out of state vs. community college?

Question

Hey guys, here's my problem.

Should I stay in Texas for 2 years and attend a community college, then transferring to a university in Minnesota to finish up the final two years of college, or should I go straight to a Minnesota university when I graduate high school next year. It doesn't look like my parents will be able to help me pay tuition, so a community college would save me money.

Eventually, I definitely want to graduate from a university in Minnesota, it's just a matter of when. If I transfer after two years of school at a community college, I will have to spend a year in Minnesota before I enroll for a university so that I will not have to pay out of state tuition- which, needless to say, is crazy expensive.

If I go to Minnesota once I graduate, I would take the year off before I started college, taking time to get settled and gaining residency.

Which do you guys think is a better option? Saving money the first two years, or not interrupting college half way through?

Answer 1

This is an interesting situation. Let me start by telling you a little bit about my personal experience with community college, tuition, and whatnot. When I first went to college, I went to a private school. I was very homesick and did not perform a proper college search, and I ended up leaving after one week. That week ended up costing my $7,000. I immediately enrolled at my hometown's community college when I got home, and my first year cost me $2,400. That was four classes (12 credits) each semester. This is my second year, and I plan on transferring to a university next fall. I feel much more prepared to go off to college next year, and I really enjoyed my time at community college thus far. I'm happy I saved money, and my education was very valuable.

On the otherhand, my sister went to a private college all four years, and this is her first year on her own. She's regretting attending such an expensive school (she had in-state tuition and scholarships and grants), as her student loan payments are impossible.

So here's the deal: I don't know if it is a good idea for you to try to obtain residency in Minnesota. It'll be hard if you don't have family there that you are living with. I had a friend who tried to obtain resideny in North Carolina while living with her aunt there, and her school did not allow it. If you are hellbent, I suggest you attend community college IN Minnesota for the first two years, then by the time you go to university, you will be a resident. Either way, I highly suggest community college, as it will save you a ton of money, and your education is just as valuable. But I do not suggest interrupting college halfway through. It'll be hard to get back into the swing of things.

Answer 2

A lot of college students nowadays are starting off at community colleges to save money. It's a good idea. Before you make this decision, however, make sure that the community college courses you take in Texas will definitely transfer to the university of Minnesota. You can usually find transfer guides online.

Or on the other hand, you could also go to a community college in Minnesota. You could move and establish residency that first year. And you wouldn't have to move after you were done at the community college...and you wouldn't have to wait a year and disrupt your education. This option gets you to Minnesota faster, doesn't disrupt your enrollment, and still saves you money.

Good luck in your endeavors. It seems like you've thought this through pretty well.

Answer 3

To insure your curriculum to advance to "junior" at another school it is always best to attend the same as a "freshman" and "sophomore. If you do attend the community college contact the University of Minnesota and get their recommendations of courses to attend insuring all credits transfer. Texas has some great schools and staying in the state saves a tremendous amount of money.

If there is an issue with costs, first, contact the University of Minnesota and get a cost breakdown, this will be an estimate depending on your major. See the numbers to get a real picture. "Student loan programs" are available but remember, these effect your credit tremendously and I have seen this effect your ability to purchase a home and purchase an automobile at a good rate of interest. Do not go "overboard" with these loans because it will take many years to repay. All college students can get credit cards, just be extremely careful here as well.

Answer 4

I did the community college thing for the first two years out of high school. It worked really well for me. My husband did the same thing and he says he actually liked his teachers he had at the community college better than he did at the university. I am currently gaining residency, therefore I am taking time off from school, but I fully intend to enroll in the university. I find that I am actually beginning to miss school. Save yourself thousands of dollars and go to the community college first!!

Answer 5

The big issue is whether or not you want to be paying off student loans forever. Though it would be nice to go four years at Minnesota, I think you need to go with the first plan...community college, then Minnesota. Hope it works out for you!

Answer 6

it's a tough question. i guess, try thinking about how you'll feel two years into community college just picking up and leaving, after you've made a bunch of friends and kind of gotten comfortable. the monetary benefits of that option might make it worth it, but for me, i might go for minnesota right off the bat and just realize that while i might be paying those four years off for a long while, that i would have gotten this great education at a place that i love for a few extra bucks. okay, so with college its more than a few bucks, but you know what i mean. best of luck!!

Answer 7

I would go ahead and go to a communitry college first. They are usually cheaper. Before you do go, make sure you check to be sure that the university you are going to transfer to is going to take your credits. Some major universities won't take some communitry college credits.

Answer 8

If money is a big issue go to thte communtiy college for twa years and then transfer. You can also try applying for scholarships and financial aid.

Answer 9

Out of state is better if want to get away from your parents if already haven't but if you want to choose something simple choose community college


I would personally choose out of state college

Answer 10

community college is cheaper.