If you’re weighing the decision of a university vs. community college, you should know that there is no correct answer across the board.
Each type of college has its pros and cons, and each has many variations within its organization. Attending a strong community college can outweigh the benefits of attending a mediocre university.
What it really comes down to it, though, the only right place to start making your decision is with what you’re looking for in your post-secondary educational institution. That’s what we’ll discuss in this article, so keep reading!
University vs. Community College
Let’s begin by discussing each type of institution briefly. Understanding the missions of each should help you start the decision process.
University
A university is a broad, encompassing term that refers to a medium-to-very large higher education institution that awards four-year undergraduate degrees in addition to graduate degrees at the masters and doctoral levels.
Some small-to-medium universities award only bachelor’s and master’s degrees (recently, some have added associates degrees as well). The largest universities are usually doctoral-granting institutions.
If you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree, though, this doesn’t mean you need to start at a university. If you plan and get good advising, beginning at a community college would work just as well. In fact, for many, it’s the better choice.
Community College
The vast majority of community colleges award only two-year associate degrees (although a handful have begun awarding certain types of bachelor’s degrees). Along with the degrees, community colleges offer non-degree courses and certificates.
With college tuition skyrocketing and student debt at an all-time high, community colleges are an increasingly popular option. Many students wanting four-year degrees (or higher) spend their first two years at community colleges and then transfer.
It’s worthwhile to point out that only one in five community college students transfer to a four-year institution. But 60 percent of those who do so earn a bachelor’s degree within four years. Many also continue to graduate programs.
Differences Between Universities and Community Colleges
When you’re deciding between a university or community college, you should consider the price tag, in terms of both tuition and fees and the financial aid you might receive.
Even more, though, think about your long-term goals, both personally and career-wise, and consider which type of institution is more likely to have the kinds of programs that appeal to you.
Remember, this is an investment of both time and money, so seek the best advice you can and plan carefully!
Public vs. Private
Most colleges today are sustained by a mix of public and private funds — most from students’ financial aid packages. State funding for public colleges is diminishing quickly, however, and private support is spread thin for both public and private schools.
Due to historical (and undeserved) precedent, community colleges have been shortchanged by some of these funding sources. However, they do receive support from the counties and municipalities where they’re located.
Types of Courses and Degrees Offered
Probably the most significant difference between a community college and a university is that the former offers a broad range of technical and vocational programs.
These range from wind energy to childcare to veterinary technology. Community colleges also offer more traditional college subjects like the liberal arts and sciences
Technical and Vocational Offerings
In recent years, community colleges have been quite savvy in discovering new technology-related and interdisciplinary niches they can fill to draw more students.
Not only do the new programs appeal to first-time college students, but they also seem to be drawing bachelor’s degree-holders wanting additional post-graduate training. These students are known as “reverse transfer” students.
Basic Skills Courses
Since virtually all community colleges have open-enrollment policies, many students arrive needing assistance with basic skills like reading, writing, and math. This is also true of four-year colleges and universities but to a lesser extent.
Besides the lower cost of community colleges, a lot of students attend community colleges either before starting or alongside four-year college programs to get the preparation they need to succeed in upper-level college courses.
Costs
Tuition at community colleges is lower than at four-year colleges and universities. The average annual tuition and fees for community college students in the U.S. come to $3,347, compared to $9,139 for four-year institutions.
With the cost of textbooks going up at nearly every college, this additional expense that needs to figure into any college calculations you might do. Wherever you decide to attend college, be sure to check all available options for textbook purchasing.
Instructors
College instructor credentials matter. So do their workloads and paychecks. We’re telling you this because, sadly, instructional staffing does differ somewhat between community colleges and universities.
Universities pride themselves on the number of their faculty who hold terminal degrees (meaning the highest degree in their field of study). University faculty typically are expected to conduct original research as part of workload too.
Still, at all but the smaller four-year colleges, you might not get to interact with a full-time, terminal-level professor until the junior year. With that said, community college instructors have an excellent reputation for their dedication to teaching.
Adjunct (part-time instructors paid by the course) populate every type of undergraduate higher education institution. Most are incredibly dedicated to their students and their job overall. On the whole, though, adjuncts get paid very little.
However, many of them bring highly specialized knowledge from unique fields of study or careers. Working with most adjuncts —especially common at community colleges — should be considered a special opportunity to learn something you wouldn’t otherwise.
Making a Decision
If you’re still weighing whether to attend a university vs. community college, consider what we’ve said and go with your instincts. For example, if your dream is to be an airplane mechanic, look for community college programs.
On the other hand, if you always have your head in a novel and dream of a writing or teaching career, you’re likely to need a four-year college education in a liberal arts discipline — and either a graduate degree or teacher certification.
You should either start at a community college and finish at a four-year college. Or start at the four-college from which you’d like to graduate and get settled in by getting to know faculty, other students, student clubs, resource centers, and so on.
Either way, as long as you’re excited about your choice, you’ll do well. We can help you get some great deals on your textbooks too. Be sure to check out our website to get some great advice and discover what we have to offer.