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Brenna
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What is easier, community college for two years then university for last two, or university for all four?
What is easier/less expensive to go to community college for first two years for college then transfer to a university for the last two, or go to a university for all four?
8 answers
Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
76
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Angella’s Answer
The choice between attending community college for two years and then transferring to a university or attending a university for all four years depends on various factors and individual preferences. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Cost: Community colleges generally have lower tuition rates compared to universities. By attending community college for the first two years, you may be able to save money on tuition and other expenses. However, it's important to consider the cost of transferring to a university and any potential differences in financial aid packages.
Academic Flexibility: Community colleges often offer a wide range of general education courses that can transfer to universities. This flexibility can allow you to explore different subjects and potentially clarify your academic interests before committing to a specific major. However, some universities may have more specialized programs or majors that may not be available at community colleges.
Campus Life and Resources: Universities typically offer a richer campus life experience, including a wider variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events. They may also have more extensive academic resources, such as research facilities and libraries. If you prioritize a vibrant campus community and access to specialized resources, attending a university for all four years may be preferable.
Admissions and Transfer Process: Transferring from a community college to a university involves an application process. While many universities have articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of credits, it's essential to understand the specific requirements and transfer policies of the universities you are considering. Ensure that your community college courses align with the requirements of your desired university and major.
Personal Factors: Consider your personal circumstances, such as proximity to home, family responsibilities, work commitments, or other factors that may influence your ability to attend a university immediately or throughout all four years. Additionally, think about your academic preparedness and readiness for the rigor of a university education.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to which path is easier or better. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks. It's important to evaluate your priorities, financial situation, academic goals, and personal circumstances to make a decision that aligns with your needs and aspirations. It can also be helpful to speak with academic advisors, professionals in your field of interest, and current students to gather more information and insights about the specific community colleges and universities you are considering
Cost: Community colleges generally have lower tuition rates compared to universities. By attending community college for the first two years, you may be able to save money on tuition and other expenses. However, it's important to consider the cost of transferring to a university and any potential differences in financial aid packages.
Academic Flexibility: Community colleges often offer a wide range of general education courses that can transfer to universities. This flexibility can allow you to explore different subjects and potentially clarify your academic interests before committing to a specific major. However, some universities may have more specialized programs or majors that may not be available at community colleges.
Campus Life and Resources: Universities typically offer a richer campus life experience, including a wider variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events. They may also have more extensive academic resources, such as research facilities and libraries. If you prioritize a vibrant campus community and access to specialized resources, attending a university for all four years may be preferable.
Admissions and Transfer Process: Transferring from a community college to a university involves an application process. While many universities have articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of credits, it's essential to understand the specific requirements and transfer policies of the universities you are considering. Ensure that your community college courses align with the requirements of your desired university and major.
Personal Factors: Consider your personal circumstances, such as proximity to home, family responsibilities, work commitments, or other factors that may influence your ability to attend a university immediately or throughout all four years. Additionally, think about your academic preparedness and readiness for the rigor of a university education.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to which path is easier or better. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks. It's important to evaluate your priorities, financial situation, academic goals, and personal circumstances to make a decision that aligns with your needs and aspirations. It can also be helpful to speak with academic advisors, professionals in your field of interest, and current students to gather more information and insights about the specific community colleges and universities you are considering
Thank you so much, Angella!
Brenna
Welcome Brenna, I am pleased to hear from you. Incase of any querriers, please ask. Ready to help out at anytime
Angella chepchirchir
Sara Rusheidat
Intern
9
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sara’s Answer
To be honest, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It really depends on each person and their situation after finishing high school. If paying for tuition and other expenses is a concern, starting at a community college might be a good idea. You can take general education classes there and then transfer to a university of your choice later on. Community colleges are also great for those who aren't sure about their future career path, as they offer a wide range of courses tailored to different interests and goals.
On the other hand, if you have a general idea of what you want to study and can afford tuition and housing, a four-year university might be a better fit. Universities often provide scholarships, which could make them an easier choice compared to community colleges. Plus, they have more clubs, activities, fraternities, and sororities, which can help you make connections during your time there. So, take some time to research and find the best path for your own wants and needs.
On the other hand, if you have a general idea of what you want to study and can afford tuition and housing, a four-year university might be a better fit. Universities often provide scholarships, which could make them an easier choice compared to community colleges. Plus, they have more clubs, activities, fraternities, and sororities, which can help you make connections during your time there. So, take some time to research and find the best path for your own wants and needs.
Thank you so much, Sara!
Brenna
Molly Hollingsworth
HR Clerk
80
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Brenna,
This is a great question. It honestly simply comes down to what you would prefer. in my past college experience, I decided to go the route of attending a 4 year degree program. However, after hearing more experiences through friends of attending a community college for 2 years and then transferring into another college, they were able to save money and still receive their degree all within a 4 four year period.
I know it can be stressful when deciding what to do, but it call comes down to what you prefer, and the initiative that you would likely recommend. Which path will be easier AND cheaper for the long-run is what I would recommend to think about specifically!
Thank you and I hope this helped!
Molly H.
This is a great question. It honestly simply comes down to what you would prefer. in my past college experience, I decided to go the route of attending a 4 year degree program. However, after hearing more experiences through friends of attending a community college for 2 years and then transferring into another college, they were able to save money and still receive their degree all within a 4 four year period.
I know it can be stressful when deciding what to do, but it call comes down to what you prefer, and the initiative that you would likely recommend. Which path will be easier AND cheaper for the long-run is what I would recommend to think about specifically!
Thank you and I hope this helped!
Molly H.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Brenna!
Deciding between spending your first two years at a community college before transferring to a university, versus spending all four years at a university, is a choice that depends on many factors. These can include your academic ambitions, your financial situation, and what you personally prefer. Let's break down some of the pros and cons:
Starting off at a community college for two years has its perks:
1. Cost: Community colleges are typically cheaper than universities, so you could save quite a bit of money in your first two years.
2. Flexibility: If you've got a job or a family to take care of, community colleges often offer more flexible schedules.
3. Smaller classes: You might get more individual attention in smaller classes, which is common at community colleges.
4. Easy admission: It's often easier to get accepted into a community college than a university.
5. Credit transfer: Many community colleges have agreements with local universities, allowing you to transfer your credits.
However, there are some downsides to starting at a community college:
1. Limited programs: Community colleges might not offer the major you're interested in.
2. Fewer resources: They might not have the same resources as universities, like research facilities or internships.
3. Less social life: You might miss out on some of the social and extracurricular activities that universities offer.
On the other hand, spending all four years at a university has its own advantages:
1. More programs: Universities usually have a wider variety of programs and majors.
2. Better resources: They often have more facilities, internship opportunities, and career services.
3. Social life: You'll likely have a richer college experience, with more social and extracurricular activities.
4. Networking: Universities often have larger and more diverse student bodies, offering more chances to network and make connections.
But there are also some cons to consider:
1. Higher cost: Universities are generally more expensive than community colleges.
2. Competitive admission: It can be harder to get accepted into a university.
3. Larger classes: Universities often have larger classes, which might mean less personal attention.
In the end, whether it's easier to start at a community college and then transfer, or to go straight to a university, depends on your personal situation and what you prioritize. Both paths have their pros and cons, so it's important to think carefully about what you want and need before you decide.
References:
1. Community College Research Center. (2019). The Effects of Community College on Student Outcomes. Teachers College, Columbia University. <https://www.communitycollegeresearch.org/publications/the-effects-of-community-college-on-student-outcomes/>
2. The National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Digest of Education Statistics. U.S. Department of Education. <https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=84>
3. The College Board. (2020). Transferring to a Four-Year College. The College Board. <https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/college-101/transferring-to-a-four-year-college>
Deciding between spending your first two years at a community college before transferring to a university, versus spending all four years at a university, is a choice that depends on many factors. These can include your academic ambitions, your financial situation, and what you personally prefer. Let's break down some of the pros and cons:
Starting off at a community college for two years has its perks:
1. Cost: Community colleges are typically cheaper than universities, so you could save quite a bit of money in your first two years.
2. Flexibility: If you've got a job or a family to take care of, community colleges often offer more flexible schedules.
3. Smaller classes: You might get more individual attention in smaller classes, which is common at community colleges.
4. Easy admission: It's often easier to get accepted into a community college than a university.
5. Credit transfer: Many community colleges have agreements with local universities, allowing you to transfer your credits.
However, there are some downsides to starting at a community college:
1. Limited programs: Community colleges might not offer the major you're interested in.
2. Fewer resources: They might not have the same resources as universities, like research facilities or internships.
3. Less social life: You might miss out on some of the social and extracurricular activities that universities offer.
On the other hand, spending all four years at a university has its own advantages:
1. More programs: Universities usually have a wider variety of programs and majors.
2. Better resources: They often have more facilities, internship opportunities, and career services.
3. Social life: You'll likely have a richer college experience, with more social and extracurricular activities.
4. Networking: Universities often have larger and more diverse student bodies, offering more chances to network and make connections.
But there are also some cons to consider:
1. Higher cost: Universities are generally more expensive than community colleges.
2. Competitive admission: It can be harder to get accepted into a university.
3. Larger classes: Universities often have larger classes, which might mean less personal attention.
In the end, whether it's easier to start at a community college and then transfer, or to go straight to a university, depends on your personal situation and what you prioritize. Both paths have their pros and cons, so it's important to think carefully about what you want and need before you decide.
References:
1. Community College Research Center. (2019). The Effects of Community College on Student Outcomes. Teachers College, Columbia University. <https://www.communitycollegeresearch.org/publications/the-effects-of-community-college-on-student-outcomes/>
2. The National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Digest of Education Statistics. U.S. Department of Education. <https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=84>
3. The College Board. (2020). Transferring to a Four-Year College. The College Board. <https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/college-101/transferring-to-a-four-year-college>
Richard Bruce
Singer/songwriter/guitar tech
9
Answers
Titusville, Florida
Updated
Richard’s Answer
After obtaining my Associate's Degree, I spent fifteen years in the workforce. So when I decided to return to school, I chose to attend a community college. Thought it would be best to get my brain restarted and get some general ed courses out of the way, as well as explore an area of interest. I was fortunate to get significant credit transfers from my first degree, and completed the community college program in just a year. However, I decided that the only way I was going to advance my career was to attend a four-year school. I did so, again receiving significant transfer credits, and graduated with my BA in Psychology in only four years of attending school at night. I believe it was the best decision, and I saved quite a bit on tuition.
Explore the programs available at your local community college. Choose one that will award a terminal degree just in case you decide not to go on to a four year school
Make sure any four-year school you might attend has the program you're interested in, and accepts credits from your community college.
Take advantage of any vocational aptitude assessments available at either school. This step was important in my choosing a program that would advance my career.
Here's the key to success in education 1. Show up for every class, no matter what. 2. Do the work, no matter what. 3. Genus is 99% perspiration, and 1% inspiration.
Now go out there and get started! You can always alter your course during the voyage. If you're sitting on the beach waiting for your ship to come in, don't. Swim out to it!
Richard recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Brenna
Kaitlyn Ciak
Model Risk
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Community college for two years will definitely save you some money, especially if you live at home during that time. If you have an idea of which university you would like to attend, you should make sure that you will be able to transfer your credits and that you will be taking classes at community college that will contribute meaningfully to your 4-year degree.
That being said, the choice is totally going to be dependent on your personal preferences as well. Going to a community college after high school can also help with the transition to higher education as well. It can be quite a shock to go from high school to a university, especially if you would be living away from home for the first time. This will be entirely dependent on you and what you believe you will be more comfortable with.
Also, if you are looking to get very involved in clubs at your university, you may prefer to attend for all 4 years to get the most out of those experiences, but it is never too late to get involved, and you will not miss out completely on anything.
Either way, the choice is entirely yours, and you will end up in the same place in the end. :)
That being said, the choice is totally going to be dependent on your personal preferences as well. Going to a community college after high school can also help with the transition to higher education as well. It can be quite a shock to go from high school to a university, especially if you would be living away from home for the first time. This will be entirely dependent on you and what you believe you will be more comfortable with.
Also, if you are looking to get very involved in clubs at your university, you may prefer to attend for all 4 years to get the most out of those experiences, but it is never too late to get involved, and you will not miss out completely on anything.
Either way, the choice is entirely yours, and you will end up in the same place in the end. :)
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Brenna
Stavros Pantelis
7
Answers
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Updated
Stavros’s Answer
This question mainly depends on personal opinions. I spent two years at a community college and two years at a university. Consider factors such as staying near family, the university's reputation for your desired program, and the importance of campus life.
In short, research both universities and community colleges you're interested in, and decide if you want to spend two years at a community college as well.
In short, research both universities and community colleges you're interested in, and decide if you want to spend two years at a community college as well.
Thanks for the advice.
Brenna
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
There are a lot of factors to consider. In general, community college will be cheaper - unless you are able to secure significant financial aid from a 4-year college or university. If you go the community college route and do well, you should have no difficulty transferring. You also need to look at personal preferences. If you want a thriving campus life with extracurricular activities, you are more likely to get that at a four-year school. If you want to work while attending school and would enjoy being around others doing the same, community college is a good option.
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