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Would you like to have a wonderful career in an industry you love? Are you a high school graduate, but can’t make up your mind on furthering your education or jumping straight into the workforce? If you’re fresh out of high school or someone who wants to pursue a career in a certain field, higher learning facilities are some of the best routes to take.
One of the biggest dilemmas a person can have is whether to attend university or community college. Both institutions provide great academic courses, training, activities, and athletics, but one tends to be more expensive in total costs than the other – and the decision varies from person to person.
Here are 10 popular reasons you may choose a community college over university.
1. School/Home Balance
Community college offers you a bit more freedom, and allows students to take one or two classes at a time – roughly 60% of students attend on a part-time basis. This offers you plenty of free time to travel back and forth from home, and commuting can save you thousands since you don’t have to live in a dorm.
2. Tuition
It’s no secret that university is expensive. A community college allows you to pay lower costs for shorter 2-year terms and credit hours can be up to 80 percent less than those of a university. The great thing is that these classes will be the same curriculum you would take at university, but for a fraction of the cost.
3. Smaller Size:
Many students are intimidated by a large campus full of people, buildings and miles of sidewalks. The nice thing about community college is that most are comprised of a few buildings and the size isn’t anywhere near that of a larger university.
4. Not Ready
Many students just aren’t ready for university and most have to take pre-requisite classes in order to receive their degree. As mentioned above, you can take these classes at your community college instead of the university, allowing you to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
5. Supportive Services
A community college has great support if you have children, if you’re disabled or don’t have the financial means to attend college. Financial aid, grants, child services, and labs help take the pressure off by paying a portion of your tuition.
6. Open Access
Unlike universities, a community college is more flexible with eligibility requirements. All you need is to be 18 years old and have a (GED) or diploma for acceptance.
7. Class Size
Students are able to interact easier with an instructor since the average class size is around 25 students. Compare that to a university that often sees more than 150 students in one classroom.
8. More Choices
Though a community college is smaller than a university, these schools have a wide range of certificate, diploma, and tradesman courses that can deliver high paying jobs after completion.
9. Option to Transfer
After your first two years of community college, students who want to further their education can easily transfer to a four-year school without jumping through hoops or taking unnecessary classes. In fact, most universities work with the local community college.
10. Faster Employment
A four-year degree is great for the future; however, many people are looking to get in and get out. 2-year programs and certifications allow you to get the training faster for jobs that are available today.
This article was contributed by guest author Stephanie Lynch.