Should I go to community college?

Figuring out what to do after graduation and where you want to go in life can be overwhelming. For most students, enrolling in college is usually the next step. However, you may find yourself at a crossroads in choosing between community college or a traditional four-year university. To determine if community college is better fit for you, you’ll want to consider its various advantages and disadvantages. 

Advantages of Community College

Affordability

One of the biggest advantages of attending community college is the cost. There is no question that community college is cheaper than four-year colleges, both public and private. According to the College Board, the annual tuition and fee price at two-year colleges is about a third less than what you’d pay at a public four-year university ($3,730 versus $10,440). The cost of attending private four-year universities is even more expensive––12 times as much as enrolling at community college ($3,730 versus $39,880). If you plan on entering a field that only requires an associate degree, community college could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars, all while obtaining the necessary job training and certification. In the case you decide community college isn’t for you, you can always transfer to traditional four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 

Furthermore, the living expenses of community college tend to be significantly cheaper than at traditional institutions. This is because most community college students commute from home, cutting out the need to pay for state fees, board and housing, and meal plans. 

Ease of transition

Campus life can be a huge shock for many high school students. The lack of supervision, increased workload, large classrooms, new environment, and added responsibilities among many other factors can be very intimidating and difficult to balance at the same time. Community college, on the other hand, is set up in a way that resembles the structure and environment of high school, making it easier for students to transition into the world of higher education. This can be especially beneficial for students who struggled in high school and aren't ready to make the jump into traditional campus life. 

Smaller class size 

Community colleges often have smaller classes. This means you get more one-on-one time with instructors, as well as more opportunities to ask questions and contribute to discussion. Having a smaller number of students in your classes also means you’ll get to know and interact with them more. 

Increased flexibility

With the number of night, weekend, and online course community college offers, you can easily design a program that fits your schedule and lifestyle with flexibility. For instance, night classes are a great option if you need to work during the day. In addition, the low financial risk of attending community college means that you have more flexibility with regards to exploring career options. You have more of an ability to explore different majors because classes are much cheaper than they are at comparable institutions. 

Disadvantages of Community College

Limited degree options 

Most community colleges are designed to provide 2 years of instruction toward a type of undergraduate degree referred to as an associate’s degree. Associate’s degrees tend to focus on basic technical knowledge and skills students may need for a specific job such as a registered nursing or physical therapist assistant. In contrast, completing a four-year bachelor degree program is likely to open up more possible professional pathways. If you plan on pursuing a liberal arts degree, your options may be limited at community colleges. 

Difficulty transferring credits 

For students who plan on transferring to a four-year school, it’s important to know that not every credit you take at community college can be transferred over. You may discover that the credit you paid for in community college is useless at a four-year institution. In addition, this may lengthen the amount of time it takes you to acquire a bachelor’s degree. 

Lack of campus life

While a community college may offer athletics, organizations, and clubs for student participation, you might discover the social scene isn’t as lively as it would be if you lived on campus. For instance, you would miss out on certain social activities like dorm parties as well as school-sponsored events. The cost of attending four-year institutions is certainly higher than attending community college, but paying more may be worth it for some if it means getting to experience traditional campus life. 

Final remarks

Clearly, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding if you should go to community college. To decide if community college is right for you, ask yourself what your priorities are. Is it the cost of attendance? Staying closer to home? The ability to explore different career options? Once you identify your priorities, research which schools fulfill those needs and wants. This way, you can make an informed decision about the type of higher education best for you.