Community College vs. University

In high school, students have the tendency to think that community college is something that is bad. In “Confessions Of A Girl Who Was ‘Too Smart For Community College’,” Chelsea Fagan talks about how in school, she had a hard time in school with her grades and how her school showed off kids that went to college on a bulletin board. She tried everything to avoid going to a community college. Only for the reason that there was a “stigma” on how community colleges are mostly frowned upon or even laughed at (Fagan). Being rejected from many colleges she then convinced herself that she was too smart to go to a community college. Later on she reluctantly went to community college expecting it to be terrible. She quickly realized that community college was a great place to be. Later on, this gave her opening to go to other places. She closes off with her stating how community college is a great place financially and also a great place to mature. In “Confessions Of A Girl Who Was ‘Too Smart For Community College,’” Chelsea Fagan’s simple structure and casual tone make it easy for a reader to understand her main point, and I agree with her concerns on the reproach of community college, but she never really explained why community college was great other than her thoughts on it being cheaper making her argument a little weak.

This article provides an insightful view into the perceived and real status of community colleges in relation to their university counterparts. Once thought of as a place merely for underachievers to attend for workforce training, Trowbridge points out these institutions now have more to offer. They provide an affordable opportunity for students to complete the same courses that are available at the university for a fraction of the cost. Noting the financial savings in comparison to the traditional university, along with the overall quality of instruction, local community colleges have become a viable alternative for those seeking a college education without the incurring unnecessary amounts of debt.

Benefits of attending a community college as opposed to a traditional university tend to be overlooked by potential students. They are either unaware of its advantages or do not fully understand how this type of education can benefit their cause. Year after year large amounts of students choose to go straight from high school and in to four-year universities. The problem with this particular situations is that universities in general tend to have 50-400 students in one

In the article “Two Years Are Better Than Four” author Liz Addison writes about how community college is a forgotten option for many students in America, and that it is not well advertised like the universities are. She writes about how community college is a great option for students who need a less expensive option, but still want a chance to further their education. Addison also writes about how they allow everyone to attend so you can “just begin”. Community college is a great option for many students because it allows for an affordable option for students to continue their education.

Some of you go to college go to play a sport for that college, in which case you would go to a University. At the time of graduation you are usually around 17 to 19, at this point in your life you have to think if you are ready to move out of your parents house and be on your own, and many do, again you would choose a University. There are some of you who want to stay under mom and dad’s roof and just want to go to college to see what living by yourself is like, to see if you will like it. In this case you would choose a Community college. For some this can be one of the harder decisions to make. Another difference of a University and Community college is the size. Not just the size of the campus, but the size of the classes and workload that you will be facing. With a University you have a large campus with numerous class buildings and dorms. At a Community college you will usually have only one building and all that this building contains is classrooms for learning. Sizes of most University classes are over 30 of you to a class; sometimes that number can be as high as 100 students to a class. When you are a student at a Community college you are usually one out of twenty. The most you will probably find in a classroom of a Community college will be around thirty.

Choosing a college means going to a new, unfamiliar world of immense possibilities. One of the hardest decisions a high school graduate face is the choice between attending a Community College or a University. Although Universities and Community College serve the same purpose, each has its differences and similarities in their learning such as the admission requirements, expenses, size, and student life. Community College are the most common type of two-year College that prepares you to continue your education, are often an affordable and convenient option. Universities you can earn Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees which is more expensive. At a University, you can

In order to find a good job and have a good life in the future, many high school students plan to continue acquiring a higher education degree in the college. Michael is a senior high school student. He is going to graduate from his high school soon. His friends think about attending four-year universities directly after graduating from the high school and he does not want to be left behind them. However, Michael’s parents realize that there is not quite enough money in the saving account to support him if he chooses to attend to the university directly after graduating from high school. All the money that his parents have been saving for many years will pay for the tuition, which means his family will be difficult to maintain the normal livelihood. In addition, his parents also learn that Michael’s high school academic performance is not good, so they worry about that whether he will be able to handle college-level circumstances or not. So, his mother goes to school and asks help from the counselor. The suggestion of the counselor is that Michael should go to the community college first and then transfer to a university. In this situation, Michael is not sure where he should go? As a friend of Michael, I advise that he should choose to go to the two-year community college after graduating from the high school and then consider to transfer to the four-year university.

Consequently, the absurd college and university tuition hikes have forced many prospective college bound students to shift gears on the journey to receiving their degree. In fact, many students have opted to start their college careers at a community college. Community colleges are designed to serve as a connection from high school to college by providing courses that are transferable to colleges or universities offering a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and are generally more cost efficient. CNN Money journalist, Kim Clark reports that, “While community college tuition posted a sharp 8.7% gain, it's still a bargain: only about $3,000 a year for full-time tuition” (Clark). Clark also suggests that due to recent increases in federal grants and tax benefits, the average total aid was raised above the average tuition price of community colleges, therefore, “the typical community college student got the cost of

For some students, Studying in four-year degree has economic pressures and many risks, for instance, leaving school with debt or being unable to find a fit job (Scott A23). Studying in community colleges can avoid these risks because the tuition for college is cheap, and the teaching content focus on professional field. Credit from community colleges can transfer to four-years system. It means that people can spend less money to finished higher education. In addition, people can depend own situation to decide whether continue to study in a bachelor degree when they really identify their demand. Therefore, people who study in community colleges have more opportunities to plan a studying goal, two-year or four-years

As a high school senior progresses towards their graduation day, making the the correct choice for their higher education institution is a very important decision that may affect them greatly in the long-run. Students are usually presented with the decision of attending either a two-year community college or a four-year university. Although, both higher education institutions are designed to teach and prepare individuals for their future career goals, some differences can be anticipated. As a result, attending a university and a community college may be compared to determine which institution is the most beneficial for a high school student in the areas of learning environment, cost of attendance, and student culture and campus life.

One major decsion one must make after exiting high school is whether to go to a university or stay home and go to community college. Although universities and community colleges serve the same purpose, the two differ in their learning environment, convenience, and admission requirements.

Going to a community college, rather than a university, is a much more sufficient choice for high school graduates. Community colleges like Rockingham Community College (RCC), have increased benefits for the undergraduate students compared to that of a university. Attending RCC is a superior choice for most students because it is less expensive than a university, it has smaller, more flexible classes, and it is also usually closer to home and work.

The Decision between a two year and a four year school can surely impact your education and your future. By having the correct research and some knowledge can save money, save time, and have an accurate idea after school. There are many similarities and differences between a community college and a university. Starting college can either be effective in a positive way in your life or may lead in a negative way by simply making the correct decision.

The question remains on which is the better choice for a college. Community colleges, versus universities. Now both do offer educations, but two-year colleges have an inferior cost, flexibility toward your schedule, and smaller classes. While four-year colleges have a superior price with the full on experience, offer dorms, and the opportunity to meet new people. Which college is the fit for you?

Our whole lives’ we have been working up to accomplishing what our goals are after high school. There are many different options we can choose from, so we can experience the one that fits the best for us. Some choices are; a university, community college, trade school, the workforce, taking a year off, and many more. Depending on personalities, the best option may be different from others. When just focusing on a university and community college, there are several differences between the two. Knowing the differences will help make the decision on what to do after high school. A university is learning at the highest level that offer many programs to fit the needs for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. In contrast, a community college, also known as a junior college, is an institution that offers courses for only the first and second year to grant a degree for your program. Over the years there has been a controversy on whether it is “better” to go to a community college or a 4-year university after high school. When deciding what type of school to attend, students may look at certain aspects such as, statistics of the two schools, cost, class size, academic quality, flexibility, ability to transfer, and the overall campus life.