Community College vs University for transfer

So I’ve decided that I want to transfer to a top university (Michigan) and I’m not sure whether or not to go to a community college or a university.

I got a scholarship at a local university (I have to pay 2-3k more than my local community college) so I’m not sure whether to choose the university or the community college.

Seeing as I am not going to be there all four years, I would think a community college would be a better option, but I do not know whether or not going to a university would increase my chances.

What do you guys think?

Thank you.

University of Michigan can be stingy with transfer credit articulation. However, it does have a transfer articulation database where you can see whether the community college and university you are considering have good coverage of University of Michigan courses that you need for your major.

https://www.ugadmiss.umich.edu/TCE/Public/CT_TCESearch.aspx

In many states, students intending to transfer are better served by community colleges, but this may not necessarily be true in Michigan (or whatever your state is).

You may want to check whether University of Michigan will be affordable based on its net price calculator before you commit to trying to transfer there.

https://finaid.umich.edu/estimate-college-costs-with-u-m-net-price-calculator/

Please don’t go into your college predetermined to transfer. You will likely just avoid enjoying your school. You have two perfectly good schools to choose from that want you.

@“Erin’s Dad” said it perfectly. Don’t go in with that mindset because you will just force yourself to not enjoy it. Who knows, the first university you go to might be the best choice you have ever made.

Why not get your degree at your local college that sounds very affordable and go to the university for grad school?

In my experience, transferring to a public university in the same state as the community college you attend can be easier than entering as a freshman. I would find out the transfer statistics from your local community college and possibly contact someone from admissions at the university you got accepted into in order to compare.

Are you an MI resident?

UM-Flint also has a (near) guaranteed transfer program in to UMich-AA engineering (https://themichigantimes.com/4680/campus/changes-to-the-22-program-aim-to-clear-confusion-for-engineering-students-and-faculty/).

UMich has a few 3-2 relationships with some LACs too.

Yes, I am a MI resident. I recently committed to Wayne State.

Talk to a guidance counselor at a MI CC. As UMich has articulation agreements with a bunch of MI CC’s, the path through CC to UMich may be more straightforward.