University vs. Community College: Which is Right for You?

As a high school counselor, a big part of my job is helping students decide and navigate their path after graduating high school. While some pursue alternative options, most want to work toward a college degree. 

For many, this elicits a very common question: should I attend a 4-year university or stay home and attend community college? 

As you might guess, there isn’t an easy answer here. So how can you decide which is right for you? 

First, let’s break down the differences between universities and community colleges. 

What is a university?

A four-year college or university is an institution that offers a four-year Bachelor’s degree. While there is a difference between a college and a university, for our purposes, I will combine them as one, using “university.” 

University degrees

A Bachelor’s degree is often called a four-year degree or undergraduate degree and comprises 120 (+) semester credits. Within this, students focus on one or more areas of study, called a major. 

University admission

Admission to universities varies depending on the school. Acceptance rates can range from 5% at very competitive schools to 100% acceptance at others. 

University housing

Most universities expect first-year students to live on campus. There are exceptions to this, especially if you live close to the school you plan to attend. Living on campus increases your chances of feeling connected, becoming involved on campus, and adjusting to living away from home. 

What is a community college? 

A community college, sometimes called a technical college or junior college, depending on your area, is an institution that offers Associate degrees and certificates. An Associate degree is often called a two-year degree because it consists of at least 60 semester credits (half of a Bachelor’s degree). 

Community college degrees

While there are many areas of study at a community college, the associate degree is offered in two varieties: one designed to transfer to a bachelor’s degree and the one designed to put you straight to work. 

• Associate degree that is designed to transfer to a university: this degree is made up of primarily general education classes (think “core subject areas” like English, Math, Science, etc… ). The remaining handful of classes can be elective/choice credits. For example, a business major may choose a “marketing” class as an elective. 
• Associate degree designed to put you straight to work: this degree is the reverse of the transfer degree in that most of its classes will directly train you for the field in which you plan to work. The remaining few classes in this degree are general education classes. This type of Associate degree isn’t designed to transfer to a university, although many can. 

Community college admission

Admission to a community college is almost always an open-door policy where you won't be turned away. 

Community college housing

While some community colleges offer housing, most do not and expect students to commute from home. 

Comparing a university vs. community college

Here are some essential things to consider when comparing the two:

• Tuition: In most instances, community college costs less than a 4-year university. Community colleges usually don’t have housing and meal-plan costs added to your tuition.
• ROI after graduation: Studies have shown that the more education you have, the higher your earning potential. While there are always exceptions, a higher degree equals higher pay. Better yet, this increased earning potential compounds as you start to get raises and promotions, so the difference can end up being substantial over the course of a lifetime. 
• Graduation & retention rates: You should compare graduation and freshman retention rates for both types of schools. The national average for graduating in six years from a university hover in the mid-60% range, whereas the graduation rate for community colleges hovers around 40%. A school’s freshman retention rate addresses whether students stay or leave after their first year at an institution. 
• Life experience: Going away to university is hard to replicate. It’s an opportunity for big change, to make friends from all over the country/world, and to be a semi-independent adult away from your hometown. Attending a community college eliminates much of that experience, as your daily life may not alter much. 
• Getting involved: Campus involvement can be more difficult at a community college than at a university. While most community colleges offer plenty of opportunities to be involved, it can be difficult when you go to campus, attend classes, and then leave. Students on campuses at universities are a “captive audience” and tend to be highly involved in areas that interest them. 
• Transferring: Transferring from a community college to a university is not always smooth. Sometimes, classes don’t transfer, or they transfer but do not meet the requirements for the “right” class at the next school. Plus, if you plan to transfer but don’t do well academically at the community college, it may eliminate many transfer options. 

Community college vs. university pros and cons

University

Pros of attending a university:

• Higher ROI after graduation: Generally, a higher degree is associated with higher earning potential, which usually compounds with raises and promotions over time.
• Life experience: Attending a university away from home can provide a unique experience, allowing you to build independence, make diverse friendships, and experience a different environment.
• Campus involvement: Universities typically offer a range of opportunities for students to get involved on campus, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Cons of attending a university

• Higher tuition and added costs: Universities are usually more expensive than community colleges. In addition to tuition, housing, meal plans, and other fees add to the cost.

Community College

Pros of attending a community college:

• Lower tuition: Community colleges are usually significantly cheaper than universities, making them a more affordable option. 
• Fewer additional expenses: Since many students commute, there’s usually no need to pay for housing or meal plans.
• Option to transfer: For students planning to attend a university, starting at a community college can be a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements before transferring (though some transfer challenges exist).

Cons of attending a community college:

• Lower ROI after graduation: Degrees from community colleges may have a lower earning potential than university degrees, which can impact lifetime earnings.
• Lower graduation and retention rates: Community colleges generally have lower graduation and freshman retention rates.
• Limited life experience change: Attending a local community college often limits the “away-from-home” experience many students seek.
• Less campus involvement: Since many students attend community college part-time or commute, opportunities for involvement in campus activities can be more challenging to find. 
• Transfer challenges: Transferring credits from a community college to a university isn’t always straightforward; some credits may not be accepted towards your final degree. 

Deciding between a community college & university

First and foremost, it should come down to the question of what you plan to study. If you dream of becoming a dental hygienist, requiring an Associate degree, heading to the local community college could be a solid option. 

However, a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is available at many universities and can provide a student with more options and better-earning potential upon graduation. Conversely, if what you want to study can only be found at a university, you must determine if transferring from a community college is viable by investigating what the university will accept. 

Next, cost must be considered, but never assume you know how much a school will cost. The cost on a school’s website does not clearly indicate what that school will cost. This applies to both community colleges and universities. 

Many factors come into play when affording college. After factoring in financial aid, what you pay may look entirely different from what the student sitting next to you pays. (Learn about net price calculators here!)

Third, consider the risks associated with both options. 

• The main potential risks of a university are cost and not adjusting to living away from home. 
• The main potential risks of a community college are drop-out rates, issues with transferring, and lower lifetime earnings. In my experience counseling community college students, I frequently saw how easy it was for “life” to take over and for school to move lower on their priority list in favor of jobs, car payments, housing, etc… 

And finally, know yourself. Are you ready to live away from home? How far from home are you willing to go? Are you ready to live in close quarters with someone you’ve just met? Are you excited at the prospect of new places and people?

Final thoughts on community colleges & universities

In my counseling role, if a student is on the fence about attending a university or a community college, we often work to find two or three universities that fit their requirements. Then, my students will apply and compare offers. 

Community college is always an option if they don’t feel good about their prospects after acceptance letters have gone out. I tell them that deciding too soon to attend community college may close off other opportunities. 

In the end, both community college and university can open many doors, but it’s your choice as to what fits your needs and where you believe you will succeed most. 

Make smarter application decisions with Appily

We recognize the stress of the college application process and are here to support you throughout it. 

By creating a free Appily account, you can explore our extensive database of colleges and uncover institutions you may not have thought about before. Then, you can start to build your list by comparing them based on factors such as tuition fees, average scholarship amounts, application deadlines, and acceptance rates.

Just click the button below to access all the resources you need to plan, choose, and apply for college!