Choosing what school to attend after high school is a pretty big choice. Both community colleges and bigger universities are great options, but how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide can give you the details you need so you can figure out which academic setting you’ll thrive in.
1. The community college stigma
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first. You’ve probably heard the stereotype that community college is for people that can’t cut it at a major university. But that’s so unbelievably wrong.
Ranked number one on The Best Schools’ top 50 community colleges list, Walla Walla Community College is nothing short of impressive. It offers traditional academic and technical learning, as well as programs in agriculture and viticulture, a learning center focused on non-profits, and a water and environmental center. Walla Walla Community College has won some prestigious awards, too. They’re proof that community college is legit.
2. The living situation
A huge part of the college experience is living away from home for the first time. Dorms are a primary part of what you see in the movies when it comes to college. They're a way to get out of your comfort zone and make friends that you'll remember forever. High Point University is one college known for its dorms that offer much than the cinder block walls and cold tile floors you may have seen.
With community colleges, you probably won't get the full dorm experience. Community colleges are often primarily for local commuters, and they may not even have housing available. This can be a good thing for people who want to save costs by living at home for a bit, aren't ready to live with others or already have their own apartment. But it's also a big negative for a lot of students.
3. The price
Price can be one of the most distinctive discrepancies between the two college options. Community colleges are often two-year degrees, and the cost for each year is usually much cheaper than that of a four-year university. According to College Board, in-district tuition for a community college is around $3,440 a year, while in-state tuition at a four-year university is about $9,410 a year.
Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania is one of the most affordable colleges in the state, with in-county tuition at only $2,115 per year. Community college is a great cost-friendly option, especially if you aren’t really sure what you want to study and are taking classes to try to figure it out. If you know exactly what you want, and you know it’s a four-year degree, going to a university right away could be the better option.
4. The programs available
Community colleges are normally focused on two-year Associate’s degrees or starter credits that students later transfer to four-year colleges. Universities typically offer primarily four-year Bachelor's degrees with additional programs available for Associate's, Master's and possibly more. This should probably be your biggest focus when you're choosing a school.
Listen to your mother on this one. If you’re not sure what you want to do, a university is a lot of money to spend on figuring yourself out. Sure, you’ll get that college experience, but you’ll be paying for it — literally — for a long time after. Community college is great for trying out classes and find your focus before transferring to get a four-year degree.
Community colleges also have a benefit of smaller class sizes. If you went to a smaller high school, it’s easy to get overwhelmed jumping into a university right away, with lecture halls sometimes having hundreds of students. Community college helps as an adjustment period. They also offer things like certificate programs if you know that a longer amount of schooling isn’t for you.
However, if you're set on your degree and know you want the true college experience as well, definitely start out at a university. It's ideal to get your degree done quicker if you know what to pursue.
Universities usually have a wider variety of classes and programs and have smaller colleges within the overall university that focus on certain disciplines. Syracuse University offers colleges like The School of Architecture, College of Visual and Performing Arts and others.
Find your best fit
Both community colleges and universities offer a quality education — it just comes down to finding the one that fits you best. Forget where everyone else in your high school class is going and focus on making the best choice for yourself.
