For the young student who is eager and ready to start a career, choosing a 2-year college vs. 4-year college simply makes sense. The more time you spend in school, the more expenses you accrue, which can mean major debt — a huge burden as you enter the workforce post-school. Going to college for four years not only can be expensive, but it can be out of reach for some who have busy lifestyles and long-term goals.
One of the biggest advantages of a two-year college is the flexibility. Not only can you take classes in a way that works for your lifestyle, but you typically have the option to transfer your credits to a four-year college down the road, if you decide that’s what you want to do. There are, in fact, many advantages of community college, and attending two-year college programs instead of enrolling in a traditional four-year school could be the right choice for you.
1. COSTS ARE LOWER
Obtaining an associate degree provides ample opportunity to secure a good-paying, readily available job. It also costs a fraction of what a student typically would pay attending a full four-year program. Tuition and fees for four-year programs tend to be significantly higher, and not just because the program is longer. On the other hand, one of the biggest advantages of attending a two-year college is that programs cost much less per credit hour, reducing (or eliminating) the amount of debt the student has once he or she enters the workforce.
2. EDUCATIONAL FLEXIBILITY IN THE LONG TERM
Today’s students are not just new high school graduates, but also those who have busy lives. Making the commitment to go to school can be complicated. Is now the right time? Can you juggle school and other responsibilities? More so, students who are unsure of their long-term career path need flexibility in a short-term program that can let them change their mind down the road if they need to do so. Today’s associate degree programs even include online options for maximum flexibility.
3. MORE FOCUSED ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION
It’s especially important that a student gets the best education possible in the courses that are directly related to his or her career path. Another one of the benefits of attending a 2-year college is how, typically, you can focus on a narrower academic track, with fewer general education requirements, for example. The quality of education can still be outstanding.
4. LOCALIZED SUPPORT AND TRAINING
Most of the skills taught at a program like this can be used on a national basis. However, when a student hopes to work within a community or region, attending a school in that area can make a significant difference. The educational material may be more fitting. What’s more, the connections and network the student is able to begin forming at school and within the community can help him or her for years to come. With local support, training and modern programs, the two-year college simply makes sense.
5. CLASS SIZE AND TEACHER ACCESS
In a local program, the student may be in a smaller class than he or she would be in a traditional four-year college. In those colleges, class sizes of 50 or more are not uncommon. The student still gains access to information, but there is a lack of one-on-one interactions.
In many ways, the student in the two-year program will have a better opportunity to embrace the material, interact with the teacher, and play a role in the classroom. With smaller class sizes, professors are compelled to make the learning process more interactive and engaging. This also works to improve the level and quality of education the student obtains.
6. STUDENT LIFE OPPORTUNITIES
Many of the same cultural and student life activities are available at two-year schools as at larger schools. In fact, if there’s a smaller campus population, there may be more promising opportunities to participate in activities such as sports, music or theater.
7. EARLIER ENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE
For many students, job placement is their top priority. Individuals sometimes can’t wait four years to start earning a living. Attending a two-year school can provide a better timeline for students in these situations. Ideally, a two-year school will work with a community network of potential employers to provide job placement assistance.
While there are times when the 2-year and 4-year college differences warrant enrolling in the longer degree, in many cases, getting an associate degree makes sense. Those enrolled in an associate degree program gain many of the same opportunities as a student in a larger, four-year college, but they also can enjoy more flexibility, earlier job placement, increased one-on-one time with professors in many instances, and quality education on a personal level. All of this means students are able to achieve their biggest goals in a shorter amount of time.