Transferring from a community college vs highly ranked university?

Hi gang - could use some insight into something I’m debating for next year …

I am currently a freshman at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and I am thinking of transferring to a different school for my sophomore year. Umich isn’t terrible, but I want to go somewhere closer to home and smaller.

Additionally, I am debating leaving after the first semester here, and going home to take some classes at a community college in the spring while doing an internship and working part-time. This would allow me to make some money, get some work experience and travel/figure some things out while still getting credits in.

Would it be more beneficial for my transfer applications (to places like tufts, brown, Babson etc…) coming from a school like Michigan over a community college? Or, if I make good use of my time in the spring semester, would I have an equal chance coming from a CC? I am unsure whether I should stick it out at Michigan for a full year or spend my time in a different/potentially more fulfilling way.

Grade aren’t really an issue, I am doing well in my classes right now and am pretty involved in campus, but could do equally well or even better at a CC. Any advice about which track is better would b super helpful - Thanks!

You should be fine as long as you keep your grades up. Transfers admissions are a lot more straightforward because you already have a college track record.