I did still went back to community college and did some of the more difficult classes at community college. I found that I got more support at community college and I was able to take one hard class each summer, which helped me focus on that course.
Here are some key benefits of attending community college instead of a university:
Cost Savings: Lower tuition rates make education more affordable.
Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend classes accommodate working students.
Smaller Class Sizes: More personalized attention from instructors.
Transfer Opportunities: Easier pathways to four-year universities.
Variety of Programs: Options for vocational and technical training.
Exploration of Interests: Chance to explore different fields without long-term commitment.
Support Services: Access to academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
Local Focus: Strong community connections for internships and jobs.
Smooth Transition: A less stressful move from high school to college.
Non-Traditional Pathways: Great option for adult learners returning to education.
These factors can make community college an appealing choice for many students.
I would honestly recommend whatever work for you. I went to Community College for the first year and then applied to a University. Even while in University I did still went back to community college and did some of the more difficult classes at community college. I found that I got more support at community college and I was able to take one hard class each summer, which helped me focus on that course.
Here are some key benefits of attending community college instead of a university:
Cost Savings: Lower tuition rates make education more affordable.
Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend classes accommodate working students.
Smaller Class Sizes: More personalized attention from instructors.
Transfer Opportunities: Easier pathways to four-year universities.
Variety of Programs: Options for vocational and technical training.
Exploration of Interests: Chance to explore different fields without long-term commitment.
Support Services: Access to academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
Local Focus: Strong community connections for internships and jobs.
Smooth Transition: A less stressful move from high school to college.
Non-Traditional Pathways: Great option for adult learners returning to education.
These factors can make community college an appealing choice for many students.
Eric Hanley
Associate Director
2
Answers
Ballston Lake, New York
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Jordan,
It all depends on your situation as I went to a community college and received my Associate's Degree. I decided at that point that I was done w/ school and I tried to find a job. I found out the hard way that w/o a Bachelor's degree that I couldn't get an interview w/o that piece of paper. I then found an employer w/ tuition reimbursement and went back to school online and graduated with a Bachelor's degree and continued on w/ my Master's Degree.
So my biggest advice is to either go straight to a University and receive your Bachelor's degree, or go and get your Associate's but continue on after and finish your 2 years somewhere else.
Good luck in your future.
It all depends on your situation as I went to a community college and received my Associate's Degree. I decided at that point that I was done w/ school and I tried to find a job. I found out the hard way that w/o a Bachelor's degree that I couldn't get an interview w/o that piece of paper. I then found an employer w/ tuition reimbursement and went back to school online and graduated with a Bachelor's degree and continued on w/ my Master's Degree.
So my biggest advice is to either go straight to a University and receive your Bachelor's degree, or go and get your Associate's but continue on after and finish your 2 years somewhere else.
Good luck in your future.