Community College Vs. Big University...Why My Daughter Chose The Community College
Apr 19 '05
The Bottom Line Don't rush in making this important decision in your life!
One of the decisions my oldest daughter was faced with was choosing in between a local University and a local Community College. She really wanted to go to the University and was leaning toward that avenue until she did some research on her own at my suggestion. Here are some of the things to consider when trying to make a choice in between a University and a Community College.
Size
My daughter really wasn't intimidated by the size of our local University, Louisiana State University. She had worked there during two summers of her high school years and was very familiar with campus. Whether the University is local or not, I suggest a visit during the school semester to see how hectic it can be on campus and the surrounding area. At LSU, you walk wherever you need to go. There is not a lot of parking throughout campus and student parking is mainly on the outskirts of campus. Attendance here is runs a little over 30,000 students for undergrads and graduate students combined. If you are from a small town, the size of the campus alone may intimidate you.
The local Community College, Baton Rouge Community College is fairly new. It has more than doubled in size since it first opened in 1995. Since it was an accredited college, students had the option to transfer to other Universities offering degree programs. Enrollment here was only about 3,000 students when my daughter first enrolled. She liked the small campus (two buildings at that time) and the location which was closer to our home.
Cost
Major Universities carry higher price tags. The old saying, "You get what you pay for" is typical here. My daughter enrolled at the Community College at approximately 1/2 the cost of tuition at the local University.
Personal Service
I visited Baton Rouge Community College with my daughter when she first enrolled. The staff in the Guidance office and Admissions were all extremely helpful. Anytime she has had a question or a problem she has been able to wait only a few minutes before seeing someone. At a larger University you need to call ahead and book an appointment which is rarely on the same day or even week.
Housing
You also need to consider if you will need housing on campus or off campus if you will be attending college in another city/state. Which choice is best for you?
Your Goals
My daughter had her plan all scoped out (for a change). She knew she wanted to major in Business. You need to weigh the factor of your goals between all of your choices. You need to make sure your goals will be met. You may want to stay at the same university for both undergraduate and graduate school. Then again, you may welcome a change of location. All of these things are personal choices. Take your time and weigh all factors. Most of all, make sure you are happy with your choice.
My daughter chose the local Community College because the college became highly recommended by her Guidance Counselor in High School and a couple of friends. The school was also growing by leaps and bounds each year. She liked the fact that she could transfer to the local University of her choice in Louisiana to finish her degree. She also liked the fact that she could save money by going to Baton Rouge Community College. All of these things helped her make the decision that was right for her.
I hope these comments are useful to others seeking to make a choice.
© 2005 Birdfeather
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