It is that time of year again when high school seniors are deciding on college. Do they want to go to a community college or a four-year university? Depending on the decision, they will have a different experience. Here are five things that are different:
The campus.
One of the biggest differences between a university and a community college is the size of the campus. Community colleges are much smaller than that of a university. Also, unless you are lucky, community colleges usually are a lot older and haven't been updated. The reality of things are that community college's don't get as much funding as a four-year college. This typically means that the buildings have all original wallpaper, flooring and infrastructure. Universities, especially the newer ones, have a grander library, new computers and updated buildings. These are all things to consider when deciding between the two.
Education.
Of course, community colleges do not have the upper division classes or even the master or doctoral programs like a university would. Also, you cannot get more than an A.A. or A.S. at a community college. On the other hand, community colleges have more unique classes and certificate programs. What I mean by this is they have certain programs and classes that you cannot usually find at a university. This would include firearms classes, arrest and control classes and even certain IT classes. It all depends on what you want to do. Universities very rarely have and sort of trade classes and the majority of time focus on just specifics to majors. Community colleges can be a better place to find hobby type classes.
Price.
If you are looking for something that is not too expensive, but you still want an education a community college is a great place to start out. For a fraction of the price of a big university, a community college still gives quality education. Not to mention it is pretty nice getting rewarded an A.A. degree when at a university that would not happen after two years.
Universities have a set price for tuition based on the amount of units you have, while a community college charges per unit. For example, for 15 units at a university the price per semester is about $2,500. At a community college, it is about $700, and that does not include housing prices. Most universities require freshman to live on campus which is about another $3000 to $7000 a semester depending on the university. California schools tend to have higher housing costs then schools in states like Nevada and Idaho. Universities really like to charge you a lot of money for your education.
College life.
Probably the biggest difference between the two is how your time at the college is spent. Community colleges do have clubs, coffee and food, but that is about it. Universities not only have those things, but they usually have it 10 times better. There are more clubs including Greek life; most universities have a restaurant or two, and they have a rec center. The rec center is one of the nicest things about a university that a community college does not have. Depending on the university the rec center is either free, or no more than $100 for the semester, and the student gets access to updated workout equipment, a swimming pool and lounging areas. There are classes and personal trainers, but those usually cost extra. Also, most of them have a rock climbing wall -- and a good one, at that. There is much more to do on campus at a university than there is at a community college.
Academic counseling.
This may seem like an odd thing to talk about, but it is actually really something to consider when choosing where to go. At a community college, there are just general academic counselors. None of them specialize in any major or subject, and they are not always as knowledgeable as you may want them to be. They can, sometimes, give you the wrong information on what classes to take, not really know what some of the universities want if they aren't state schools, and they can seem like they just don't care. The only good thing is if you don't like them you can just switch to another one with no effort.
Universities have what are called academic advisers. This is a professor within your major who will advise you on major specific academics. If you need just general advising you usually need to see a peer adviser. With a university, you get an adviser who is going to help you advance more in your education and career because they are from the same field of study. Granted, it is not too important until your junior year.
These are some key differences between either choosing to go to a community college or a university. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but don't let the stigma of community college hold you back from going there. You get a clean slate from high school and the education is just as good as a university. So, which one will you choose?
