As a potential college student, you must have decided what to pursue as a career. You must only choose the one between the Community College and University because the US has thousands of colleges. Students transferring from one to another will face a vast difference between the two. Let us know which is best ‘Community College or University’.
Community College Or University:
You may choose one from the Community College and University according to your plans for higher education. The latter offers more research opportunities than the former. Similarly, getting admitted to a Community College is simple than University.
Community College Vs University:
Community College
It provides higher education to the people living in the community or local area. This definition belongs to North America. However, it differs according to the country. A Community College offers certificates or degrees that prepare the student to get a job. Further, they can even get admitted to Universities. Most programs in this college last for two years, but it may take more time to complete the associate’s degree.
University
A University offers graduation and post-graduation programs that last for four years. People think that universities are larger. However, it is not true with each of them as some may have less than 1,000 students.
Academic Style:
Community College
Before 15 to 20 years, Community Colleges did not get considered better as the University. However, the former can be challenging as the latter nowadays. The transfer students from the Community College perform well in the University. These professors have experience working in the industries. They must have a master’s or doctorate. So, they can be working somewhere else too.
University
University professors invest more time in research than in teaching. They have research grants, but Community College professors do not. So, they focus more on teaching. On the one hand, University professors may write books, but not have more time for teaching. On the other hand, Community College professors may not write books, but they do not compromise with teaching.
Class Size:
Community College
The teacher-to-student ratio is small in a Community College, meaning the number of students is less. For instance, Mount Wachusett Community College has the teacher to student ratio of 1:12. Other such colleges have a similar ratio. Thus, the students can interact with the teachers, remain engaged, and get their doubts solved.
University
The minimum number of students in a class for various degree programs lies below 20. But, most universities surpass this number and accept more admissions to earn more. For instance, a class in a University may contain more than 100 students. They can even conduct the classes in an auditorium.
So, you can imagine how the interaction between the teachers and the students gets compromised there. It becomes a disadvantage because you do not pay the University to get overlooked by the teachers. However, you will come across various people on the large University campus and explore the world more.
Costs:
Community College
A Community College invests in books and food but not in a big campus, highly qualified professors, infrastructure, on-campus accommodation, and extracurricular activities. So, you must find accommodation if you stay away from the college. It will cost you around $5,000 per year.
University
You will end up paying up to four times more for a University than a Community College because the latter invests in various facilities like extracurricular activities, a large campus, research, highly qualified professors, instruments, etc. It will cost you around $38,000 per year. Most students prefer to study in a Community College for two years and transfer to a University to save the tuition costs.
Some Universities will ask you to stay on campus for the first year and afterward too. They can also ask you to pay for the meal. Private universities will charge you the most. But, you may get financial aid through the American Association of Community Colleges (in the case of a Community College), loans, etc.
Application
Community College
Community Colleges do not ask for entrance tests. They remain open in the case of admissions. However, they conduct a test to allocate the right course to you. You will get encouraged to score more if you do not clear the test. Some Universities may not ask for SAT or ACT scores if you transfer from here to there. Applying to this college is simple, fast, and cheaper.
University
You must earn an associate’s degree from a Community College before getting transferred to the University for a bachelor’s degree. General, but not all, credits can get transferred to the University. Similarly, you must show your SAT, GRE, GMAT, ACT, etc scores to get admitted here. You will easily get admitted if you score more on these tests.
Applying here is expensive and time taking. The average application cost for a University is $44. Some may even charge $80. For instance, you must pay $150 to apply for California San Diego University. It is a non-refundable amount even if the University does not accept you. You must also submit essays and recommendation letters. So, the competition is too high here. On the other hand, you have more chances of getting financial aid at a University.
Extracurricular Activities
Community College
Community Colleges do not invest in clubs, athletics, campus life, etc. So, you will miss that part and have a hard time adapting to life in University after getting transferred. However, exceptions exist. Some colleges possess a small and safe campus environment ideal for international students getting adapted to the US. However, you will get small sports teams here. So, you will miss the competition.
University
It invests in college-level sports, bands, and other programs. So, as a Community College student, you will have a hard time adjusting here. Hence, some Universities provide an adjustment period for transferred students.
Career
Community College
It has fewer student clubs and jobs. However, it offers more technical and vocational programs. This two-year school will help you pursue a career in manufacturing, emergency services, culinary arts, healthcare, etc. You will get several certificates and degrees, but not variety as that of a University.
It focuses on teaching you specific skills required for the companies. It can fill the vacancies faster. It is also helpful for the currently employed people who want to change their career paths or advance in the existing ones. They can complete a two-year course in college and go ahead without spending more.
University
It will help you pursue a career in astrobiology, engineering, paper science, research, etc. it provides a bachelor’s degree. So, you must choose your specialization for the bachelor’s degree and choose the course in the Community College accordingly.
Passing from a Community College may hinder your career growth, but University will not. You may reach a management position and earn well after getting a full four-year degree. It also makes you eligible for more career options.
Top Community Colleges And Universities:
Community Colleges
The following are the top Community Colleges in the US:
Las Positas College
It is located in Livermore, California (CA). After receiving several grants from the federal government, state, and institution, you must pay $3,799 annually. This college is known for its latest curriculum, faculty, and academic excellence.
Foothill College
If you are a fresher or full-time undergraduate student, you must pay $6,200 after receiving several grants from the US Department of Education. It is located in Los Altos Hills, CA.
Northwood Technical College
It is located in Rice Lake, WI, and offers more than 100 certificates, degrees, and diplomas. After getting the financial aid, the average cost for full-time and first-time undergraduates becomes $10k.
Universities
The following are the top Universities in the US:
Stevens Institute of Technology
Some common programs at this University are chemical, mechanical, computer engineering, computer science, business administration, management, etc. Its acceptance rate is 53% and the average cost after getting the financial aid is $37k.
Rice University
Its average cost after receiving financial aid is $16k and its acceptance rate is 11%. It is a private research university located in Huston, TX. It is an ‘A+’ grade and one of the top 20 universities in the US.
University Of Miami
It is a private research university, located in Coral Gables, Florida. The average cost after getting the financial aid is $46k and its acceptance rate is 33%. It provides more than 180 majors and 11 colleges and schools.
Conclusion:
Most courses get finished within two years in a Community College and four in a University. The former will provide quality education for less money, but the latter will help you in specializing in a subject. A degree from a University provides financial stability and guidance for finding jobs. However, your decision depends on your requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where Do I Find Flexibility?
Flexibility is more in the case of Community Colleges. The average age of the students studying in these colleges is 30. They can work part-time and provide more time for their families.
- Is It Easier To Find The Universities?
Yes. Universities have websites, brochures, and virtual tours to attract the maximum number of students and stay in touch with them. On the other hand, the Community Colleges provide virtual tours but not as many facilities as the former.
