Top 7 differences | Community college vs. university

What’s better, community college or university?

Throughout the United States, there are many community colleges and universities. While universities have long attracted international and domestic students, community colleges have traditionally attracted a predominantly local student body. However, many universities now welcome international students. The decision between community college and university depends on your overall higher education plan. Factors such as lower general fees, standard admissions requirements, and local access to classes can be deciding factors for US students. Let’s find out what you might prefer between community college vs. university.

7 differences between community college vs. university

Degrees

The primary distinction between community colleges and universities is that most degrees at community colleges take two years to complete. In contrast, degrees at traditional, four-year institutions take four years to complete. Students at four-year universities spend their first two years taking general education requirements, such as math or history, regardless of their major.

Instead of attending a traditional university for the first two years, some students might attend community colleges for the first two years of their general education requirements and then transfer to a conventional university for the final two years of their degree. Even though both programs offer ‘gen-ed’ courses, students attending community colleges may have difficulty enrolling in these courses due to them enrolling more than they can handle.

Cost

Along with degree programs, the cost is likely the most prominent difference between community colleges and universities. It is one of the most crucial considerations when selecting a school. Community colleges are less expensive than universities. According to College Board, the average yearly tuition and fees for a public 2-year college are $3,440 for students.

According to the same source, the average yearly price of a public 4-year university is $9,410 for in-state students and $23,890 for out-of-state students. Tuition and fees for a private four-year university will cost you $32,410 annually. Aren’t the differences mind-boggling?

Because of the significant price differences, many students choose to complete a two-year degree program at their local community college before transferring to a university to finish their studies and earn a higher degree. Keep in mind that if you’re thinking about doing this, make sure your credits and degree will transfer when the time comes.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements at community colleges are typically much less stringent than at universities. Indeed, many have open admission policies, which means that anyone who graduates from high school and applies is accepted. Specific community college programs like nursing, law enforcement, allied health, and engineering technology may have stricter admission requirements.

Universities are much pickier regarding admissions, so you should be prepared to do more than just apply. For example, many universities have admission requirements, including taking specific courses and earning specific grades in high school, completing essay questions, receiving a minimum ACT or SAT score, and more. Community college vs. university cost becomes a major deciding factor between the two.

Food and living

Living arrangements are another significant difference between community colleges and universities. Community colleges typically do not provide student housing, whereas universities almost always do in the form of dorms and on-campus apartment complexes. 

Most universities also provide meal plans. This on-campus living adds to the overall cost of school, and you can refer to it as room and board. As per College Board, room and board will cost around $10,000 per year at public four-year universities and approximately $11,500 per year at private four-year universities.

Community college students frequently live at home and drive to school, which can save money. However, some community college students must relocate closer to campus, leaving them responsible for food and rent. Depending on your location, this may be more than room and board at a four-year university.

Class size

Class size is another factor to consider when deciding between community colleges and universities. Because of the large number of students who attend universities, class sizes are much larger, which can mean less one-on-one attention from teachers for you. Class sizes are typically much smaller at community colleges due to their lower overall student population. 

According to an infographic created with data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the average class size at community colleges is 25-35 students, whereas university classes can have 150-300 students! If you value one-on-one teacher attention, this can significantly impact your school choice.

Flexibility

Another significant advantage of community colleges is their flexibility, as they are typically designed to accommodate students with jobs or families. The fact that students commute to class rather than live on campus necessitates built-in flexibility.

Community college is your best option if you have children or work more than a part-time job. Traditional schools do not allow for schedule flexibility. Many more night classes are available at community colleges, and unlike most universities, you do not require class attendance. It entirely depends on how much you participate and what you get from it.

Campus life

Community colleges will consistently outperform large universities in this category. Most community colleges invest less in campus facilities, athletic programs, and student clubs/organizations. It is less expensive, but many students feel the need to have ‘the college experience,’ which includes living in student dorms and participating in campus life.

Community colleges don’t have nearly as much of this culture, and no fraternities or sororities exist. However, some of the campuses in the nation’s more prominent community colleges may surprise you. Many have invested significantly in campus facilities such as student centers, dining halls, computer labs, and state-of-the-art classrooms.

Some community college students who transfer to large universities must adjust. When you’re new to a place, and most of the other people have been there for two years, it’s easy to feel isolated. Most universities offer transfer students services that make participating in campus social life more manageable.

Key takeaways

• When choosing between community college and university, you must consider finances, flexibility, admission requirements, and more.
• Many students opt for community colleges due to financial constraints or fewer requirements during admission.
• Universities have the best campus life, giving them an edge over community colleges.

Did you find this blog helpful? Do share your views and perspectives in the comments below. Please contact us for more information on community college vs. university by clicking here. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Is it better to go to a community college or university?

Answer- Community colleges are primarily concerned with providing basic education, associate degrees, and career certificates. If you want to work in a field that requires a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to attend a university after you finish community college.

Q2. Are community college nursing programs good?

Answer- Associate degree nursing programs benefit the communities and the students who attend them. Graduates are likely to remain in their communities after obtaining licensure. They also educate a population similar to the community where the college is located.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of a community college?

Answer- You will almost certainly need to attend a four-year university. Community colleges typically offer dozens of degrees and certificates, but not as many as four-year colleges. On the other hand, community colleges provide more vocational and technical programs.