Two Year Community College VS Four Year University?

Question

I'm writing a proposal (a paper, but you know) for an online course. My basic proposal is simple. I'm suggesting high school students consider two year college before a four year school. My problem is that I see plenty of information online, but so much of it is just people's opinions and what facts I find are rarely reliable to quote.
What I'd like is sources. I've been digging around all day looking for statistics and sources. I know plenty about my topic, I'd just like to have a reliable source to back me up and give me more details to work with. The main thing I'm searching for are statistics on students that drop out from 4 year colleges early on, especially freshman year.
I'd appreciate help and websites. Thanks for your time!

Answer 1

Have you checked the US Department of Education website? They offer lots of statistics as well as articles from studies they've conducted that talk about 2-year versus 4-year schools. When you look through the materials, check into the articles that talk about non-traditional students - this will offer you some insight into those who are attending community college.

Good luck!

Answer 2

From personal experience, I agree with the thesis that some High School students are not mature enough to go to a four-year college and need the time to learn how to learn in a college environment.

Try sophomore year dropout rates; freshman year isn't that big an issue because you're coasting on the high of being able to take any class and are sampling what you're good at and have lots of "new friends". It's when you have to consider a major or realize that the classes are going to be like that and your "new friends" have abandoned you for other things.

Sadly, I have no idea where to begin this time. I'm sure you already Googled "college dropout reasons rates" and the same with "university" instead of "college".

Answer 3

Hi. You need to search in scholarly journals for your information. You cannot rely on information obtained online. But I'll tell you that you might be disappointed. I've researched this same exact topic, and CCs have dismal retention rates--typically much lower than 4-year schools. Overall, 4-year schools are much better in terms of retaining students. There are a variety of reasons for this. There's research being conducted now (some of it by a colleague of mine) to see how we can increase the retention rates for CC students, but as of now, 4-year schools are still better.