| Community colleges have advantages and | | | | rule of thumb is 2-3 hours of outside study time per |
| disadvantages over traditional 4-year universities. Here | | | | credit hour, which would mean 6-9 hours of outside |
| are a few factors to consider when choosing which | | | | study time for a standard 3-hour course. Are you able |
| option is best for you. | | | | to sit in classes for an extended period of time? Etc |
| PROS | | | | CONS |
| Admission Requirements | | | | Social Activities |
| One of the main differences between community | | | | If you are a very social person and you like to be |
| colleges and 4-year schools is admission requirements. | | | | involved in multiple school activities, a 4-year school |
| Community colleges typically have open admission | | | | may be a better option for you. While community |
| which means that anyone can attend. This is very | | | | colleges often have various academic activities, |
| beneficial if the grades on your high school transcripts | | | | programs, and celebrations, often times they do not |
| aren't on par with what 4-year universities require. | | | | have formal sports teams or as many programs as a |
| Community college can also be a stepping-stone to a | | | | 4-year school. |
| 4-year university. Once you find out what the transfer | | | | Quality of Education |
| requirements are (how many college hours are | | | | Another factor to consider is the quality of education |
| needed, transfer GPA, etc.) you can put yourself on a | | | | you'll receive at a community college. Some |
| path to transfer to your 4-year school of choice. | | | | community colleges have very high standards of |
| Tuition and Fees | | | | education and others have lower standards, while |
| A second advantage to community college is cheaper | | | | some are in the middle. 4-year schools typically have |
| tuition. For the same amount of hours taken, tuition at | | | | higher standards than community colleges. One way to |
| community colleges can be at least 50% cheaper than | | | | find out the quality of a community college is to ask a |
| 4-year schools. If money for college is a great | | | | person who has taken courses at the school. Did they |
| concern, the community college route is definitely one | | | | feel that the quality of education was good or poor? If |
| to consider. (Note: Tuition at in-district community | | | | that person transferred to a 4-year school, do they |
| colleges will be cheaper than out-of-district or | | | | feel that the education they received while attending |
| out-of-state community colleges). In addition to tuition | | | | community college adequately prepared them for the |
| and fees at a 4-year school, the cost of room and | | | | transfer? Another avenue is to ask an advisor at the |
| board is also a consideration if you decide to live on | | | | 4-year school you plan to transfer to. What do they |
| campus. | | | | think about the community college? This is a great |
| Class Schedules | | | | avenue if the transfer university is in the same, or a |
| Since a lot of students work during the day, | | | | neighboring, city. Sometimes they'll be able to provide |
| community colleges often offer flexible class | | | | you with feedback on the quality of the school. They |
| schedules which can include early-morning classes, | | | | may even suggest alternatives to consider. If you're a |
| evening classes and weekend classes. This is | | | | recent high school grad, you could also ask your high |
| beneficial if you work full-time. | | | | school guidance counselor and see if they can provide |
| Distractions | | | | information or recommendations. |
| If you're a recent high school graduate, community | | | | Questions to Ask Yourself |
| colleges can be beneficial because there are fewer | | | | - Do I meet the requirements for admission at a |
| distractions. Since community colleges typically don't | | | | 4-year school? |
| offer on-campus housing, there are less opportunities | | | | - Will I be able to afford tuition and fees, and possibly |
| for partying and other activities that can often distract | | | | room and board, at a 4-year school? |
| you and cause lower grades during your first year. | | | | - Am I prone to distractions that could lead to lower |
| Commitment | | | | grades? |
| Community colleges are also beneficial because they | | | | - Is college something that I really want to do? |
| help you decide if college is something you really want | | | | - Considering my personality, would I be ok without at |
| to pursue at a much cheaper cost than a 4-year | | | | a school without a lot of social activities? |
| school. If you're unsure whether college is the right | | | | - Is the level of education I would receive at a |
| decision for you, enroll in a few classes at a | | | | community college comparable with that of a |
| community college so you can get a feel for it. How | | | | four-year university? Will it prepare me for the transfer |
| much studying is involved? Are you willing to commit to | | | | to a four-year school? |
| the amount of studying necessary to succeed? The | | | | |