Making It Fit – Community or Two-Year Colleges vs. Four-Year Institutions
There are a lot of excellent two-year schools out there with strong programs – don’t discount the advantages of choosing this route. For many a student, a two-year college is the stepping stone for career goals and more advanced study.
So what are the benefits? This is a definite option if you’d like to stick close to home base for a couple of years, want to get acclimated to academic life first, or need to limit your tuition costs. If you’re a commuter student, saving on housing expenses is an additional incentive.
For some students, getting their two-year degree is the most viable option. If you feel more comfortable earning an associates degree first, then, if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can transfer to a four-year institution that offers a program with just the right fit for you. Some two-year schools actually offer bachelor’s degrees for returning students. And earning college credits or an associate’s degree at a two-year school – especially if you’ve maintained a healthy GPA – can boost your chance of being accepted to the four-year school of your choice.