College is a really stressful thing to deal with especially as a first year student. As seniors in high school we were all ready to graduate and we couldn't wait to never set foot in that building again. We were all excited to walk down that field and shake our school principles hand as they handed us our ticket to "The real world". Everything had begun—the start of finally getting to go to college. Wait you mean to tell me that I have to pay $45,000 a year to go to college for four years, which doesn't include my meal plan or school books? On top of that, I have to pay a $50 application fee just to even apply to the school without even knowing if I'm going to get in? That is crazy!!!
However, there is a better option. I can go to college for $5,000 a year for two years initially, and then transfer to a four-year college where I can get my degree. Check. Having the opportunity to go to community college where I could spend $40,000 a year less in loans is one of the greatest things I could ask for. FAFSA doesn't always give you the amount of money that you were hoping to get, so having to pay $5,000 versus $45,000 is great.
I am taking the exact same classes as a four year college student just at a cheaper price. Most four year colleges make all freshman take all of their general education classes first; which include a math, science, college writing class and possibly a language. Each class can cost between $500 and $5,000 per class. At a community college, you are offered the exact same classes, just less expensive. At most community colleges you begin taking classes that involve your major as a sophomore.
Each community college gives you the opportunity to transfer to any other college you want to after a year or two years. A student counselor helps you decide which classes to take in order to transfer to your major college or university. By going to two year college first, you are guaranteed that you will get into their program so there is less stressing on knowing if you will be able to go to secondary schooling. A lot of community colleges don't even need you to take your SAT's, but only require that you take a placement test to measure your approximate level.
Most high school students think that going to a community college means that you are stupid and can't get into a "real college". This is not the case at all. It simply means that you won't come out of school with as much debt as you thought you would. Millions of people every day are still paying of their college loans.
From my point of view, it is better safe than sorry—save as much money as possible!
