Rethinking Success: Why I Left a Four-Year University for Community College

My journey from high school to college feels like a blur for several reasons. One is simply the time that has passed since I graduated high school and started applying to universities. Another major factor is that I don’t feel a strong connection to that part of my life. When I graduated from high school and transitioned to being a university student, I didn’t have a clear goal or a true passion in mind. At eighteen, it’s rare to know exactly what you want to do in life or what you hope to gain from your education.

Throughout high school, I knew I was smart, innovative, artsy, and creative, with a love for digital art. Naturally, I thought the best option would be to pursue a marketing degree. In my senior year, I dual enrolled at Athens Technical College and learned to manage my school schedule while also enjoying time away from school. However, when I went off to Kennesaw State University for my freshman year, I experienced a major culture shock.

I wasn’t prepared, culturally or in terms of everyday life, for such a big shift or for being fully immersed in college. Attending Kennesaw State was my first experience at such a large university, and I was required to live on campus due to school guidelines. Without breaks from school and without my car, I felt trapped, which made it hard to focus on my studies.

At Kennesaw State, class sizes could easily exceed one hundred students, which was a drastic change from my experience at Athens Technical College. A two-year college like Athens Tech offers a much more intimate classroom setting, which allows students to engage more with their professors and classmates. These smaller classes create a comfortable environment for students to communicate with their instructors. In large university classes with eighty or more students, I often felt intimidated. I hesitated to speak up or reach out to my professors, assuming they wouldn’t be concerned with just one student among so many. Athens Technical College, on the other hand, made me feel visible as a student.

Beyond classroom challenges, the financial pressures at a four-year college are overwhelming, especially for young students. I firmly believe that financial burdens can discourage students from fully committing to their education and can even prevent some from completing school. At Kennesaw State, I not only had to worry about tuition costs, but also the added expense of dorm rent, which I was not prepared for. At community colleges like Athens Technical, there’s a clear focus on reducing the financial strain on students. They prioritize offering a less expensive option, encouraging students to choose a path that is both affordable and practical, rather than rushing into a four-year university.

While at Athens Technical College, I was also introduced to Open Educational Resources (OER), which significantly helped by providing cost-free learning materials and curricula. In my final semester at Athens Tech, I was worried about how I would afford the cost of continuing my education after completing the spring semester. Athens Tech’s commitment to OER and its focus on lowering costs made a huge impact on me. In contrast, at Kennesaw State, once I signed up for a course, I was simply informed of which books to buy, with no effort made to reduce the cost of materials for students. There were no alternatives offered to replace traditional resources, which is why I appreciate my community college experience so much more.

Community college has prepared me for a career related to my degree and provided me with valuable tools for my future. After graduation, I plan to pursue a marketing career, and I feel that I’ve reignited my passion for creativity. I currently work for a large company with many departments related to marketing, and I plan to explore career paths within my company. I also aim to enhance my expertise by earning additional certifications in marketing. I’m incredibly grateful for my community college experience and would recommend it as the primary option for students coming out of high school.

A Brighter Future Awaits: 10 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Community College

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

                                                                                 -Nelson Mandela

 

There is a shifting perception towards community colleges. Increasingly, they are being regarded as a primary preference rather than merely a secondary alternative. The advantages of enrolling in a community college are indisputable. These institutions are influencing the future of education through several factors such as financial savings, customized attention, flexibility, and a strong sense of community.

 

As we reflect on the words of Nelson Mandela, it’s clear that the power of education is not confined to grand lecture halls or sprawling campuses. It can be found in the intimate classrooms of community colleges, where every student is given a chance to shine and change the world in their own unique way.

 

When it comes to making decisions about higher education, real-life examples can often speak louder than statistics. Let’s delve into some tangible examples that bring to life the benefits of attending a community college.


 1. Affordability

Meet Sarah, a recent community college graduate. While her friends at four-year universities are grappling with student loans upwards of $40,000, Sarah completed her associate degree with just $5,000 in debt. This financial freedom allowed her to invest in a startup, turning her passion for sustainable fashion into a thriving online business.

 

2. More Bang for Your Buck

Carlos, an aspiring filmmaker, chose a community college known for its stellar media program. For a fraction of the cost of a traditional film school, Carlos had access to state-of-the-art equipment and interned with a local TV station, gaining hands-on experience that landed him a job immediately after graduation.

 

3. Flexibility 

 Julia, a single mother of two, dreamt of becoming a nurse. The evening classes at her local community college allowed her to juggle her job, family responsibilities, and education. Today, Julia works at a renowned hospital, a testament to the flexibility community colleges offer.

 

 4. Online and Hybrid Models

 James is a dedicated employee at a mid-sized tech firm. Working a standard 9-to-5 job, James harbored aspirations of moving up the corporate ladder. He knew that earning a business degree would give him the edge he needed. However, his daytime commitments made it challenging to attend traditional classes. Enter the online business degree offered by his local community college. This flexible approach allowed him to balance work, education, and personal life. Two years later, armed with a business degree and practical insights, James secured a managerial position in his company, turning his aspirations into reality.

 

5.  Smaller Class Sizes

Liam always struggled with mathematics. At his community college, the small class size meant his professor noticed his challenges. With personalized attention and extra tutoring sessions, Liam not only passed his math class but also developed a genuine interest in the subject.

 

 6. Community Feel

 Aisha, an introverted student, felt lost during her brief stint at a large university. Transferring to a community college, the smaller, tight-knit community helped her come out of her shell, participate in student clubs, and even lead a community outreach program.

 

7. Diverse Course Offerings

Tom, unsure of his career path, enrolled in a community college. The diverse course offerings allowed him to explore everything from graphic design to business. Today, Tom is a successful manager, a field he discovered thanks to his community college.

 

 8. Specialized Training

Mia’s passion was culinary arts. Her community college’s partnership with a local five-star restaurant provided her with specialized training. Mia’s culinary journey began even before graduation, as she was offered a position at the restaurant, thanks to her hands-on training.

 

9. The Transfer Pathway

 Alex started his academic journey at a community college, aiming to transfer to a university. Completing his general education at a fraction of the cost, Alex transferred to his dream university with ease, all credits in tow.

 

  10. Foundation Building

 Zoe was unsure about her major. The community college allowed her to explore different fields without the financial strain. Two years later, with a clear vision, Zoe transferred to a four-year university to pursue marketing, a passion she discovered during her time at the community college.

 

In summary, the aforementioned instances serve as illustrative evidence of the profound impact that community colleges can have. Educational institutions serve as more than mere centers of learning; they function as catalysts that propel students towards prosperous futures, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, obstacles, or ambitions.

Making the Choice Between a Two-Year College and a Four-Year College

“Robert Frost once wrote, ‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and

 I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

As you stand on the cusp of your high school graduation, the roads before you are numerous, each offering its own journey and destination. Deciding between a two-year and a four-year college can feel like selecting between those divergent paths. Your decision will be influenced by factors like time, finances, career aspirations, and personal preferences.

This article aims to shed light on these paths, offering insights into the benefits and challenges of both two-year and four-year institutions, helping you choose the journey that’s right for you.”

Community College 

Although four-year institutions get a lot of attention from the media, you shouldn’t blindly believe the hype about them unless you have certain goals in mind and are confident that attending a four-year college would help you reach those goals. Because it is less expensive, takes less time, and focuses more on vocational training, many students who graduate from high school decide to enroll in a college that is only two years long. Students have the chance to launch their professions earlier and with fewer financial obligations (or none at all). Students who intend to transfer to a four-year university might cut costs on room and board by attending a community college close to their homes.

When it comes to financial savings, students who enroll in two-year colleges are eligible for significant tuition reductions. The College Board reports that the average cost of tuition and fees at a two-year school is only $3,440, which is approximately one-third of the cost for an entire year at a public institution with a four-year degree program!

If you are a student who is interested in going straight into a trade or technical vocation, attending a college that is only two years long is a cost-effective approach to obtaining the education you need to be successful in your chosen line of work. People who did not necessarily fare well in high school but still want to improve their chances of getting into a college that offers a bachelor’s degree or higher can get off to a good start at a community college. Getting your general education credits out of the way at a two-year university is not only a great way to get started on earning your bachelor’s degree, but it also allows you to avoid paying the higher costs that are associated with four-year institutions for the first two years of your education.

Community colleges, in contrast to four-year universities, welcome students from all walks of life who are interested in advancing their education in any field. However, there may be certain dates that you need to achieve in order to get into classes or on a waitlist for the popular ones. Although there is no hard admissions procedure, there may be certain deadlines that you need to meet. You should plan on devoting the majority of your time at a community college to finishing the requirements for both general education and the degree you choose to pursue. After obtaining an associate’s degree, you have the option of immediately entering the workforce or continuing your education at a four-year college or university to get a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to finishing their general education requirements, students attending a community college or a college that only offers associate’s degrees have the chance to participate in internships or work part-time jobs in the area, where they can make significant professional connections that may assist them in finding their dream job after they graduate.

Four- Year College

Are you considering applying to a university that offers a four-year degree program? If this is the case, you should get ready to make an investment. Community colleges are typically less expensive and demand a shorter time commitment on the student’s part than do four-year colleges. On the other hand, if you go for the correct reasons, you will enjoy the benefits throughout your life and will almost certainly be able to find a position in the future that pays a higher wage. Keep in mind that attending a university for four years will take at least three times as long as attending a community college for the same degree, and will cost around three times as much.

According to the College Board, the cost of one year of in-state tuition and fees at a public four-year university is an average of $9,410, whereas the cost of one year of tuition and fees at an out-of-state public four-year institution can average a hefty $23,890 per year. Students who choose to attend private schools should anticipate paying considerably more for their education, with annual tuition and fees averaging $32,410. Students who choose to attend a university that offers four years of education not only need to budget for the greater cost of tuition, but also need to consider the additional costs that come with attending a school that is located a significant distance from their homes. Over the course of a four-year period, the costs of room and board, eating out, and transportation can pile up. The cost of room and board by itself can be approximately $12,200 per year.

Attending a college that is four years long will provide you with the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive education in a variety of fields, including mathematics, English, biology, history, and the arts, amongst others. When attending a college that is a four-year program, students will often spend the first two years taking classes that are considered general education, and then they will spend the last two years taking courses that are related to their major. Lastly, students have the opportunity to select electives from any area of study and may even investigate the possibility of adding a minor to their academic profile if they are interested in pursuing further areas of study.

Students who intend to earn a degree from an institution offering four years of study should put some thought into how they will accomplish this goal. There is a procedure to follow in order to submit an application, tests to be taken, essays to be written, and, in some instances, interviews to ace. You will have a better chance of getting accepted into the school of your dreams if you begin the application process early and maintain a sense of organization throughout the process.