Congratulations! You’ve made it (almost) through high school. Now all you’ve got to do is plan out the next few years of your life. When it comes to choosing your next educational step, you’ll need to think about how much of a time and money investment you’re prepared to make as well as what kinds of jobs you can see yourself holding in the future. To help you figure out where your next move should be, here’s a short breakdown of the pros and cons of two- and four-year colleges.
TWO-YEAR COLLEGES
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Although four-year schools get all the media hype, many high school graduates head right to a two-year institution. Looking at the facts, it’s no surprise why. Cheaper, quicker, and highly vocational, two-year schools offer students the chance to start their careers sooner and with less (or no) debt. You can also use a two-year school as a launching point to start earning your bachelor’s degree.
Who Goes There
Students looking to go directly into a trade or technical vocation, those with blemished high school transcripts looking to work their way into a four-year school, and students who simply want to save money on their general education courses before transferring to a more expensive four-year institution.
What You’ll Take
Depending on your degree program, two-year students typically either focus on taking general pre-requisite courses that can transfer to a four-year institution or courses in their specific trade. Since community colleges are closely linked to area industries, students will find a wide array of courses that cater directly to the local job market.
Other Learning Opportunities
In addition to in-class learning, two-year college students frequently take on apprenticeships and internships within their local community. Beyond getting an insider’s look at their future job, interns and apprentices also gain valuable industry connections they can use to land a job upon graduation.
The Cost Factor
Here is where two-year institutions shine. Since most two-year colleges are designed for commuters, students are responsible for finding their own housing and get to avoid the high costs of room and board. Two-year students get a huge break on tuition as well.
According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a two-year school is only $2,963, just over one-third of the cost for a year at a four-year public institution.
FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES
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Get ready to make an investment. Students who put the time and money into a four-year education will reap the benefits throughout their lives. Though four-year schools require at least twice the amount of time as two-year schools AND three times the tuition, they offer students on- and off-campus learning opportunities you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Who Goes There
Those who want a well-rounded education and a flexible degree. While four-year students are required to take a much broader range of courses than two-year vocational students, four-year students graduate with degrees that can be used for a wide spectrum of jobs in the real world.
What You’ll Take
Everything—math, biology, English, history, even music therapy. Although four-year students typically spend the first two years taking generalized courses then the last two years taking courses in their major, students are free to take electives in any field of study.
Other Learning Opportunities
This is where four-year institutions shine. In addition to in-class learning, four-year institutions offer an enormous spectrum of on- and off-campus learning opportunities. On campus you can attend performances, cultural events, and guest lecture series, as well as participate in student-run clubs and honor societies. Students also go off campus for service-learning projects, study abroad trips, internships, cooperative education programs, and field trips.
The Cost Factor
Get ready to cough it up. The College Board reports that the average cost of one year of in-state tuition and fees at a public four-year school is $8,244. Tack on another $8,890 in room and board costs and you’re looking at an average yearly bill of $17,134. For private school students, the situation is even worse. The average private school student pays $28,500 in tuition and fees per year and $10,090 in room and board for a grand total of $38,590. While four-year college students are forced to fork over the dough now, they’ll reap the financial benefits later with higher salaries in the future.
Christina Couch is a freelance writer based in Richmond, Virginia, and Chicago, Illinois. She is the author of Virginia Colleges 101: The Ultimate Guide for Students of All Ages (Palari Publishing, 2008). Her byline can also be found on AOL.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com and Wired Magazine.
I am currently in 11th grade hoping to get to a 4 year college because of the variety of courses as well as getting the career I want but what scares me is the tuition since I am not born in a wealthy family but I appreciate the information the author has given to me and I will definitely think this through clearly
I graduated from high school with Honor’s but spent the two years following that working as CNA. Then I went back to a tech college to get my two year degree never planning to get my four year degree. But through a local internship I came to the choice that I would to better my career options. My sister went right onto a four year school and has 8000 some in debt after her first semester. I will only have debt for my last two years. Two years schools are a great way to get an education and figure out if you want to go on to more later.
its really helpful..now iam thinking to take a degree course..though iam not sure what is good enough for me..because iam thinking for the expenses ,,that was so expensive for me..iam a working student,,so its really nice to read this site..thanks to the author..
I graduated high school in the top 10% of my class with highest honor and chose to go to a 2-year college and then after receiving my 2 year degree I transferred to a 4 year university despite the scholarships I was offered out of high school at various 4 year Universities. I came to that decision because I firmly believe community colleges offer a better education experience than 4 year Universities. All of my professors at community college were caring and knowledgeable, all of my professors were doctors except for 2 (who had master’s). Smaller class sizes and professors that actually give a crap if you pass make a HUGE difference in your learning experience. I graduated Community College with honors and I am currently pursuing my bachelors in biomedical sciences with hopes to enter medical school. I’d do it again if I had the chance: Save money!!! Go to a community college first!!