Choosing a path regarding higher education is a major decision that now involves a larger risk for students than in previous years. As the price of college continues to rise in today's poor economy, it may be in a students best interest to consider a two year community college over a four year school. While the two are often portrayed to be similar, there are quite a few differences that separate the education each school offers. Community colleges are often over looked and underestimated in comparison to a four year school, but two year schools have a lot to offer and in some instances can be more beneficial in furthering education than a four year school. For many people, the money saved by enrolling in a community college is the largest benefit. Tuition costs alone are significantly lower at a community college, reducing student loan debt. Between 2010 and 2011, the average tuition prices for United States four year colleges was $15,605 whereas the average community college price was almost half of that at $7,925 (Institute of educational sciences). There are many other contributors to saving money at a community college other than education expenses. It is common for most undergraduate students, especially in their first two years of college, to live on campus. While living in a dorm is often viewed as part of the so called “college experience”, it can be costly. There are many benefits in commuting to a community college rather than living on campus at a four year school. For most students entering college right out of high school, living at home (as in with parents or guardians) is still an option. By attending a community college and living at home students are saving money on living costs, meal plans etc. Although no... ... middle of paper ... ...pensive choice, making it rise in popularity due to the economic situation in the United States. Four year schools are great for students looking to move away from home or who are interested in the traditional college experience, whereas community colleges give opportunity to those who may not have as many opportunities or need more flexibility in their schedules. It is important to know that community colleges and four year schools have many differences but both offer a quality education. Works Cited "Fast Facts." National Center for Educational Statistics. Institute of Educational Sciences, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. "Community Colleges Outperforming Universities." Community Colleges Outperforming 4-year Universities. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2014. Noren, Laura. "Graphic Sociaology." The Society Pages. N.p., 3 July 2012. Web. 25 Mar. 2014.
This is the most ridiculous argument I have heard regarding education. Community colleges may be less expensive than four-year schools, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality education. Classes held at community colleges are usually smaller than university classes. The curriculum is more in-depth and there is more of an open exchange between teachers and students. Additionally, most of the time teachers from 4-year schools will teach at community colleges, consequently proving that community college quality of education is just as high as a 4-year university.
In the article “ Two Years are better than Four” written by Liz Addison she makes her claim very early on in the paper by stating that community college is the best option, because it has opportunities for any type of person. She goes to tell all of the advantages throughout the article. While in “College Prepares People for Life,” written by Freeman Hrabowski, states his claim being college teaches you more than just education but never goes on to tell you how college teaches you these things. With both claims explained, it is made clear that Liz Addison gives us a better look on how community colleges benefit everyone rather than Hrabowski barley mentioning his claim at all.
Universities can be expensive, especially if the school is out of state of current residency. Attending a community college to save up money is a smart option for students. Being able to c...
For something seemingly so obvious, it is often left out of the conversation. Rick Perlstein wrote about the change in “student life” and how it is “no longer all that important”(Perlstein), and Liz Addison wrote mostly about culture and the available beginning. Both fail to give justice to the central idea of increasing your level of education. Due to this idea, I disagree with part of Addison’s argument. If the purpose is to increase education, then how can two years be better than four? Technically speaking, an associate degree from community college is half of what a bachelors degree would be from a four year university. While everything has a starting point, where it finishes if often what is most important. The value of a start in community college, in my opinion, is that you can eventually get into a four year school you could not previously have gone to. I imagine Addison brings up her degree from the university she attended before mentioning the two community colleges she
although, there is a lot to agree with within the article there are some faulty statements that two year colleges don’t offer the best education possible and that community college are more engaging and individualized for a student and the price is also much less expensive than a university education.
The U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. 28 Sept. 2000. The U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. 25 Nov. 2000
Community colleges and vocational tracks are not wrong about the high cost of traditional higher education. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, one year at a public, four-year institution costs upwards of $23,000 on average, while private institutions will cost nearly $10,000 more on average. Coupled with the fact that prices at public institutions rose 42 percent and private institutions rose 31 percent between 2001 and 2011, it’s not a shock that parents and students alike worry about paying for college. However, this won’t always be the case, as this rise in prices simply cannot continue the way it has. Eventually, people will be unable to pay the price that colleges charge. They will either settle for com...
Each point listed in this article was included to shine a light on the positives of community college and advise you on how attaining a junior college degree may be the best thing for your career in the end. However, even with the all of the advice in the world, the local community college offerings still may not feed your specific goals. As great as community colleges are, they are just not that great for every career. Set up campus tours and schedule an informational interview with an academic advisor at both the junior college and 4-year school you are considering before taking the leap. Nevertheless, before you do anything, decide what steps will be good for your career plan and make a sound decision on entering an associate’s degree program that fits your lifestyle, goals, financial outlook, and most importantly, dreams.
Community colleges have been tool used by many American students and families as a means of affordable education for better life for themselves and their children. Community colleges has played a big role in helping middle and lower income families who can 't afford to go to 4 years colleges ,the chance to educate themselves and their children. Community college was created in order to give basic liberal , technical and vocational education to all willing to be educated.
As the high school chapter is coming to a close, many students have to make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives. Hopefully, for many that decision is to enroll in a college and attain a higher education. However, as tuition costs rise, students have to take a second look at their options for a better future. A community college is that second look for many because it is the less expensive option. From 2007-2009, enrollment for community colleges has increased by 24 percent (“College costs and the CPI”). Students aren’t choosing a college for educational purposes because they are overwhelmed by financial issues. They are attending community colleges so they will be able to graduate with a lower debt. Some seniors have wanted to attend a certain university all their life and they work toward that goal through grade school; however, they are hindered by soaring tuition for that college. Students should be able to attend a private university if they mee...
Because universities are extending the number of applicants they are accepting, a lot of people question whether community colleges still matter. Personally, I share Liz Addison, for¬¬¬mer Southern Maine Community College student and graduate of Royal Veterinary College in London, opinion that appears in her essay “Two Years Are Better than Four” published in 2007. In her essay, even though Addison rebuts Rick Perlstein’s perspective that community colleges no longer matter as they once did, explains the philosophy of community college, and recounts her college experience, she mostly focus on proving her opinion, stated in the last paragraph of the essay, that “college does still matter”(258). In other words, Adison thinks that college still
Nowadays, many people seek higher education for a better advantage in finding a job and getting a better life. Even though many people think going to a four year university directly from high school is a good idea; they are wrong. Starting out at a two year college is more affordable. Also, it helps people explore careers and prepare people to do better in four years universities later down the road.
Deciding on whether to attend a junior college or a university can be a very tough decision. Oftentimes we hear negative opinions and comments about attending a junior college instead of a university. Junior colleges are much more affordable, they have smaller classes, and they are much more convenient than universities. Through my experiences and research, I feel there are many benefits to attending a junior college.
Then, when I dared to say that I was going to a community college, I could practically taste the judgement. Even though the current average up-front cost of a four-year university, according to Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill in “Should Everyone Go to College?” is $102,000, I was expected to rattle off the name of some
I have chosen to go to the local community college to get used to the college experience. College life can be an exciting time but at the same time it can be a challenge. I feel that starting out at the community college would be a better chose than "jumping" into life at a four-year university.