6 answers
Kat
Student
Myrtle Creek, Oregon
1
Question
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What colleges should I look into when I finish community college?
I'm currently in community college and high school, I am from Oregon, and I was wondering how to figure out what college I should look into after I finish community college and high school. I am starting to save up right now, but I don't know how expensive a college I can afford by then. I want to be a crime scene investigator or something in forensics.
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1058
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
here are some more key insights on the transfer process including:
Strategic Credit Transfer: Definitely obtain your community college Associate's degree before transferring, as it often satisfies all general education requirements and allows students to focus immediately on their major upon arrival at a four-year university.
Direct Transfer Agreements (DTA): Make sure that your community college has a DTA with the target four-year institution to ensure all credits transfer smoothly.
"Campus Navigation": Transfer students should look beyond standard tours and practice what is called Campus Navigation—visiting campus locations, meeting with advisors during office hours, and getting a "cognitive map" of the new school to ease the transition.
I have known several students, who have transferred before getting an Associate's degree, and have had to take extra credits, in order to satisfy the General University Requirements (GUR) of the university. This took more time and more financial resources to complete this process.
Strategic Credit Transfer: Definitely obtain your community college Associate's degree before transferring, as it often satisfies all general education requirements and allows students to focus immediately on their major upon arrival at a four-year university.
Direct Transfer Agreements (DTA): Make sure that your community college has a DTA with the target four-year institution to ensure all credits transfer smoothly.
"Campus Navigation": Transfer students should look beyond standard tours and practice what is called Campus Navigation—visiting campus locations, meeting with advisors during office hours, and getting a "cognitive map" of the new school to ease the transition.
I have known several students, who have transferred before getting an Associate's degree, and have had to take extra credits, in order to satisfy the General University Requirements (GUR) of the university. This took more time and more financial resources to complete this process.
Nellie Bloom
Consultant
2
Answers
Matawan, New Jersey
Updated
Nellie’s Answer
You're on the right track! I also started at a community college before transferring to a state school. Make sure the school you want to transfer to accepts your credits. State schools usually do, but it's good to double-check. Many CSI programs require an internship at the end, which is often unpaid, so consider this when planning your finances. Working part-time while studying could be helpful, and if you're interested in law enforcement or CSI, a part-time job with the local police department could give you valuable experience. When choosing colleges, look for ones that offer internships or labs to practice your skills. Internships in this field are competitive, so ask the college about their success in placing students in internships. You might also want to ask for references and find out the minimum GPA needed to secure an internship. Keep pushing forward, and good luck!
Andrea Mazie
consulting
13
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
I love that you are starting your journey in community college! It's such a great way to get some credits without racking up tons of debt and while you are figuring out what you are really interested in.
As people above have suggested - you'll want to understand how different schools will treat your community college credits. If you stay in the same state, stay in a public school, etc. that will likely help. Beyond that - you can ask yourself the same questions any other college bound student would ask. What schools have the vibe I'm looking for? What schools offer the classes I want to take? If you have particular interest (my son is a crazy roc climber!) then figure out what schools will allow you to keep leaning in to that interest whether it's pre-professional or volunteering, etc.
It can feel like there is a RIGHT answer but actually there are lots of paths and the more you know about yourself, the better the path will be (and life will still surprise you and throw obstacles in yoru way - just keep going!)
As people above have suggested - you'll want to understand how different schools will treat your community college credits. If you stay in the same state, stay in a public school, etc. that will likely help. Beyond that - you can ask yourself the same questions any other college bound student would ask. What schools have the vibe I'm looking for? What schools offer the classes I want to take? If you have particular interest (my son is a crazy roc climber!) then figure out what schools will allow you to keep leaning in to that interest whether it's pre-professional or volunteering, etc.
It can feel like there is a RIGHT answer but actually there are lots of paths and the more you know about yourself, the better the path will be (and life will still surprise you and throw obstacles in yoru way - just keep going!)
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1831
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Kat!
What is your course of study in community college?
One way to help finance your bachelor degree is to get an entry-level professional job with a govt agency. They often offer tuition assistance, meaning, they will pay partially towards your degree, depending on the grade you receive. Going to school plus working will take longer, but, it is an option. Some jobs you should be able to get with a 2 yr degree include police dispatcher as well as police officer.
Another option is to join the military.
Eugene, OR PD has a very informative webpage, https://www.eugene-or.gov/1936/Careers-in-Forensics
If finances is a concern, you probably want to try to live at home while attending college. You could take some on-line classes to help towards that goal. Looking at a map, I don't see any major cities close to you, and don't know what colleges are available, so I apologize for not answering the question that you asked. But, I do hope this helps you somewhat.
Best of luck,
Kim
What is your course of study in community college?
One way to help finance your bachelor degree is to get an entry-level professional job with a govt agency. They often offer tuition assistance, meaning, they will pay partially towards your degree, depending on the grade you receive. Going to school plus working will take longer, but, it is an option. Some jobs you should be able to get with a 2 yr degree include police dispatcher as well as police officer.
Another option is to join the military.
Eugene, OR PD has a very informative webpage, https://www.eugene-or.gov/1936/Careers-in-Forensics
If finances is a concern, you probably want to try to live at home while attending college. You could take some on-line classes to help towards that goal. Looking at a map, I don't see any major cities close to you, and don't know what colleges are available, so I apologize for not answering the question that you asked. But, I do hope this helps you somewhat.
Best of luck,
Kim
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
You're already doing a fantastic job by taking community college courses in high school. This puts you in a great spot. To find the right colleges, look for ones that are friendly to transfer students and have strong programs in forensics or criminal justice. Since you're in Oregon, in-state tuition can save you a lot. Check out programs in forensic science, criminal justice with a forensic focus, biology, or chemistry. Crime scene investigation involves a lot of science, so choose schools with good labs and hands-on courses rather than just big names. Oregon State University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon are popular choices for transfers with clear paths from community college.
Don't worry too much about costs yet. Many students think college will cost more than it actually does. Use each college’s net price calculator to see what you might pay after financial aid, and remember to fill out the FAFSA every year. Staying in-state is usually cheaper, and transferring in as a junior can save you a lot compared to starting at a four-year school right away. Also, look for transfer scholarships and local scholarships related to criminal justice or STEM fields—they can really add up.
If you're interested in CSI or forensics, focus on internships and lab opportunities, not just classes. When researching colleges, see if they offer crime scene labs, partnerships with local law enforcement, or internship placements. Employers value hands-on experience. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Concentrate on doing well in your science courses, finishing your transfer requirements, and figuring out which part of forensics you like best. This will make choosing a college much easier later on.
Don't worry too much about costs yet. Many students think college will cost more than it actually does. Use each college’s net price calculator to see what you might pay after financial aid, and remember to fill out the FAFSA every year. Staying in-state is usually cheaper, and transferring in as a junior can save you a lot compared to starting at a four-year school right away. Also, look for transfer scholarships and local scholarships related to criminal justice or STEM fields—they can really add up.
If you're interested in CSI or forensics, focus on internships and lab opportunities, not just classes. When researching colleges, see if they offer crime scene labs, partnerships with local law enforcement, or internship placements. Employers value hands-on experience. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Concentrate on doing well in your science courses, finishing your transfer requirements, and figuring out which part of forensics you like best. This will make choosing a college much easier later on.
Heather Bench
Executive Concierge
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Hi Kat,
Great Question. I transferred my associates degree from my local community college to a state university. For selecting a University for Forensic Science or Criminal Justice, I would recommend researching the schools that are known for their Criminal Justice program. Also, I would check their accreditation as well too. For tuition costs, if you stay in state it's usually less. Also, I would look for scholarships/ grants too. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Great Question. I transferred my associates degree from my local community college to a state university. For selecting a University for Forensic Science or Criminal Justice, I would recommend researching the schools that are known for their Criminal Justice program. Also, I would check their accreditation as well too. For tuition costs, if you stay in state it's usually less. Also, I would look for scholarships/ grants too. Hope this helps. Good luck!