Hannah
What are the pros and cons of spending two years at a community college vs going straight to a 4-year university?
It applies to me personally, will it save money, is it the same quality education, will everything transfer #registered-nurses #nurse-practitioner
3 answers
Wala'a B
Wala'a’s Answer
I hope you're doing well!
Choosing to spend two years at a community college before moving to a 4-year university can be a smart move. It all depends on what you want, how you plan, and your situation. Here are some benefits and challenges I’ve picked up from my experience and others:
Benefits:
- Save Money: Community college tuition is much cheaper than university costs, which can ease financial stress.
- Smaller Classes: You might get more personal attention from professors, especially in general education or introductory STEM courses.
- Flexibility and Support: Community colleges often offer flexible schedules and support services for first-generation and non-traditional students.
- Time to Decide: If you’re unsure about your major or career, community college gives you time to explore without the high cost of a university.
Challenges:
- Transfer Planning: Not all credits transfer automatically. Check the transfer agreements between your community college and your target university. Talk to advisors regularly.
- Campus Life: You might miss out on the traditional freshman experience, like student housing and clubs, but community colleges have their own activities, too.
- Misconceptions: Some people might wrongly think community college is "less than," but it’s not. Believe in your path and your reasons.
Tips if You’re Thinking About This Path:
- Meet with both a community college advisor and a transfer advisor from your target university before picking classes. This helps you avoid taking classes that won’t transfer.
- Check your school’s Transfer Credit Equivalency list or Articulation Agreement online.
- Keep a strong GPA, as many universities offer guaranteed admission for transfer students with good grades.
- Get involved at your community college by joining clubs or volunteering to build your resume and network.
In short, this path can save you money and provide a solid foundation if you plan well. Do your research, keep your goals in mind, and stay connected with both schools. You’re not taking a detour; you’re being smart and strategic.
You’ve got this!
Kimberly Reske Victory
Kimberly’s Answer
This is a great question! Personally- I completely support doing two years at community, and then two at university. I did this, and it saved me thousands of dollars. I received a great basic education, and all of my credits transferred into university.
I would recommend to look into the university that you would like to transfer to and see what their prerequisite classes are. For example, one school wanted physics, but the one I wanted was asking for statistics instead. So it helps to know what is required of you before you start taking your courses. I see no negative difference in doing community college first. Take it from me! Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Hannah
