Disadvantages of Choosing Community College

Many high school graduates choose a community college as their next academic move. For many students this can turn out great, for others, it can turn them off to college completely. Obviously, community college and a four year university are two very different settings. Choosing a college can be very stressful on high school seniors, and for many, this is one of the hardest decisions they will be faced with during their senior year of high school. Community college has many advantages, but with every advantage, comes a disadvantage. Community college is not for everyone, so before making your decision, consider the disadvantages.

No Bachelor's Degree

Although many people consider the fact that community college is only two years a good thing, it can actually be a negative thing. At the end of two years, you will not receive a Bachelor's Degree, which is needed more and more as time goes on. At the end of the two years in community college, you will receive an Associate's Degree, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it really depends what career your are looking to get into. A Bachelor's Degree will always give you an advantage.

Not as many resources

A four year university campus is much bigger than a community college campus. With a four year university comes great resources such as libraries, and many other things that you would not be offered at a community college. Without these resources, you will have to look harder for what you need and it may end up being more difficult to do your assignments.

Transferring credits

Although many universities are willing to accept community college credits, it can sometimes be difficult a process. If you decide to go to community college and transfer to a four year university later on, be sure to check if your the university you are planning on attending will accept the credits you will earn in community college. It is very important that you check, so that you do not have to take the same course twice.

Close to home

This can be a pro or con depending on the student. Many students enjoy living close to home or even at home during their college years, but just as many students are dying to get away. Community college usually means staying close to your home town, or even living with your parents, which is something that many students would rather not do. Part of the full college experience is living on campus or in your own apartment, which is very important to some students.

No Greeks

Many students going to university are excited about the possibility of joining a fraternity or sorority. Community colleges do not present students with the opportunity to join the Greek system.

Less classes offered

One of the major problems with community colleges is limit in class variety. At a four year university, you can take all the classes you need and then some, but not every community college will have the classes you want or need to take. Before even applying to a community college, be sure to get on their website, or set up a meeting with one of their counselors so that you know which classes are offered. Classes are the whole reason that you go to college, so this is very important to take into consideration.