Herzing University and community colleges both offer accessible paths to higher education, but they differ significantly in cost, program structure, degree options, and student experience. Choosing between them depends on your educational goals, budget, desired career path, and preferred learning environment.
Background: Understanding Herzing University and Community Colleges
Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution with campuses across several U.S. states and a robust online presence. It primarily focuses on career-oriented programs in nursing, healthcare, business, technology, and public safety. Community colleges, by contrast, are public institutions typically serving a local or regional area, offering associate degrees, certificates, and, in some cases, limited bachelor’s degrees. They emphasize affordability and open access, often acting as stepping stones to four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce.
Program Offerings and Academic Focus
Herzing University specializes in practical, career-driven degrees. Its offerings include:
- Bachelor’s degrees in fields like nursing, business, and IT
- Associate degrees and diplomas in allied health, legal studies, and more
- Advanced degrees, such as master’s in nursing or business administration
- Accelerated and online programs aimed at adult learners
Community colleges generally offer:
- Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees for transfer to four-year colleges
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and technical certificates for immediate employment
- Non-credit courses, workforce development, and adult education
While both institutions focus on employability, Herzing is more focused on career-specific bachelor’s and graduate degrees, while community colleges provide a broader entry-level educational foundation.
Admissions Requirements and Student Demographics
Community colleges are open-admission, typically requiring only a high school diploma or GED. This inclusivity attracts a wide range of students—recent high school graduates, working adults, and those seeking a career change. Herzing University also has relatively accessible admissions but may require additional prerequisites for certain programs (such as nursing) and sometimes higher academic standards.
Herzing often attracts students who are focused on specific career outcomes and may already have some college or work experience, especially in its online or accelerated programs. Community colleges serve a broader spectrum, including those exploring their options or seeking an affordable start to higher education.
Cost Comparison: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Cost is one of the starkest differences between Herzing University and community colleges:
- Herzing University: As a private institution, Herzing’s tuition is significantly higher than most community colleges. For example, published rates (as of 2023) often range from $400 to $600 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, with annual tuition for full-time students potentially exceeding $14,000 to $20,000, depending on the program and location.
- Community Colleges: Publicly funded, community colleges typically charge much lower tuition—often $100 to $200 per credit hour for in-district students. Full-time annual tuition can be under $5,000, and some states offer tuition-free programs for qualifying students.
Both types of institutions participate in federal financial aid programs, and Herzing, as a nonprofit, offers some institutional scholarships. However, even with aid, community college is generally far more affordable.
Transferability and Pathways to Further Education
Community colleges are known for their “2+2” transfer pathways, where students complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at a lower cost before transferring to a four-year university. Many states have articulation agreements guaranteeing that credits earned at a community college will transfer to public universities.
Herzing University does accept transfer credits from community colleges and other accredited institutions, but its bachelor’s programs are designed for direct entry and completion at Herzing. The transferability of Herzing credits to other universities can be more limited, especially if moving to a public or research university, so students should check articulation agreements carefully.
Learning Environment and Campus Life
Herzing University’s campuses are typically smaller, with a focus on career-oriented education and adult learners. Class sizes are usually small, and there is less emphasis on traditional campus life (sports, clubs, student housing) compared to larger universities. Many Herzing students study online or in hybrid formats, balancing education with work and family obligations.
Community colleges often provide a wide range of student services—tutoring, career counseling, clubs, and sometimes athletics—but the campus life is generally less robust than at four-year universities. Most community college students commute and may attend part-time while working or managing other responsibilities.
Outcomes: Graduation, Employment, and Career Support
Both Herzing and community colleges emphasize employability, but their outcomes can differ:
- Herzing University: Programs are tightly aligned with career fields, and the school offers career placement assistance, internships, and industry partnerships. Graduation rates vary by campus and program, but many students choose Herzing for its focused, hands-on approach.
- Community Colleges: Outcomes depend on student goals—some earn a degree or certificate and enter the workforce, while others transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges often have strong relationships with local employers for technical and healthcare programs.
It’s important to research outcomes for your specific program and campus, as these can vary widely.
How to Choose: Factors to Consider
When deciding between Herzing University and a community college, consider these factors:
- Career Goals: If you want a specific bachelor’s degree in a career field Herzing offers, and value accelerated or online study, Herzing may be a good fit. If you’re undecided, want to save money, or plan to transfer to a public university, community college is often preferable.
- Budget: Community college is almost always the more affordable option, especially for the first two years of college.
- Program Availability: Some fields, like certain technical trades, may only be available at community college; others, like direct-entry bachelor’s in nursing, may be more accessible at Herzing.
- Transfer Plans: If you hope to transfer credits, check which institutions have agreements with your chosen school.
- Schedule and Flexibility: Both options offer online and part-time study, but Herzing’s accelerated programs may appeal to those wanting to finish quickly.
Potential Drawbacks and Common Problems
Each path has potential downsides:
- Herzing University: Higher cost, and credits may not transfer as easily to public universities. Some employers may be less familiar with Herzing compared to regionally prominent public universities.
- Community Colleges: Limited to associate degrees (with rare exceptions), and some technical credits may not transfer to four-year programs. Less campus life and limited on-campus housing.
It’s also important to verify programmatic accreditation (especially in healthcare) and check graduation and job placement rates for your intended program.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither Herzing nor community college seems like the right fit, consider:
- Public four-year universities for a traditional campus experience
- Other private nonprofit or for-profit colleges with similar career-focused programs
- Apprenticeships or vocational training for skilled trades
- Online universities, such as Western Governors University or Southern New Hampshire University, for flexible, accredited degree options
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Herzing University regionally accredited?
Yes, Herzing University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Programmatic accreditation also applies in fields like nursing and healthcare, but it’s important to verify this for your specific campus and program. - Will my community college credits transfer to Herzing or a four-year university?
Most general education credits from an accredited community college will transfer to Herzing and to many four-year public universities, especially if you complete an associate degree. However, technical or program-specific credits may not always transfer, so check articulation agreements in advance. - Which is better for nursing: Herzing or community college?
Both offer nursing programs, but the right choice depends on your goals. Community colleges typically offer associate degrees in nursing (ADN), which prepare you for RN licensure at a lower cost. Herzing offers both ADN and BSN programs, including accelerated and online options, but at a higher tuition. Consider your budget, timeline, and whether you plan to pursue a BSN immediately or later. - Can I get financial aid at both?
Yes, both Herzing University and community colleges participate in federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, student loans, and some scholarships. Your eligibility will depend on your financial situation and enrollment status. - Is Herzing University considered a for-profit school?
No, as of 2015, Herzing University is a nonprofit institution. It was previously for-profit but transitioned to nonprofit status. Community colleges are always public, nonprofit institutions. - How long does it take to complete a degree at each?
An associate degree at community college typically takes two years of full-time study; a bachelor’s degree at Herzing can often be completed in three years with accelerated pacing, or four years on a traditional schedule. Timelines can vary based on transfer credits, part-time status, and program requirements.
Conclusion
Herzing University and community colleges serve different but sometimes overlapping student populations. Herzing offers a focused, career-oriented education with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, often in accelerated or online formats, but at a higher cost. Community colleges provide affordable, accessible entry into higher education, with strong transfer pathways and workforce training. The best choice depends on your career goals, budget, and preferred learning environment—so research your options carefully and seek advising before enrolling.
See the main Herzing University pros and cons.