2 answers
Grace
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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Does it matter what kind of college I go to?
Will it affect how likely I am able to get a job if I go to a community college versus a university? #college-selection
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2 answers
Bakari Smith
Business Analyst
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Bakari’s Answer
There are pros and cons to attending community college vs attending a four-year university. Typically, upon completion of two years at a community college, you will earn an associate's degree, whereas your four years at university will earn you a bachelor's degree. Some jobs do require applicants to have a bachelor's degree, but more and more jobs, even higher-paying "white collar" jobs are dropping that requirement. The likelihood of getting a job is dependent on the job itself, your experience (internships, previous jobs, etc.), how the interview goes, and many other factors. That being said, here is a breakdown of some of the benefits of both community college and university:
Community college benefits:
-Smaller class sizes
-More one-to-one interaction with teaching staff
-More flexible class schedules
-Far more affordable
-Can always transfer to a university after completing your two years
Four-year university benefits:
-More clubs, organizations, and opportunities for extracurricular activities
-Although more expensive than community college, many universities offer fantastic financial aid packages
-Arguably will provide access to a wider range of careers
Community college benefits:
-Smaller class sizes
-More one-to-one interaction with teaching staff
-More flexible class schedules
-Far more affordable
-Can always transfer to a university after completing your two years
Four-year university benefits:
-More clubs, organizations, and opportunities for extracurricular activities
-Although more expensive than community college, many universities offer fantastic financial aid packages
-Arguably will provide access to a wider range of careers
Thank you very much for this advice. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.
Grace
Diane Jarrett
20
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Community colleges provide programs if you are interested in an Associates Degree. The degree type describes it purpose. It will prepare you to be an associate, an assistant. For example, I received an associates degree in architecture. I did not learn to be an architect; I learned to make the drawings and assist architects in their work.
A Bachelors develops a higher level of learning. Rather than doing, a bachelors will help the student become a thinker. Rather than two years of skill development, the student will dig deeper into subjects and gain the ability to manage projects.
Whether you begin your education towards a Bachelors at a community college or at a four year university makes little difference. Speak with a college counselor to ensure you take requisite foundational coursework AND that the regionally accredited university from which you plan to graduate will accept those credits. This is critical.
Talk to counselors at your community college and your chosen four year university.
A Bachelors develops a higher level of learning. Rather than doing, a bachelors will help the student become a thinker. Rather than two years of skill development, the student will dig deeper into subjects and gain the ability to manage projects.
Whether you begin your education towards a Bachelors at a community college or at a four year university makes little difference. Speak with a college counselor to ensure you take requisite foundational coursework AND that the regionally accredited university from which you plan to graduate will accept those credits. This is critical.
Diane recommends the following next steps:
Thank you very much for this advice! It is very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.
Grace