By Haley Stark - News Editor
Today, it’s frowned upon by many people if you go to a community college rather than a prestigious four-year university although the myths associated with community colleges are far from true. Community colleges not only help you save money on tuition but also the opportunity to adapt to the college lifestyle and have a more one-on-one experience.
Let’s face it, not every student can afford four years at a university when it comes to tuition, housing and other academic expenses. A community college would provide you with two years of undergraduate education at the fraction of the cost of a four-year university. In fact, tuition and fees at public community colleges average less than half of those of a four-year university.
Starting at a two-year community college will also provide you with a college experience that no four-year universities can possible come close to. When you start as a freshman at a four-year university, you’re just a number. You are one student out of 30,000 or more. One of the greatest benefits of a community college is the smaller student population and more personal education.
Everyone has been told that it’s better to go to four-year universities because the rigor at a community college is less than average; however, this is very far from the truth. When you walk into your general graduation required classes at a four-year university you’re looking at a class of 200 or more students listening to one instructor versus an average class size of 20 to 30 students in a community college. In addition, every professor that teaches at a community college has a master’s degree or higher, with most professors having their PhDs.
Attending a community college doesn’t mean you have to stay close to home. There are thousands of community colleges in state and out of state that you can attend. In fact, most out of state community colleges will waive out of state students so that receive in state tuition.
For example, I plan on attending a community college called Black Hawk East located over one thousand miles from home in Kewanee, Illinois. I am a 4.0 GPA student with plans of pursuing a career in Animal Science. By going to a two year school like BHE I have the opportunity to be on the horse or livestock judging team, travel, and get more hands-on experience with agriculture than I can get at a four-year university.
What’s more? I also can attend there for two years for basically free with in-state tuition and scholarships. Although it’s smaller than my high school population, I will get the opportunity to meet people who are involved in all aspects of the agriculture industry. It’s an experience and education you just can’t beat.
It’s true that community college isn’t meant for everyone, just as a four-year university isn’t the only option. Truth is, at the end of the day, it comes down to the student and what suits you best. If you’re looking for a more personal feel, cheaper tuition while you complete basic graduation requirements, hands-on experience and time to define your major, then a community college is a great fit for you.
Let’s face it, not every student can afford four years at a university when it comes to tuition, housing and other academic expenses. A community college would provide you with two years of undergraduate education at the fraction of the cost of a four-year university. In fact, tuition and fees at public community colleges average less than half of those of a four-year university.
Starting at a two-year community college will also provide you with a college experience that no four-year universities can possible come close to. When you start as a freshman at a four-year university, you’re just a number. You are one student out of 30,000 or more. One of the greatest benefits of a community college is the smaller student population and more personal education.
Everyone has been told that it’s better to go to four-year universities because the rigor at a community college is less than average; however, this is very far from the truth. When you walk into your general graduation required classes at a four-year university you’re looking at a class of 200 or more students listening to one instructor versus an average class size of 20 to 30 students in a community college. In addition, every professor that teaches at a community college has a master’s degree or higher, with most professors having their PhDs.
Attending a community college doesn’t mean you have to stay close to home. There are thousands of community colleges in state and out of state that you can attend. In fact, most out of state community colleges will waive out of state students so that receive in state tuition.
For example, I plan on attending a community college called Black Hawk East located over one thousand miles from home in Kewanee, Illinois. I am a 4.0 GPA student with plans of pursuing a career in Animal Science. By going to a two year school like BHE I have the opportunity to be on the horse or livestock judging team, travel, and get more hands-on experience with agriculture than I can get at a four-year university.
What’s more? I also can attend there for two years for basically free with in-state tuition and scholarships. Although it’s smaller than my high school population, I will get the opportunity to meet people who are involved in all aspects of the agriculture industry. It’s an experience and education you just can’t beat.
It’s true that community college isn’t meant for everyone, just as a four-year university isn’t the only option. Truth is, at the end of the day, it comes down to the student and what suits you best. If you’re looking for a more personal feel, cheaper tuition while you complete basic graduation requirements, hands-on experience and time to define your major, then a community college is a great fit for you.