Should You Spend Your Freshman Year At Community College Or University?

Graduating from high school, students have much to ponder. While many will not continue on with post-secondary education, there are also many who do choose that route. Those contemplating colleges and universities have lots to consider, starting of course with what schools to apply to. Students are bombarded with information about various schools, and all the pro’s and con’s for each, and the decision can feel overwhelming. There is yet another option that many students overlook, which is to defer deciding upon a large college or university for a year or two while attending a community college.

Choosing to attend community college first may carry a stigma for some people, but there are many reasons why it is an option worth considering, not all of which are financial, though that is a factor.

Community colleges typically offer most of the same introductory classes that colleges do, but at much lower costs. Tuition and other fees tend to be considerably lower at community colleges. Add to this the fact that you might be able to live at home, saving yourself living expenses as well as relocation costs, and financially spending a year, or even two, at a community college makes good sense.

There are other reasons to attend a community college, though. Classes are much smaller, making for a smoother transition to a larger school. You may find that you have a better chance at improving your grades by attending a community college, as you will have less adjusting to do.

And in addition to the above, many students are undecided about what area of study they will pursue, and may change their minds more than once upon spending time in college. You will have the same opportunities to explore various areas of study in a community college, and can get some of the exploring and trying new things out of the way in a smaller school, with less pressure to declare a major and apply for a specific program. You may find that you actually have more freedom at a community college, with less of a demand to make a decision before you are ready.

Community colleges, though often not just overlooked, but looked down upon, offer many benefits and students would be wise to consider them as they are making their post-secondary choices.

By: Jon Ginsburg

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