I've attended my local community college for almost three years now and my experience has been nothing but the best. I've met great professors, friends, and got a better understanding about where I see myself in the future. For anyone who is still debating on whether to go straight into a four year institution or try a community college, I would, no question, tell you to start at community college.
Many people go into a four year institution not knowing what major to declare or what they see themselves doing in the future. You can figure yourself out at the four year but the community college allows you to expand your thoughts at your own pace. You can choose to be part of general studies and try out many classes that you might be interested in until you find a field that you enjoy. While you're in those classes, it's easier to receive guidance one-on-one with an adviser or professor than it is at a four year just because they have less students.
Community college is also way cheaper than a four year. Why not pass all your classes at a cheaper rate than put yourself through tons of debt early on? College is expensive regardless, but I would recommend community college especially if you're tight on money or you still haven't gotten your future figured out. I'm super excited that I get to transfer to a four year university, after graduating this semester, and automatically become a junior, without any piled up debt like I would have had if I went straight into a university.
Don't think that you're missing out on any college experience. Since you don't finish your school career at a CC, you will still be able to have a full on college experience when you do transfer.
An important benefit to graduating at a community college is the associate's degree that you earn. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND graduating rather than just transferring out because you walk out with a degree. Once you get to a four year university, life can hit you and you might not be able to finish when you thought you would or you can be forced to take a break from school. If that's the case, at least you have one degree already, compared to NO DEGREE. It also looks better in the job market once you do get your bachelor's if you can show them more than one degree. Some employers appreciate the associate's, combined with other degrees, because it shows that you went through all your requirements and was successful in achieving a credential.
The associate's degree/community college isn't the only higher education you should look for. I agree that sometimes, not even the bachelor's is enough, depending on the field you're going in to, but community colleges offer you so much with less stabs at your wallet. If you feel like you may not be ready to declare a major, you don't know what to do in your future, or you want to save some money while still getting quality education and a degree, go to community college!