Is it better to go to a community college or a 4-year university right after high school?

Question

Is it okay to go to a community college and then transfer to a 4-year univerisity? Why don't many people do this and why do they go to a 4-year institution right out of high school?

I'm a running start student so I really don't have a choice.I have to attend a community college and then transfer. But my question is, which is better to take? community college or 4- yr universities? I just want to know so I can drop out of the running start program if doing the 4 year university thing is better.

Answer 1

This question comes up here about once a week. It depends on YOU. Many high school graduates do not have the maturity to enter a four year college immediately. The do and become lost in the system of large universities. They would be better off starting at a community college. The classes will be much the same, probably better at the CC. The faculty have advanced degrees and experience in teaching. Four year colleges often have huge classes and are dominated by grad students working on their own degrees.

Answer 2

Yes it is perfectly fine to go to the community college first and probably a smarter way to go if you want to save money. I went straight to a 4-year university and wound up spending more time and money for basic classes than really necessary. If I had to do it all over again I would go to the community college first, spend less money, and figure out what I really wanted to do in life. I think many people choose the 4 year college (1) because it gets you away from home and your parents (which in my case resulted in too much partying and not enough time studying) and (2) the community college education isn't looked at as being "as good" as the 4-year. I would disagree with the second reason because I have also gone to a local community college to get a few courses I needed and found the instructors to be laid back, helpful, and highly intelligent.

Answer 3

It depends upon many things, including finances and your early commitment to a major. If you're dead set that you plan to major in Accounting for example, go ahead and apply to schools that you know have a great reputation for that major. If you're not really certain what you want to major in after leaving high school, go to a community college and follow a Liberal Arts track that allows you to experience a few different areas of interest over the first couple of years. By the beginning to mid-year of the second year you should have a pretty good idea of your area of interest.
The biggest drawback to this plan is the transferability of your credits at the community college to the four year school...they all may not transfer, which can be a waste of time and finances. If at all possible, nail down what you want for a major and pick the best four year school in terms of reputation, financial aid package they award you, and above all choose a few schools that you would want to attend....it's easy to focus on one and become disappointed if/when things do not work out there....have a good backup or two that you'll be excited about too. There are many great regional universities that offer great educations at a reasonable cost....Plan campus visits!

Answer 4

Don't plan on changing once you start down a path... you won't.

It's like those people who say they're just going to work and take a year off before going to school... they never do, and if they somehow do make it back to school it's usually part time at a CC. Planning on transferring rarely works as you become comfortable with where you're at, you know everyone back home, and don't want to leave (not to mention most schools won't take the majority of the credits you have).

Four year institutions, while more expensive, do offer MUCH more opportunities in both experience as well as future potential. They'll never tell you this at a Community College or Regional Campus, but NAME DOES MATTER. Most recuiters won't even consider you unless you went to a top tier (check U.S. News & World Report's top 100) school.

Again, they're not going to admit it any those other schools, but it's simply true. The quality of education is better, and most of the time a 3.0 is considered better at a major University than a 3.8 at a Community College.

Think of it as an investment. You should go to the best school you can get into. Once you're there, you'll be happy you did... both for the fun (LOTS of partying) as well as being able to get a good job afterwards. I STRONGLY suggest a Business major, as the major you choose is equally important. A lot of people just don't understand why their degree in Ethnomusicology or Sociology won't get them a decent job once they're out.

Going away to school will prepare you better for life on your own after you enter the real world (plus it's more fun). Likewise, while scary, meeting new people and friends is A LOT better than just staying at home with the same old routine. Go to a good school... enjoy yourself (but keep it in perspective... if you fail out you can't stay)... in the long run, you'll be happy you did and regret it once all your friends are away having fun at school on their own.

Answer 5

There are pros and cons to both sides. Now as to going to a community college and then transferring over to a 4-year university, it is much cheaper but for some people they take many classes that did not even transfer over to the 4-year university, so then they end up wasting time on classes that did not get them any closer to graduating. Now as to going straight into a 4-year from high school, you will pay more but then you are not going to take classes that will not count towards graduation, just as long as you don't change majors at all for example.

Answer 6

It is certainly OK to go to a community college to get you started. Many like the community college direction since they can stay close to home and save money during their first two years of college. Community college tuition is also cheaper for the most part. There are those who just want to get away on their own and be with their friends throughout the four years. The only real drawback might be finding friends when you transfer, but that is a personal case-by-case concern.

Answer 7

a community college is usually used if A. you dont have enough money to go to a four year college, B. because you are not emotionally prepared for a four year colelge, or C. you were a slacker in high school and need to bring up your grades.

Most people would prefer to go directly to a four year college because it's more official and ranks higher than an county college. Also, you learn more from a four year college and the degree you receive is going to rank you heads above someone who has a two-year degree. However, I do know many students who go to county colleges and then transfer, which is good since it saves you money on core credits. Unfortunately you cant go to a county college and then go to some ivy league school and think all your credits will transfer, but I'm sure a state school will take them.

It's really a matter of personal preference and how important it is for you to finish school quickly.

thanks it, hope that answers your question!

Answer 8

A four year University is just more expensive, usually freshman take all the same basic classes. Take these classes at a community college to save money. To some money doesnt matter and that is why they go straight to a University.

Answer 9

The transfer rate of community college students to 4 yr universities is REALLY low. It's not that you can't do it, it's just that it's really easy to lose focus and to slack off. Let's be honest here. The most studious and ambitious students tend not to go to CCs. So, while you may be trying to transfer to Harvard, the rest of your class is (maybe) trying to pass and get an AA.

You need really high grades to transfer to the good schools. Yes, classes are really easy there, but it takes a LOT of self discipline to maintain that for the 2 years you are there.

Answer 10

a lot of 4-year universities try to discourage that, by screwing you on credit transfers, so you end up spending at least 3 years at the university, when you thought 2 would be enough.
I liked going to a 4 year school, because you start to get to know the professors and your peers in your major, which can help you in your networking and brown-nosing.... lol