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<p>The community college and transfer route is usually less expensive (but not always, if you get a good financial aid and scholarships with a freshman admission offer at a four year school).</p>
<p>The other pros and cons of starting at a community college versus going directly to a four year school as a freshman:</p>
<ul>
<li>Usually more accepting of part time enrollment (e.g. if you need to work to earn money while in school).</li>
<li>Less financial and institutional pressure to decide a major quickly (primarily an advantage for an undecided student).</li>
<li>Cannot take junior and senior level courses as a freshman or sophomore.</li>
<li>In financially strapped states, may have worse over-full class problems than four year schools.</li>
<li>In some majors, may not have all of the prerequisites needed before transfer, so taking “catch up” courses after transfer may be necessary.</li>
<li>Need to make two transitions to a new school instead of one.</li>
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