5 WAYS TO RESOLVE THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE VS. UNIVERSITY CONTROVERSY The dispute between community colleges and universities is one that continues to be brought up frequently among high school seniors, their families, and even the institutions themselves.
Some people believe that if you attend a community college first, you aren’t prepared to commit. Some would claim that you are choosing the simple solution. Whatever the cause, two-year universities and their reputations seem to be stigmatized.
I must admit that weighing community college versus university is difficult because both offer legitimate advantages. Sincerity be damned, it all depends on where you are in life when you leave high school. A two-year college gives some people the opportunity to decide what they want to do for a living in the future. Others use it as a means of gaining college experience, getting accustomed to the rigorous curriculum, and finishing any compulsory general education classes.
Then there is the fundamental difference that arises from any discussion about community colleges vs. universities. MONEY.
It’s no secret that attending a two-year college is far less expensive than attending a university and could ultimately save students thousands of dollars.
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A UNIVERSITY AND A COMMUNITY COLLEGE It will be simple for some people to decide between community college and university. There are additional online universities, such as Victoria University Online . Others are struggling to decide between them because they can see both their advantages and disadvantages. If you find yourself in this situation, carefully consider your feelings towards each of the points and questions on the list below. Try making a list of the things you want, the things that matter the most to you, and how you would proceed with each educational option as you read. By the time you finish reading this post, I hope you’ll be able to see things more clearly.
Is saving money one of your top priorities?
Given that student loan debt is on the rise annually, this is a crucial question. You might want to consider attending a community college if you don’t believe that the FAFSA will pay for enough of your educational expenditures and you don’t have enough money to cover the charges elsewhere. Even if you simply attended for a semester or a year and finished 5–10 general education classes, you would still be well on your way to realizing your dream of earning a college degree and would likely be in much better financial shape as a result!
2. Do You Want Dorm Life?
You should put the value of dorm living on your list of things to evaluate as you weigh community college vs. university. Going to a university may be more appealing if you prefer the typical college experience that involves living away from home and having a roommate. The chances are that you won’t have the same on-campus experiences as a university student, even though it’s simple to find an off-campus apartment close to a two-year institution.
3. Bear Program Requirements in Mind
Many students begin at the two-year level in order to get some college credits that they can subsequently transfer to a four-year institution. This is a fantastic choice, but if you ultimately decide to move out of state rather than stay in state, you can find yourself in a difficult scenario. The cause? Most two-year institutions have arrangements with the local four-year institutions allowing suitable classes to be transferred. Universities from other states might not accept those same courses.
Examine the institution and program you could later be interested in enrolling in to avoid any problems. Contact an admissions representative at that institution as well to find out which courses might transfer.
4. Will You Display School Spirit?
It’s no secret that universities have better-known sports teams than do smaller institutions. Consider enrolling in a four-year college if you want to be among the raucous students in the student section at your home football games.
5. How Did You Do in Class?
This is a crucial point to take into account in the community college vs. university discussion! Be truthful to yourself. Did you struggle in high school to earn decent grades? Were you clinging to a passing grade by a thread? Remember that college-level courses will be significantly more difficult. Going to a two-year school would be wise if you believe that you need some time to get used to the heavier burden.
However, if you felt that high school didn’t challenge you nearly enough, you should strongly consider enrolling in a university right away. Although the first semester could be a little difficult, you enjoy a challenge, right?
Final Thoughts on Community College vs. Universities
There is reason to be enthusiastic about college! For some of you, I realize this decision will be challenging. No matter whatever route you take, keep in mind that you’ll be well on your way to obtaining a higher education degree, which is a major deal.
I urge you to set aside some time to compile a list of advantages and disadvantages. Set your most essential priorities. Don’t let other people pick your course of action because only you can fully determine which path is best for you.
I’m not making any of these claims from a distance. I’ve been in those difficult decision-making circumstances before, and I know they’re not the most enjoyable. I attended a four-year university to begin with, took a year off, finished the semester at a two-year university, and then returned to a four-year. Although it was a ridiculous process that most people wouldn’t go through, it helped me fulfill my goals and soar to new heights.
Continue to be perplexed about community college and universities? Have further worries? Ask questions in the comments section below.
