Transferring from 4-year university to community college?

I’m a freshman and so far I’m not really enjoying college as much as I should. The campus here (state school in PA) is pretty dead on the weekends and I find myself really bored quite often. However, my grades are better than in high school so far this semester so that’s a positive.

I originally wanted to go to Penn State but I was admitted to the summer session. Everything ended up being too much money so I resorted to going to this school I’m at now (was originally my safety school).

Now I’m considering transferring to CC next semester & all of next year, and then seeing if I can transfer to Penn State or Villanova. I’m hoping I’ll have saved enough money by then to cover some costs at least.

The only downside is that I’m leaving a few “friends” (more like acquaintances) that I met here. I’d also be a little nervous as a transfer student b/c I feel like by junior year everyone would already have their friend groups.

My scores in HS were a 3.7-3.8 GPA, 29 ACT, and 1300 SAT so I dont think I’d get into Villanova if I applied back then. So far in college I have a 4.0 and if I keep that up (or close to it) in CC I think they have a program where I can just transfer from there.

Any thoughts/opinions/advice? This is one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever dealt with and any input would help sooo much. Thanks guys.

Lots of people transer home to a CC to save money after one semester. Don’t worry about that. Does you potential CC have an articulation agreement that would guarantee your admission to Penn State or somewhere else for your major? What other places will you be looking at if you don’t get into Penn State or Villanova, or if you get in but can’t afford to attend?

@happymomof1 I just checked & Penn State University Park actually wasn’t on the list, just the Abington campus for some reason. Also looked into Villanova & that’s for specific majors (not including Business major unfortunately). I noticed Lehigh guaranteed admission with a 3.5+ GPA which I think is attainable, and I’d love to attend there.

My eyes are currently set to Lehigh now and I should be able to afford two years there. If not, I saw a few other backup schools I would be interested in as well.

The problem with Pennsylvania is that the typical “transfer” agreement is actually branch campus-> Penn State or Pitt, rather than CC to PSU/Pitt. That’s the seamless system (called TAG in other states). CC’s have agreements with the PASSHE schools, which are nowhere near as well-funded as PSU and don’t have all majors.
Lehigh would be a terrific option indeed. Also, you could apply in the Spring for Fall 2018 (as long as you do have a 4.0). Do check that finances would work though.