Is graduation around the corner, and you haven’t decided what to do next? Are you still wondering whether to attend a community college or a traditional university? Are you beginning to question if you are truly ready to be away from home? If that’s the case, you are not alone. In fact, many high school seniors find themselves in the same situation every year, as graduation approaches. The truth is, when it comes to higher education, it is completely normal to feel anxious. Not all students have the same academic skills or the same financial situation. For these reasons, it can feel like is nearly impossible to find a school that fulfills your academic goals and is within your financial reach. Whether you opt to attend a community college or a University, you need to understand the differences between the two. Luckily for you, the internet is full of valuable information, available at your disposal. With some research, you can weight the differences and similarities between both schools, to help you make an educated choice.
Tuition costs The first major difference to consider in your decision are tuition costs. According to the College Board and the U.S. Department of Education, the average cost of attendance at a two-year community college is for $10,800 per year. Universities, on the other hand, come with a higher price tag. The attendance cost at a public four-year university can be as high as $24,542 per year, with out of state students paying even higher costs per credit hour. So, if you’re looking for an affordable school that follows the same high standards as a traditional university, community college can be a good option for you.
Degrees Offered
Both community colleges Universities are higher education institutions that can be comparable in academic terms, but they offer different degree options. For instance, community colleges usually offer Degree transfer programs, as well as Associate Degrees (AA), Associates of Science (AS) and certificates of completion. Community colleges are also more focus on preparing students with the necessary workforce skills to help students find employment after graduation. Universities, in contrast, offer four-year degrees such us Bachelor of Arts, Science, and Architecture. Master’s degrees such as Ph.Ds. are also offered at these institutions. As You can see, both institutions have great degree choices. But at the end, your choice will be based in part on your academic goal, regardless of what a school has to offer. Class Size Community colleges have more concise campuses, with smaller class sizes. According to a chart from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the average community college class size is between 25-35 students. Universities, unlike community colleges, offer bigger campuses and larger class sizes with introductory-level courses at lecture halls with 150-300 or more students per class. If you are a student that has trouble adapting to new things, smaller class size can benefit you more. If you need extra instructional time, there is a better chance of getting the help you need, because your professor won’t have 299 other students to worry about.
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At the end, no matter what college you choose, make sure it is the right school that suits your goals and needs. Your success in college depends on many factors and choosing the correct school is perhaps the most important of all.
