Why do my parents tell me its better to go to a community college then transfer to a University?

Question

Why do my parents tell me its better to go to a community college than a University? Do you still get a chance to live in dorms?

Answer 1

Most community colleges do not have dorms, though there are some that have dedicated off campus housing for students.

You can get all of your general ed requirements out of the way at a community college at a substantially reduced fee, so it may be a cost saving move. Community college is also a good choice for a student who has not yet decided on a major and is taking classes to find out what to major in.

Answer 2

I am starting my second year of my community college and its great. There are numerous reasons why your parents are telling you this.

1.) Obviously, its cheaper. I have received a few scholarships from high school that have completely covered all my expenses there...scholarships that would only put a dent in the cost of a university.

2.) More one-on-one. Community colleges classes are generally smaller and more often than not you get to know your professors a lot better. This makes it easier for you to get help.

3.) Closer. Generally (I personally am right in the middle of a University and the community college I attend). Your parents are probably not wanting you to leave home quite yet.

Some community colleges do have dormitories. The one I attend, for example, has two wings with 3 floors on each wing. (It can house up to 190 students). I have found that, with this small dorm size I can get to better know some of the people who attend the college and form life-long friendships.

As for the educational value, none of my friends that have transferred from a community college to a university has ever had any problems "falling behind". They get the same education as the students in universities do for way less the cost.

One of the only problems with a community college is having to worry about what classes transfer and as what. However, if you go talk to a counselor each semester before you sign up for classes, they can help you just fine.

Answer 3

my grandme always stressed me with saying the same thing...

I'm actually attending a community college now and only paying a little over $300 a semester for all my units and insurance and stuff like that and at the university I plan to transfer to when I'm ready costs at about $3,000 per semester for the same quality education....

no, there's no dorms at community colleges, not mine anyways.... plus mine is very rural so there's not too much traffic... the downside is since it's in the country, there's no cheap, close by apartments to move into either, so I'm driving about 50 miles each way every day...

Answer 4

Community colleges are much cheaper, and you can get live in dorms.  But once you will get to a university, after a community college, they say you will behind.

Answer 5

They may not think you are serious about college, and may be a little concerned about your ability to handle life away from home.  Community colleges are normally quite a bit cheaper than Universities.  Most community colleges are for commuters and do not have dorms.

Answer 6

Probably your best bet will be to attend a two year community college before moving on to a four year school.  The first two years of college are referred to a lower division and the last two years as upper division at a four year college.   Doing your lower division work at a two year institution is a good idea b/c:  1.  The costs are likely to be lower than comparable tuition rates at private colleges and some public four year institutions.  2. Most two year community colleges have transfer agreements with four year colleges, wherein your courses at a local community college automatically transfer.  3. Because it's a new experience, many transfers from two year colleges do better academically upon transfer than those who started at the same four year college as freshmen.  4.  Several, but not many, two year colleges have dorms, to accommodate that need to be "free of mom and dad".  [There is a downside to the latter in terms of loneliness, room and food costs, transportation, etc.]  5. The money you save while attending a local two year college can be used finance your additional two years elsewhere.

Good luck with your decision.

  

Answer 7

Economically, it's better.  You can get your GENERAL ED. requirements out of the way for less $$$ at a Community College and then focus on your MAJOR at the University....

Answer 8

I wouldn't recommend that unless your academic situation is such that you cant get into a university.  I think your folks are wrong, maybe they are worried about an empty nest and want you home.