Compare And Contrast Community College Vs Four Year University

Four Year Universities vs. Community College When considering a plan for after high school, students can choose between two different types of college education. High school graduates can either attend a four year university off the bat, or first attend a community college. Although the idea of a four year university may be appealing to many, a community college should also be considered as a valuable option. Both of these types of education have pros and cons, but in terms of cost a community college dominates. According to The College Board, the average cost of tuition at a four-year public school in 2016-2017 was $9,650. Students attending a public four-year university can also expect to pay at least $10,000 for room and board. Along
with tuition and room and board, students must also buy school supplies, which will rack-up close to another $1,250. Students will also need transportation, clothing and entertainment, this will cost close to $3,000. All together, a student attending an in state, four-year university can expect to pay close to $25,000 for a year of education. A student attending a community college can expect to pay much less than a student who is attending a four-year university. The Washington post reports that the average cost of tuition at a community college is a cool, $3,347. Books will run students another $1,328, and transportation can be expected to cost close to $1,700. However, those who choose to attend a community college are likely living at home, which eliminates the cost of room and board. Thus community college students can expect to pay approximately $6,500 for a years education. Compared to a four-year university, students who attend community college will save around $18,000. College can be very stressful when applying to attend, especially four-year universities. SAT scores must usually be 1000 or above and ACT scores at an 18 or higher. Transcripts from high school are also looked at, students with the highest GPA and test scores are given preference over those with lower scores and GPA. For many, this can be very stressful, a community college is ideal for these students who struggled prior to college and are not sure what type of education to pursue. For those who exceeded in high school, and scored well on SAT or ACT tests, they may be better off attending a four year university. A four-year university is also an ideal option for those who already know what they would like to do for a career. For instance, it would not be a good idea for a student who is unsure of a major they are pursuing to attend a four-year university because they may study public communications for two years then decide they want to be a software programmer. A four-year university would however be a good option for those who are sure of what they would like to study, in this instance students can take the exact classes at a higher level, where as a community college may not offer certain courses.
Attending a four-year university is also a great social experience.
Students who choose this path will likely be living away from home and forced to expand their social horizons. New friends will be made and students are given opportunities to meet people that they would have never met before. Clubs are also a great way that students can get out and meet new people or partake in new activities and develop new hobbies. Another great way that many students make new friendships is through fraternities and sororities. Here students will develop relationships that often times will last the rest of their lives. Although frats and sororities are commonly known for partying and scenes of trouble, they also do great things for the community. In order to raise money, they will often run large fundraisers that will help their college financially. As well as raising money, fraternities and sororities create proud alumni that will spread a good word about their college. These alumni will often donate large sums of money as well. Students who are interested in a new social experience that will last them the rest of their lives,should definitely consider a four-year
college.
A big flaw that runs in community colleges is a lack of new social experiences. Because these colleges often do not offer on campus living, fraternities, sororities or as many clubs, they are behind a four-year university. Students attending community college are usually living at home as well, therefore they may not experience the independence one might living on campus.
In addition to once in a lifetime social experiences, four year universities also force students to mature and become more responsible.
For most students that go to a four-year university and are living in a dorm, this is their first time living alone or without parental supervision. Thus, students will have to learn to fend for themselves, this will include basic responsibilities such as laundry, food, shopping and acting as an adult in general. Students will also have to make it to their classes and appointments on their own without a parent reminding them. This may be a struggle for many students, however, it is part of growing up and becoming a functioning adult. As for students who are staying at home and attending a community college, they may lack in responsibility. Because these students are living at home, there will still be a parent around to take care of them. Living at home does not apply the same responsibilities as living away from home and without parental
supervision.
Community colleges and four year-universities are both beneficial options. Financially, a community college should be sought after, however, a university has much to offer in terms of unique experiences. At a four-year college, students will gain a superior education, but if a student is unsure of a major they would like to pursue then a community college is the better option. Both of these options are excellent choices, and both types of education offer great opportunities.