Four-Year Institution vs. Community College: What’s the Difference?
Everyone's education path looks different, and multiple pathways can lead to the same outcome. For many, a semester or two, or longer, at a community college is part of that pathway. Unfortunately, society has stigmatized attending a community college. Some view them as the option for students who could not get into a four-year institution. This is not the case. Community college is the right choice for some students, whether they want to earn a two-year degree or use it as a starting point for their education.
Below, I take a closer look at the differences between four-year colleges and universities and community colleges so you have the information you need to choose the education path best for your circumstances and goals. I also provide more information about transferring from a community college to a four-year institution.
Differences Between Community Colleges & Four-Year Institutions
Here are some of the major differences between community colleges and four-year institutions:
Cost
There is a significant price difference between private and public colleges and universities. You can expect to pay around $10,000 per year for tuition and fees at the state university where you live. The yearly bill at a private college or university will be more than $30,000. Community colleges are comparatively more affordable for students. The College Board estimates tuition and fees at a local community college to run about $3,500 per year. Cost of attendance is one of the biggest motivators for first-generation college students, non-traditional college students, and those who want to avoid massive student loan debt.
Housing
Some community colleges offer housing, but it's limited. The same is true of meal plans. Four-year institutions offer various meal plans with multiple dining options. Additionally, students have many dorm options. Depending on your situation, this might not be the right choice. Four-year institutions often require first-year students to live on campus and purchase a mandatory meal plan, drastically increasing living costs. Most community college students live off-campus or with family and provide their own meals.
Scholarships
Although four-year institutions are more expensive, they offer more opportunities for scholarships. Private and public universities have more alumni who leave money to their schools, providing scholarships and other funding options that community colleges do not offer. Although there are exceptions, the general rule is that the larger a college or university, the more scholarship opportunities for students. This also means more diversity in scholarships. At many four-year institutions, students can receive scholarships for sports, music, or enrolling in a specific degree program.
Size/Class Size
Large universities offer classes that consist of large group lectures with 100 or more students in attendance, especially in the first two years. Getting help requires tracking down a professor or teaching assistant during office hours or finding another student who can answer questions. Community colleges have smaller class sizes, which benefits those who need more individual attention to learn.
Degree Programs
Community colleges do not offer Bachelor's degrees like four-year institutions do. Students can obtain a two-year associate degree. Even if you intend to pursue a career that requires a four-year degree, you can transfer an associate degree to complete your Bachelor's. However, if you are undecided about a career path, don't make the mistake of assuming that you need to get a Bachelor's degree to earn a decent wage. Community colleges offer training for various careers, especially in healthcare. Examples of programs you might encounter at your local community college include training for:
Dental Hygienists
Various types of Engineering Technicians
Radiation, Respiratory, and Occupational Therapists
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Athletics and Activities
Community colleges offer various clubs and organizations. Some also offer athletics, but four-year institutions offer much more in terms of athletics and activities. On large college campuses, not only do you have access to sororities and fraternities, but competitive sports are a big part of campus life. However, students who do not plan to play competitive sports in college can often find football, volleyball, softball, and other sports leagues to get some exercise and blow off some steam. The same is true of student organizations. You won't find high-profile clubs at a community college, but you will find clubs and organizations that allow you to collect with like-minded peers.
Transferring to a Four-Year Institution from Community College
Many students begin their studies at a community college with the intention of transferring to a four-year college or university. Many community colleges have relationships—often called articulation agreements— with large public universities located in the same state, making these transfers the most beneficial because of issues with transfer credits. The last thing you want to do is go to community college and find out you lose dozens of credits when you transfer. State universities typically accept all or most credits from community college students. However, it's a mixed bag with out-of-state schools and other private institutions. If you intend to transfer, you need to take the time to find out what classes will transfer to your desired school to avoid wasted time and money.
Once you figure out how credits transfer from a community college, then deciding to take the transfer pather comes with other considerations beyond the cost of attendance. First, remember that your Bachelor's degree only lists the college that grants your degree. On paper, a student that went to Community College ABC and graduated from University XYZ looks the same as a student who attended four years at University XYZ.
Credits
Community colleges offer flexibility for people with jobs and families. If you are a non-traditional student, you can take classes part-time while still working and tending to children. A few years of part-time classes give you a chance to prepare to transition to full-time at a four-year institution to finish up your degree. Choosing the transfer path also offers you some time to improve your GPA if your high school academic record is weak, giving you a far better chance of getting into your school of choice. Finally, community colleges give you experience in college-level work that allows you to hone your study skills and develop your work ethic as a student, helping you better succeed when you transfer.
Learn More About the Difference Between a Four-Year Institution and Community College
Community colleges get a bad rap. They offer another pathway to a career that may or may not include transferring to a four-year institution. You can get a job after community college, and you do not need to feel the pressure of attending a four-year institution if it isn't the best path for your individual circumstances. For more questions about four-year institutions vs. community colleges and others about choosing the best path for your education, learn more about my college counseling services here.
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