According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), there are 1,051 active community colleges in the United States. The vast majority of these are public institutions of education offering associate degrees and professional certificates to undergraduate students. Increasingly, community colleges are also adding bachelor’s degrees to their list of offerings. The AACC reports that 23,216 bachelor’s degrees were awarded by two-year colleges during the 2016-2017 academic year.
Choosing between a two year and four year college is one of the biggest decisions a student has to make. Both options have their own unique pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your academic and career goals, finances and personal preferences. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explain the key differences between two year and four year colleges and help you decide which is the better fit.
What is a Two Year College?
A two year college also known as a community college or junior college, is a post-secondary school that offers programs designed to be completed in two years or less. Many two year colleges offer associate’s degrees which typically take about 60 credits or two years of full-time study to earn.
Some of the most popular majors at two year colleges include nursing, business, information technology criminal justice, and liberal arts. In addition to associate’s degrees, two year colleges also offer vocational certificates that can be earned in less than two years.
Two year colleges tend to have open enrollment policies, meaning they accept most students regardless of prior academic performance. Class sizes also tend to be smaller, with a student to faculty ratio around 20:1 on average.
Tuition and fees at public two year colleges averaged just $3,730 for in-state students in 2019-2020. That makes them significantly more affordable than four year colleges for most students.
What is a Four Year College?
A four year college, also known as a university, offers programs designed to be completed in four years or more. Students earn bachelor’s degrees, which typically require around 120 credits or four years of full-time study.
Some popular majors at four year colleges include business, engineering, education, sciences, healthcare, and liberal arts. In addition to bachelor’s degrees, four year colleges may also offer advanced degrees like master’s degrees and doctorates.
Four year colleges typically have more selective admissions criteria than two year colleges. Class sizes also tend to be larger, with a student to faculty ratio around 17:1 on average.
Average tuition and fees at public four year colleges was $10,440 for in-state students and $26,820 for out-of-state students in 2019-2020. Private non-profit four year colleges averaged $36,880 per year.
Pros of a Two Year College
There are many potential benefits to choosing a two year college over a four year university. Here are some of the top pros of two year colleges:
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Lower tuition costs – Two year colleges charge significantly lower tuition and fees, making them more affordable. Students can save thousands per year compared to attending a four year school.
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Open enrollment – Two year colleges accept most students regardless of prior grades or test scores, making them accessible.
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Smaller classes – With lower student-to-faculty ratios, community college students get more individual attention.
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Job preparation – Many two year degrees and certificates are designed to prepare students for careers.
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Flexibility – With abundant night and weekend classes, two year colleges accommodate working students. Short-term programs allow students to quickly prepare for jobs.
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Ease of transfer – Many two year students go on to transfer to four year schools. Community college credits often transfer to other schools.
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Convenient locations – Community colleges serve local areas, allowing many students to live at home while attending.
For students looking for an affordable, flexible, and career-oriented education close to home, two year colleges offer outstanding benefits.
Cons of a Two Year College
However, two year colleges also come with some potential drawbacks to consider:
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Limited program options – Compared to larger universities, two year colleges offer fewer majors and areas of study.
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No bachelor’s degrees – Students cannot earn bachelor’s degrees at two year schools. To do so, they would need to transfer to a four year school.
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Fewer extracurriculars – Two year colleges typically offer fewer sports teams, clubs, and on-campus activities compared to four year schools.
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Minimal campus life – Most two year students commute, and there is often little campus activity outside of class.
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Less prestigious degrees – In some fields, bachelor’s degrees are required for the best jobs. Associate’s degrees may limit options.
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Possibility of not transferring – Although most two year students plan to transfer and earn bachelor’s degrees, many never actually make the transition.
For students who want a traditional, four year residential college experience culminating in a bachelor’s degree, a two year college may not meet their needs.
Pros of a Four Year College
Four year colleges and universities also offer many appealing benefits:
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Bachelor’s degrees – Four year schools allow students to earn bachelor’s degrees in hundreds of majors. This allows access to more careers.
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Greater prestige – Universities are more prestigious academically. Their degrees carry more weight with employers and graduate schools.
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More program options – With a wider array of majors and areas of study, four year schools suit students still deciding on a major.
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Extracurricular activities – Universities offer far more sports teams, clubs, events, and on-campus activities outside of class.
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Campus life – Many students live on campus and enjoy dorm living, social events, and a vibrant campus culture.
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Networking opportunities – From social activities to internships, universities foster connections that can benefit students during and after college.
For students who value the traditional, four year residential college experience, universities offer distinct advantages over two year colleges.
Cons of a Four Year College
However, four year colleges have some potential disadvantages as well:
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Higher tuition costs – Between tuition, room and board, and fees, four year colleges are far more expensive for most students.
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Competitive admission – Selective colleges reject many applicants. Even less selective schools only accept students who meet GPA and test score requirements.
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Large classes – Lecture halls housing hundreds of students are common in introductory classes at four year schools. This can limit student-faculty interaction.
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Academic pressure – The demanding coursework at universities can lead to high stress. Pressure to succeed is intense at selective four year colleges.
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Few vocational programs – For students seeking career and technical training, universities focus more on academic subjects than hands-on job skills.
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Longer programs – It takes at least four years to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Students eager to begin their careers may prefer two year colleges.
For some students, the higher costs, academic rigor, competition, and lengthy programs at four year universities are significant deterrents.
Key Differences Between Two and Four Year Colleges
| Two Year Colleges | Four Year Colleges | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Degrees Offered | Associate’s Degrees, Vocational Certificates | Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees |
| Time to Earn Degree | 2 years or less | 4+ years |
| Admissions | Open Enrollment | Selective Admissions |
| Tuition (Public) | $3,730 per year (in-state) | $10,440 per year (in-state) |
| Class Sizes | Small, ~20 students | Large, ~100+ students common for intro classes |
| Student Life | Mostly commuter students | Residential colleges with vibrant campus culture |
| Academic Focus | Career Prep, Technical Skills | Broad-based Academics, Advanced Theory |
How to Choose Between a Two Year and Four Year College
Choosing between a two year and four year college requires careful consideration of your career goals, finances, academic interests, lifestyle preferences, and other factors. Here are some tips:
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Research different programs and majors at each type of school. Make sure they offer what aligns with your intended career.
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Consider costs. Two year colleges provide the most affordable options for most students. Make sure you can afford a four year college.
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Think about your ideal college experience. Do you want academic rigor and campus activities? Or a convenient, commuter-friendly option?
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Talk to current students and alumni. Get their perspectives on how satisfied they were with their two year or four year college choice.
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Meet with a guidance or academic counselor. They can offer personalized advice based on your situation.
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Tour campuses. Visit both two year and four year colleges to get a feel for each environment.
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Evaluate transfer options. For two year students, research which four year programs accept transfers from the community college.
By weighing all these factors carefully, students can make an informed, thoughtful decision about this critical choice that will shape their futures. The right college depends on each individual student’s goals and needs. With an understanding of the pros and cons of two year and four year colleges, students can choose the best educational path.
Why Attend A Four-Year University?
It’s clear that community colleges have made impressive strides in recent years. There are still some advantages of attending a four-year university, though, that shouldn’t be ignored.
Broader Course Selection from 4-Year Schools
Community colleges are aware that many students use their academic offerings as stepping stones toward a university education. Therefore, many have limited their course selections to the most basic general education classes. If you’re searching for unique intellectual experiences, you may need to look elsewhere.
More Degree Options for University Students
Community colleges offer numerous professional certificates and a range of associate degrees. Some of them even offer a few bachelor’s degree options. Still, four-year universities typically offer a much wider selection of subject areas and degree levels. While they may not provide an associate level education, they do offer bachelor’s credentials in a variety of subject areas, including the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, life sciences, education, and more. Many of these schools also offer options beyond the four-year degree such as master’s and doctoral programs.
Better Professor Credentials
No matter what school they attend, students depend on their professors to teach them the skills they need to succeed after postsecondary school. When you attend a community college, however, you may be taking a chance on the caliber of the professor who teaches your class. Professors at four-year universities are often required to hold terminal degrees in their field (usually a doctoral degree) while community college instructors can be hired with only a master’s-level education. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t many excellent faculty members to be found at two-year colleges. It just means they may be less qualified, at least on paper.
Vibrant Student Life on University Campuses
Many students attend college for an experience, not just an education. If this describes you, then a four-year university may be the better choice for you over a two-year community college. While some two-year schools offer some student clubs and organizations, most pale in comparison to what an active university can offer in terms of campus life. Students enrolled in four-year colleges and universities can take advantage of fraternities and sororities, campus sports, service learning organizations, study abroad opportunities, and much more.
Networking Opportunities
Faculty members at large universities often have friends in high places, especially within the industry that they teach. For their students, this means almost guaranteed job placement after graduation via a professional recommendation. Community college instructors may have less pull.
Furthermore, four-year universities are known for forming partnerships with many of the businesses in the community that they serve. For students, this often translates into practicum and internship opportunities that have the potential to turn into employment arrangements upon graduation from their degree program.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Community Colleges
If you’re considering attending community college, you likely have some questions. In this section, we’ll address some of the inquiries we commonly receive about two-year schools and their academic offerings. Keep in mind, though that the answers provided here are general. For specific information about a particular school or degree/certificate program, it’s best to speak to an admissions counselor at the community college you’re considering attending.
Q: Are community college credits transferable?
A: In most cases, yes. Still, it’s advisable to speak to your community college advisor and be clear about any intentions to transfer to a four-year university. He or she can counsel you on which classes to take and any articulation agreements that exist between the school and any larger universities.
Q: Are community college courses easier?
A: Not in the general sense. Community college courses can be just as rigorous as some university classes. However, it is possible that you’ll receive more individualized instruction and academic support than you would at a four-year university.
Q: Can community college students get scholarships and other financial aid?
A: Yes. Students planning on attending community college should apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Half-time enrollment qualifies students for grants, loans, and scholarships from the federal government. The community colleges themselves will sometimes offer scholarships to prospective students as well.
Q: What community college classes should I take?
A: It depends on what the end goal is. If you intend to transfer to a four-year university, then it’s recommended that you take only general education classes that will count as credit toward your university degree. On the other hand, if you plan to earn a technical or vocational degree from your community college, you should follow this degree plan.
Q: Is community college free?
A: In some states, yes! Places like Rhode Island and Tennessee, for example, offer free tuition for community college students.
Q: How much does community college cost?
A: The cost of community college will vary based on the school you attend and how many credit hours you take per semester. Still, you can expect to pay significantly less than you would for a four-year university. On average, community college students pay less than $4,000 per year.
Q: Will community college accept anyone?
A: Not exactly. Generally speaking, community colleges do have lower admissions standards than many four-year universities. Still, you will need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent in order to be eligible.
Q: What is community college like socially?
A: Campus life at a community college is a unique experience that depends on which specific school you decide to attend. Generally speaking, though, you won’t have as many opportunities to get involved as you would on the campus of a four-year university where fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations abound.
Community College VS. 4 Year College / University
Is a 2 year college better than a 4 year college?
There are several additional 2-year college vs. 4-year university pros and cons worth considering as well. 1. It costs a lot less to attend a 2-year college. Financial factors are one of the primary factors that students and families consider when attending a community college.
What is the difference between a four-year and a two-year college?
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.
How much does a two-year college cost?
Speaking of saving money, two-year college students get a huge break on tuition. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a two-year school is only $3,440, about one-third of the cost for a year at a four-year public college!
Should you choose a two-year or four-year college?
Many students are choosing a two-year college over a four-year college. There’s no question that when it comes to getting an education, there are a lot of things to figure out. What to study can be a tough decision, but where to study can be just as difficult. After all, there are more things to consider than just geographical location.
