Community college vs university: Should I go to community college first?

No matter what you major in, the first 2 years of your bachelor’s degree will typically involve completing general education courses. It’s not until junior year that you’ll start your upper-division coursework.

“If your goal is to get a degree, then finding the most cost-effective way to earn it should be your next priority”.

That means if you go to a 4-year university straight out of high school, the first 2 years of your education will be very similar to what you would get at a community college. Given this similarity, is it justifiable to pay a higher price for an education that is essentially the same?

Difference between community college and university

The biggest difference between a community college and university is cost. In-state community college students pay an average of $3,550 per year, while 4-year institutions charge a whopping $10,153. Added up over the course of your degree, this difference can amount to a huge financial impact.

What are the benefits of attending a local community college?

Saving money is the major benefit of attending a community college vs university. There are endless stories of people suffering under the weight of crippling debt or earning degrees of little practical value. It’s no wonder many are growing skeptical about pursing a bachelor’s degree.

Although the data shows that earning a 4-year degree is still worth it, going to a community college before transferring to a university may be the smartest option economically.

Save money on tuition

We’ve already mentioned the sticker price disparity – for a year at community college, you will pay an average of $3,550, while a year at a 4-year institution will set you back $10,153.

Is community college free?

In some states, yes. As of August 2022, 31 states are offering some form of free community college. So that sticker price above could be slashed depending on what state you live in and if you qualify for free tuition.

Be sure to look into your state’s policy to see if you qualify, as it depends on which order your financial aid is applied and income level.

You can get a 4-year degree from a 2-year college

One of the pitfalls of community colleges is the lack of programs offered beyond the associate level. But, a new trend of community colleges offering 4-year degrees is emerging.

Currently, 23 states offer community college baccalaureate (CCB) degrees at 121 institutions, in fields like business, nursing, education, and more. As community colleges continue to expand their CCB programs, educational opportunities that were previously exclusive to universities will become increasingly available at community colleges.

Easier application process

Applying to college is no easy feat. There are fees, essays, academic references, and standardized test scores that need to be dealt with. The stress associated with the college application process is daunting, and the cost can be overwhelming.

Community colleges offer the following benefits:

• No need for test scores – ACT and SAT scores are typically needed to apply to a 4-year university out of high school, but are unnecessary for community college applications and transfer students. The registration fee for an SAT score is $60, so these tests can be expensive especially if you need to take them multiple times.
• Open admissions – Most community colleges have open admissions policies, meaning you don’t need to fulfill any academic requirements or compete with other applicants.
• 1 low-cost application – You usually only need to apply to 1 community college, with an average application fee of $25. When applying to 4-year institutions, it’s recommended you apply to 7-14 universities. The average application fee is approximately $50, but it can be as high as $90. This means you can expect to spend between $350 and $1,260 on application frees alone.

Transferrable credits & articulation agreements

Many students go to community college first, then transfer their credits to a 4-year university. Universities across the country have transfer agreements between institutions.

An articulation agreement serves as an official guarantee that the courses you completed at your previous school will be accepted at the new one. These agreements have been designed to create a seamless transfer experience for students moving from community college to 4-year institutions.

Another bonus of articulation agreements are guaranteed admission and exclusive transfer scholarships for eligible students.

Research articulation agreements your local community college has to learn about best transfer options to maximize your credit transfer and minimize credit loss.

Additional time to boost your GPA

If your high school GPA isn’t amazing, going to a community college and earning college credits is recommended. Many universities look at community college GPAs instead of high school GPAs – especially if there’s a transfer agreement between the schools.

If you know your high school GPA was too low to be accepted anywhere, or the college you really want to attend requires a higher GPA, community college is the best option.

Is it better to go to community college first?

Economically speaking, yes. Unless you qualify for a generous scholarship or tons of financial aid, going to a community college is better.

Below we have 2 example students setting off on different academic paths with the same goal in mind – earning a bachelor’s degree.

• Student 1 – Goes to a 4-year college after high school
• Student 2 – Attends a community college before transferring

While the outcome is the same – they both earn a bachelor’s degree in 4 years – check out how different the cost breakdown and totals are.

Savings on tuition and fees

This is the average sticker price for a bachelor’s degree if you go to community college vs a public university.

Student 1 – Went to a community college for the first 2 years, then transferred to a 4-year university. They paid $7,100 for the first 2 years, and $20,306 for their final 2. In total, they paid $27,406 in tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree.

Student 2 – Went to a 4-year university right out of high school. Each year of their 4-year degree, they paid $10,153, for a total of $40,612 in tuition and fees.

Final thoughts

While attending a community college may not carry the same prestige as a 4-year institution, it is the wiser choice for a vast majority of students. Community colleges offer comparable education at a fraction of the price, and depending on your living situation, the savings could be substantial.

The price of higher education might seem abstract when it’s just a series of numbers on a screen, but the reality of college debt is long-lasting and far-reaching. For many people, it can take decades to pay off their student loans. Making informed college decisions that prioritize affordability and economic value is crucial.