What are the Benefits of Transferring from a Community College? 

Many students outside the United States may not be familiar with the term “community college.” As always, we are here to clear things up. There is a variety of differences between community college in the U.S. and college or university. Once referred to as junior or technical colleges, community colleges generally offer certificates and two-year associate degrees. 

Generally, students complete two years at a community college before transferring their credits to a university where they study for another two years to complete their bachelor’s degree. For many, community college is a vital stepping stone between high school and a university. 

What’s the Difference Between Community College and University?

Length of Degree Programs

Community college is also commonly known as a two-year college because their programs (such as associate degrees and vocational certificates) usually take two years to complete. It is worth noting that some community colleges do offer four-year degrees, but this is fairly uncommon. 

Earning a bachelor’s degree at a university takes four years with the first two years typically being dedicated to general studies such as math, English, history, etc. 

Upon reaching junior year of university, students begin to really focus on courses related to their degree.

Cost

One of the main reasons students choose to complete their general studies at a community college is cost. Community colleges are significantly cheaper than universities. At a time when students are graduating from college with extreme levels of high-interest debt, not having to pay for all four years of university can be a lifesaver. 

Campus Size

Community colleges are typically much smaller than their university counterparts. This comes with both pros and cons depending on your academic goals. A smaller institution may mean more one-on-one attention from staff, an easier time getting around campus, and more parking spaces, but it also means that the recreational facilities are smaller, and there are fewer student clubs and extracurricular activities. With many students now choosing the flexibility of online learning, online studies can offer them a kind of global campus with wide-ranging learning opportunities.

The Benefits of Attending Community College?

Taking these differences into consideration, what are the unique benefits of attending a community college in comparison to a larger university?

Stepping Stone to Four-Year Degree

As mentioned above, community college can be a great first step toward a 4-year degree. If you plan on earning a bachelor’s degree in the near future, you can take advantage of your local community college by starting out with an associate degree. Many community colleges offer dedicated transfer pathways to create seamless transfer options for students who wish to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Community colleges often partner with universities to create transfer agreements that tend to offer benefits for transfer students. UoPeople partners with several community colleges and other organizations too. See here if your organization is a partner with UoPeople. 

Small Class Sizes

Due to its smaller size, community colleges offer smaller class sizes and more attention to each student. If you are concerned about being in an academic environment for the first time, keeping up with English as a foreign language, or balancing your workload with your studies, a smaller environment may help you adjust more easily. 

Wider Range of Non-Credit Programs

Community colleges frequently offer non-credit programs that universities might not, such as English as a foreign language, community enrichment programs, skills training, and more.

Affordability

As mentioned before, community colleges are a far more affordable choice, whether you continue on to an entry-level job or pursue higher education afterward. On average, community college students pay about $3,500 per year. When compared to the $10,000 a year paid by university students, the savings become clear.

Preparation for career

Because community colleges are geared toward prepping students for the workforce, they often offer technical and vocational training for the jobs that students wish to pursue after graduation. These training programs are usually in partnership with the industry workforce and employers to ensure that there is adequate and practical training, as well as proper work placement, for their students.

What are the Benefits of Transferring from a Community College?

Whether you’re seeking to minimize student debt, acquire crucial vocational training, or heighten your prospects of securing rewarding positions, making the transition from community college to a university is a smart move. The most essential benefit of attending a community college is the ability to transfer credit to applicable universities, like University of the People. 

At UoPeople, we strive to make credit transfers as easy and seamless as possible. There is no need for endless forms or aptitude tests. Just send us your transcripts and within a few days, we’ll let you know which of your courses are transferable. Easy, right?!

Worried about the cost or time to complete your degree? Check out our UoPeople Cost Calculator for an instant estimate so you can plan for your future. Or check out this database of courses previously accepted by our institution. 

Apply Today!

For those on the lookout for an accessible and flexible educational journey, University of the People is your best bet. We stand as an accredited online university, offering a comprehensive range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. In line with the ethos of community colleges, we champion affordability and adaptability, permitting students to pursue their degrees from anywhere in the world, on their schedule.