Community College then Transfer or 4 Year University?

College Search & Selection
1

I have a question regarding people’s opinions on whether or not the better option would be to get my assiociate’s at a CC then transfer to a State University (like FSU. UF, or UCF; I’m from Florida) or to start directly at the certain 4 Year University? If you could give me the pro’s/con’s of starting at CC then transferring and also starting at a 4 year all the way through your bachelor’s (also please tell me if I posted in wrong section and where I should move it if I did post it wrong.) Thanks in advance!

2

@gmpatton

Pros:

  • CC is much less expensive and will save you a chunk of money while you knock out your GenEd courses
  • if you live at home and commute you will save a LOT of $$$ vs paying room and board

Cons:

  • if your GPA and SAT/ACT are high enough for a generous freshman scholarship at UCF, FSU or UF, then you would forfeit that if you attend CC instead. in this case CC might end up costing you $$$

anyway, it’s the same degree whether you do CC+transfer, or do 4-year uni

3
  1. Overall cost may differ. This is often in favor of starting at a community college, but may not be if you get a good scholarship at the four year school as a frosh (scholarships for transfer students tend to be less common).
  2. Community college may be nearby where you already live; if staying there for at least the first few years of college is desired, that can be an advantage.
  3. Community college may not have all of the lower level courses to prepare for some majors at the four year schools. This depends on the major, the four year school, and the community college.
  4. If you start at community college, you may have to face another competitive admission process to get into your major at the desired four year schools. However, if your high school record is not that good, and you do well at community college, you may have more options as a transfer than as a frosh.
  5. If you are undecided for major, exploring lower level courses at community college means that it is less expensive if you need an extra semester or two than at a four year school.

The pros and cons depend on the individual student’s situation. Since you mention a 2.5 HS GPA and a 20 ACT in your other posts (unlikely to get frosh scholarships, more limited choice of four year schools that will admit), it is likely that the pros for starting at community college are stronger for you than for many other college bound students with stronger high school records.

4

Pros of CC: easier to get into, cheaper, a good way to raise your academic skills, you can often transfer to a selective, world-class campus without having had the grades/stats in high school

Cons of CC: commuter atmosphere makes for a different experience, after 2 years, you have to start over in growing your social network, getting to know the school/area. Usually some credit loss, you may have to do summer school, take extra classes to graduate in 4 years.

Unless you have financial or academic constraints, I’d recommend starting out at the 4-year school. Transfers can be stressful and will affect your overall “college experience.”