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

As a high school counselor, a big part of my job is helping students decide on their path after graduating high school. While some pursue alternative options, most want to work toward a college degree. You can get a college degree from either a college or a university, but choosing between the two is a big decision. 

While both colleges and universities offer degrees, they differ in size, cost, and academic focus. Universities typically provide a broader range of programs, including graduate degrees, while colleges often focus on undergraduate education with smaller class sizes. But the differences don't stop there, so let's take a deeper look now.

What is a university?

A university is a four-year institution that offers bachelor’s degrees and, in many cases, graduate programs like master’s and doctoral degrees. While there is a difference between a college and a university, for simplicity, I’ll use "university" here to refer to both.

University degrees

A bachelor’s degree, often called an undergraduate degree, typically takes four years to complete and requires at least 120 semester credits. Students focus on a specific area of study, called a major, which helps prepare them for their chosen career or further education.

University admission

Getting into a university varies widely depending on the school. Some universities, especially highly competitive ones, admit only 5% of applicants, while others have open enrollment and accept nearly everyone. Your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays all play a role in whether you’re admitted.

University housing

Most universities require first-year students to live on campus, unless they are commuting from home. Living in a dorm is a great way to make friends, get involved, and adjust to college life. After the first year, many students choose to move into off-campus housing, sharing apartments or houses with friends.

What is a college?

A college is typically a smaller institution that focuses on undergraduate education, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees. While universities often have multiple schools within them (like a school of business, engineering, or medicine), colleges tend to be more focused, sometimes specializing in areas like the liberal arts or career training.

Community colleges fall into this category, but not all colleges are community colleges—there are also liberal arts colleges, technical colleges, and other specialized institutions.

College degrees

Colleges offer a mix of two-year and four-year degree programs:

• Associate degrees: These are typically two-year programs (around 60 semester credits) offered at community colleges and technical schools. Some associate degrees are designed for transfer to a university, while others are focused on getting you into the workforce quickly.
• Bachelor’s degrees: These four-year programs (120+ credits) are available at liberal arts colleges, private colleges, and public colleges. They focus on a combination of general education courses and major-specific studies.

College admission

Admission requirements for colleges vary. Community colleges have open enrollment, meaning as long as you have a high school diploma (or equivalent), you’re in. Other colleges, like selective liberal arts schools, may have more competitive admissions, evaluating students based on grades, test scores, and extracurricular involvement.

College housing

Most community colleges don’t offer on-campus housing, so students typically live at home and commute. However, some private and liberal arts colleges do provide dorm options, giving students a more traditional residential college experience.

Different types of colleges

Not all colleges fit the same mold. Depending on your goals, you might find a better fit in one of these specialized types of colleges.

Community colleges

Community colleges, also called junior colleges or technical colleges, offer two-year associate degrees and certificate programs. They’re a great choice if you want to save money before transferring to a four-year university or if you’re looking for career-specific training. Many students appreciate the smaller class sizes, flexible schedules, and lower tuition costs.

Liberal arts colleges

If you love small class sizes, in-depth discussions, and a well-rounded education, a liberal arts college might be a great fit. These schools emphasize critical thinking and communication skills, offering majors in subjects like history, literature, philosophy, and science. Many students choose this path to explore different fields before committing to a specific career.

Technical and vocational colleges

Not everyone wants (or needs) a four-year degree. Technical and vocational colleges provide hands-on training in high-demand fields like nursing, cybersecurity, automotive repair, and graphic design. These programs typically take two years or less and are focused on getting you into the workforce quickly.

Private colleges

Private colleges are independent institutions that aren’t funded by the state. They tend to be smaller and may focus on specialized education. Some private colleges have a religious affiliation, while others emphasize fields like business, performing arts, or engineering. While tuition is often higher than at public schools, many private colleges offer generous scholarships to help offset costs.

Public colleges

Public colleges and universities are state-funded, making them more affordable for in-state students. They can range in size from small regional schools to massive research universities with thousands of students, competitive athletic teams, and a wide range of academic programs. If you want a large campus experience with diverse degree options, a public college or university could be the right choice.

Comparing a college vs. university

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. 

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.

College

Pros of attending a 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 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 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. 

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