Pros and Cons of Community College
February 5, 2024
After high school, there are many different paths a student can take to further their education. From trade schools to four-year universities, there are many options for recent graduates. So, it makes sense that some students might debate the pros and cons of community college. At these institutions, students typically take two years of instruction before earning an associate’s degree. At a community college, an Associate’s of Arts (AA) or an Associate’s of Science (AS) are the highest level of degree a student can earn. Students can also take classes for specific certifications. So, why do people go to community college?
There are many benefits of community college to consider if you aren’t so sure that enrolling in a four-year university is the best fit. Or, you might be thinking, why do people go to community college? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of community college to see if it could be the right choice for you. Overall, it is important to consider the upsides and cons of community college before you make your final decision.
Why should you go to community college?
Community colleges offer a specific kind of educational experience. First, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions to get a better idea of what you are looking for:
- Do I want to go to school and work at the same time?
- Will class size or campus size influence what school I choose?
- How does the cost of tuition factor into my decision?
- How quickly do I want to complete my degree?
There are many pros and cons of community college. Let’s take a look at the pros first to better understand why do people go to community college.
Typically, community colleges offer more scheduling flexibility than a four-year university. This factor may be especially important if you are looking to work while going to school.
For example, students may have the option to take evening and/or online classes. Plus, some community colleges offer courses on weekends. Additionally, you could even earn your associate’s degree entirely online. Having more freedom over your schedule is one of the considerable benefits of community college. As well, for adults returning to school, this option can make it easier on childcare considerations.
Furthermore, community colleges usually offer smaller class sizes. In this case, you may have a more individualized and focused classroom experience. This option could be especially helpful if you know that being able to communicate regularly with your professor is important.
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If you are worried about getting lost in the shuffle of big lecture hall, then considering a community college might be a good alternative. Students will have more direct interaction with their professors and peers. Usually, the community college campus is smaller than a four-year university, which makes it easier to navigate.
Another one of the benefits of community college is that it may be more affordable than a four-year university. When considering the pros and cons of community college, cost must be factored into the equation. The cost of an education is usually the answer for why do people go to community college. While some community colleges offer dorm living, most do not. Saving on the cost of room and board can prove to be substantial. Plus, students will be able to take classes for a more affordable rate.
Overall, tuition costs at community colleges are lower than at a four-year institution. In this case, students will be able to work toward a degree without spending as much. Additionally, students can also have the option to apply for financial aid, if needed.
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Surprisingly, there are several U.S. states that offer tuition subsidies for community college students who meet certain edibility requirements. In this case, students can attend school without having to worry about the cost of tuition at all.
However, it is important to note that each state’s requirements vary. And, students will still be responsible for all other costs, including books and other course materials. Not all community colleges will offer this option, but you can still look into the cost of community college depending on where you live. This more affordable option is one of the benefits of community college.
But, why do people go to community college other than the affordability?
Students who attend community colleges have the option to arrange transfer agreements or take advantage of dual enrollment. In this case, students can enroll at both a community college and a four-year university. While taking courses for a less expensive cost at the community college, students can seamlessly transfer credits to a four-year institution to complete their degree.
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Some four-year colleges even have agreements established that can help streamline this process. That way, students have already made significant progress toward an accredited degree for a more cost-effective and potentially quicker way.
When reviewing the pros and cons of community college, it is obvious there are benefits of community college that should not be overlooked. For students with busy schedules who are looking for a less expensive way to obtain a degree, community colleges can be the solution.
What are the pros and cons of a four-year university?
Four-year universities also offer a specific kind of educational experience. Why do people go to community college as opposed to a four-year university? If you are considering the cons of community college, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- How important is social/student life in my college experience?
- Is networking important for me and future career goals?
- Do I want lots of options for classes?
- Do I know what I want to major in?
At a four-year university, you are likely to have more opportunities to take part in the campus life. For example, you may attend sporting events, live in the dorms, and join many student organizations and clubs. While some community colleges can offer these options, one of the cons of community college is that you may not have as many extracurriculars to choose from.
Sometimes, campus offerings are more limited at a community college. Because a four-year university is larger, they typically offer more organizations to cater to a wider variety of interests. Four-year universities typically also offer D1 sports, which can be an exciting and worthwhile experience for college students. As well, you might have the option to join a fraternity or sorority at four-year university, which is another opportunity to create lasting relationships.
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Similarly, it may be easier to network at a four-year university. Especially since you are taking classes with likeminded peers in your major, creating those connections can be easier at four-year university. Additionally, professors are usually well-connected to the communities they are part of.
So, another one of the cons of community college is that internships and practicums may be harder to come by.
When thinking through the pros and cons of community college, your future career goals should be considered. If an internship is likely to give you a boost in your resume after graduation, this could be an important factor of your educational experience.
Since professors have likely had students intern at a variety of businesses and institutions, those connections are already established. It may be easier to apply for these opportunities when relationships have been previously formed. Sometimes, internships and practicums are required at four-year universities, so you are sure to have that experience regardless of your major.
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Furthermore, students at four-year universities are usually offered a wider variety of classes in the course catalogue. Since there is typically greater faculty and staff availability at a four-year university, they may be able to offer more classes. One of the cons of community college is that you may not have a wide variety of classes to choose from. When thinking about the pros and cons of community college, you should consider the importance of a broader college experience.
Additionally, greater course offerings can translate into more options for majors. At a community college, you may have a smaller variety to choose from. As well, while community colleges offer certificate programs and associate’s degree programs, at a four year-university, there are more options for a bachelor’s degree to choose from.
One of the cons of community college is a limited option for majors. If you are looking to major in a specific program that is more specialized, a community college may not offer enough courses to satisfy the degree.
Should you go to a community college or a university?
So, why do people go to community college? Hopefully, after reviewing the pros and cons of community college, you should have a better idea about the type of institution that will work the best for you.
Ultimately, you should consider the type of college experience you want to have. For example, if you know that taking evening and online classes would work better for your schedule, then one of the benefits of community college is the flexibility to make that happen. On one hand, while a four-year institution may offer some flexibility, a community college is generally more accommodating to student schedules.
On the other hand, if you are looking to join Greek life, take classes outside your major, or are looking to join many extracurriculars, a four-year university may be the better choice.
Overall, while there are many pros and cons of community college, your decision should be centered around what works best for you and your future goals.
Pros and Cons of Community College – Additional Resources
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