Community College ( to save money) for 2 years with 4 year school in mind - the transfer basics

Hi All,
Son is interested in theater, and there are a couple of BA theater programs in commuting distance. There is also a community college in driving distance. Actor son and I are discussing the concept of a BA vs BFA, so that 2 years at community college could be paid without tapping into smallish (16 K) 529 plan. Then son transfers to 4 year and finishes 5 semesters with all the theater classes and a few other requirements. We’re working the numbers right now, and this is the best scenario for the lowest debt. However, what is the best method to ensure that classes taken at community college will actually transfer to 4 year? Son most likely will apply (and audition) at these 4 year schools, we just know from net price calculator that 4 years at these schools is financially out of reach. Do we work up front with these 4 years schools? We’re new to the transfer community college idea.

Well, the great thing about community colleges is that the transfer process is greatly simplified, in all aspects. Your son’s counselor will likely sit down with him before classes start and ask him what schools he’s planning to apply to, keeping his major in mind. Community colleges have extensive resources which assure that all of the credits he takes transfer to the institutions he’s planning to apply to.

I recommend you read the resources provided on the “Transfer Students” section, and you also do EXTENSIVE research on community colleges, and transfer students. Keep yourself informed, and more importantly, keep your son informed.

At this point, you should be discussing which schools your son would like to apply to. You do not need to contact any 4-year institution directly concerning credit transfer.

Yes, contact the 4 yr programs, if they will accept transfers into their theatre program.

Also if he indeed can start at the community college then he should try and work and save money to add to the 529, and maybe take out his subsidized loans and bank them, because he will need the money for the last two years, and as a theatre major he will probably have limited time to work, also will probably have late rehearsals, so commuting might not be the best option.

Here in California, there’s a website called assist.org that community college students use for this very thing.You tell the website your cc, where you’re transferring to, and your major. The website gives a detailed list of what classes the student must take for their major, which a counselor at your cc can explain. There really is no reason to call the 4-year university, but if it makes you feel better, there’s no harm in calling. Check to see if your state has any site like this.