Community colleges an alternative to universities
Robert Valdez
A student’s financial situation, academic aspirations and overall post-high school experience are the main aspects students consider when determining whether to attend a two-year college or a university right out of high schoolUniversities are often looked upon as the choice preferred choice by students at first glance when talking about attending college.
Perception and stereotyping by students is often the reason for wanting to attend a university over starting at a two-year college, according to Wendera Phung, multi-cultural program advisor at Mesa Community College.
“The universities are being seen on the television station including the media and sports,” Phung said.
The exposure of universities to the public outweighs two-year college’s publicity.
Another aspect that the university has that can persuade students to attend against a two-year college is the campus itself.
“The physical buildings are bigger at universities,” Phung said.
Students see that the buildings and overall campus is larger, leading to a perception that attending a university is a better choice than the smaller two-year college campus.
After a student takes the time to research and find out what both universities and two-year colleges offer, what this perception might change.
Students often begin to question attending a university or a two-year college when they evaluate the tuition and total costs of both institutions.
On average, a university’s tuition is three times more expensive than tuition at a two-year college.
“The number one reason that students should attend a two-year college right out of high school is tuition,” Phung said.
Depending on if a student is going to pay in-state tuition or out-of-state tuition, cost of attendence is one of the disadvantages a university has to a two-year college.
“Large universities charge about double the amount per semester compared to a community college,” said Wanceslao Ruiz, a graduate from Arizona State University.
Ruiz, who attended both MCC and ASU said, “It is even more expensive for those who are from out of state,” when referring to tuition.
It is not too surprising to see a first-year college student attend a university initially before transferring to a two-year college later on.
This happens most of the time for two main reasons because a student has not done well academically and needs to improve his or her grades at the two-year college, or because of the tuition difference.
Phung said that he advises on average between 10 to 20 students a year who are transferring from ASU into MCC because of low grade point averages or the cost of tuition being too high.
In his first year of college, Ruiz attended ASU having his tuition paid for by a scholarship.
Ruiz at the end of his second semester transferred to MCC because of a low GPA and the loss of his scholarship.
“I believe that there are no differences in taking basic classes in a college or a university. In fact, taking these courses at a community college would be a better route because of the cost,” Ruiz said.
Normally a student will take the same courses their first two years whether attending a two-year college or a university.
Another main advantage that two-year colleges have over universities is the size of the classes students are in.
Two-year colleges offer classes in normal-sized classroom, whereas universities have large auditoriums in which students are in attendance with 200-plus other students.
Phung said that small class sizes and the ability of students to interact and learn more efficiently in these smaller classrooms give two-year colleges an advantage.
“If you need more hands on time with the teacher take the community college route,” said Adrian Coss, a student currently attending ASU.
“The advantages of attending a university are getting acclimated right away,” said Michele Brenna, adviser for the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at ASU.
Universities without a doubt have a golden image when it comes to attending it and eventually graduating from it.
Aside from offering programs and degrees that will almost guarantee a person a better future and career, universities give a first-year college student plenty of offerings.
“The diversity is bigger at a university,” according to Phung.
“A university has a bigger student body compared to a community college.,” Ruiz said, “.and for that many students experience new cultures, people and a way of living.”
Another plus that universities offer first-year college students is dorm life and the option to live on campus.
“I can tell you that the larger student body size coincides with more opportunities for social interaction,” said ASU student Adrian Coss.
In addition to the diverse environment a university offers, it also offers a higher level of education compared to a two-year college.
“Academic standards are lower at two-year colleges,” according to Phung.
“Academically, I think that since the larger universities have a larger budget, they can afford to hire better teachers,” Coss said.
By bringing in large amounts of money, universities not only bring in more qualified teachers, but have the ability to offer students more resources for their education.
“Large universities bring in more money from alumnis and the government which always mean better equipment for classes and state of the art facilities,” Ruiz said.
So what should a senior in high school do if they are not sure whether to attend a two-year college or a university for their first year in college?
“If you can afford it, go to the university,” said Coss “If you have a hard time with academic discipline go to the junior college.”
Those trying to make this decision should research course offerings at each school, as well as the transfer programs between community colleges and universities that apply to their major.
Additionally, their financial situation and academic standing will play into their future aspirations.
Going to a community college does not make you a less intellectual person than those who are going directly to a university,” Ruiz said.
