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City College and then State/UC Colleges or straight to State/UC?
Hello CareerVillage, I would like to ask if there are any pros or cons to going to a city college and then transferring out to a state university. Have you figured out what you wanted to do in that amount of time going to city college?
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Priya’s Answer
Hi Jason,
One of the biggest reasons people choose to attend community college first and then transfer to university is tuition. You will save thousands of dollars and end up with the same degree in the end. So if money is something you are worried about, this is a great option! You will still be able to learn everything you need and be able to explore different majors/jobs.
One con to this is you will not be able to integrate well into university campus life right away. This is because if you go to all 4 years at a university, you have time to familiarize yourself with the campus and join certain clubs/school activities. However if this isn't something you worry about, then I would say going to community college first is a good option.
One of the biggest reasons people choose to attend community college first and then transfer to university is tuition. You will save thousands of dollars and end up with the same degree in the end. So if money is something you are worried about, this is a great option! You will still be able to learn everything you need and be able to explore different majors/jobs.
One con to this is you will not be able to integrate well into university campus life right away. This is because if you go to all 4 years at a university, you have time to familiarize yourself with the campus and join certain clubs/school activities. However if this isn't something you worry about, then I would say going to community college first is a good option.
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Jessica’s Answer
Hey Jason,
Community or two year college offer the same education as universities and can give you a leg up if the institution has a four year degrees as well. As some others have mentioned cost is a factor as well, community college is significantly cheaper and can offer technical degrees that pay well out of school. Don't pick a school out of popularity, but pick one out of what it is you want to do and think about the cost as well :). I hope this helps.
Community or two year college offer the same education as universities and can give you a leg up if the institution has a four year degrees as well. As some others have mentioned cost is a factor as well, community college is significantly cheaper and can offer technical degrees that pay well out of school. Don't pick a school out of popularity, but pick one out of what it is you want to do and think about the cost as well :). I hope this helps.
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Karen’s Answer
City College/Community College/Technical College - ALL can be a great first step for post secondary. There are many reasons students choose as well: Save $, be close to home, and the flexibility around a work schedule and / or family. Sometimes students just aren't ready to dive right into traditional college student life full time. Some students will appreciate the opportunity to participate in practical learning of a trade. Some students need to get their grades / test scores raised to hit admission requirements. City / community College can be a great preliminary choice to "get your feet wet," try out a career, utilize resources and develop strong study habits and recognize personal grit and determination for post secondary in general. Typically, you will have a dedicated team of professionals helping you navigate program of study options, financial aid, admissions, course scheduling and time to degree. If you do plan to transfer at any point, be careful of attempting to take "all your core" as is a common practice. It could possibly be better to take a whole 2 year program of study and get an Associates or certification(s) and then ARTICULATE that into a 4 year Bachelor program. This would take some planning and knowledge on the degree you wish to seek. (ie:Don't try to go from Liberal Arts to Engineering). Some students do take a term or 2 (including summer) and take core courses. Most states have outlined what core courses will transfer from sector to sector.
*As a side -- If employed ANYWHERE, be sure to check with your employer on tuition assistance for either 2 year or 4 year degree programs!
* Optional links to learn more below
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/what-transfer-students-should-know-about-articulation-agreements
https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/tackling-transfer/articulation-agreements-are-just-small-part-answer
https://thecollegepost.com/free-community-college-states/
*As a side -- If employed ANYWHERE, be sure to check with your employer on tuition assistance for either 2 year or 4 year degree programs!
* Optional links to learn more below
Karen recommends the following next steps:
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Brent’s Answer
Jason,
Choosing to go to a community college is an excellent way to get a lot of your core courses completed for a fraction of the cost of a state university. A lot of state universities want you to fulfill elective requirements in math/science, arts and humanities. A lot of these classes are 100 level classes that you can complete at community college. It's always a good idea to check with the state university that you might plan on attending in the future what classes from the community college will transfer. Not every state university views the classes as the same.
Choosing to go to a community college is an excellent way to get a lot of your core courses completed for a fraction of the cost of a state university. A lot of state universities want you to fulfill elective requirements in math/science, arts and humanities. A lot of these classes are 100 level classes that you can complete at community college. It's always a good idea to check with the state university that you might plan on attending in the future what classes from the community college will transfer. Not every state university views the classes as the same.
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Laurie’s Answer
There are many reasons to select a Community College or a State University but all the factors really will depend on you. Community Colleges offer a lower tuition and the opportunity to get core classes out of the way without building up a lot of debt. However you need to ensure the State University will accept all credits you earn. But the cost is not the only factor you should consider, the school you select has to offer what you are looking for as well as make you feel welcome and comfortable.
I recommend you complete a visit of any college you plan to attend to see how you feel after the visit. Also look at all the degrees you can earn at a school, because you might change your mind once you start and you don't want to be at a school that only offered the one thing you might be interested in.
I recommend you complete a visit of any college you plan to attend to see how you feel after the visit. Also look at all the degrees you can earn at a school, because you might change your mind once you start and you don't want to be at a school that only offered the one thing you might be interested in.