Community College vs. University

The decision to attend a community college or a university is a decision that may impact more than your college career. The college you choose may end up choosing which job you get hired into after college, but there’s many other factors. For instance, it’ll depend on whether you’re a family-oriented person that wants to be close to home or are able to move away. Financial choices will also become an issue, along with location, but be aware–this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to consider before making your final decision.

First, look at your financial status. Junior colleges usually cost around $2,000 annually. Keep in mind that at junior colleges you have to purchase your own textbooks, and for a full-time student this can be up to $500 or more. This brings your annual total up to $3,000. Most of this money will be due within the first eight weeks of the semester, and if you don’t have it, then you are automatically withdrawn from your courses. You can sell back your books, but you won’t make much of a profit off of it. Expect to only get a tenth of your original purchase back, if that much at all.

In opposition to junior colleges are universities. These start at $14,000 and go higher. Private schools can reach almost into the $30,000s for an annual tuition of college education. Eastern Illinois University is one of the few schools that allow students to rent their textbooks. Most universities you have to purchase your own textbooks, and this can become even more of a financial crisis. This is when you should fill out a FASFA, and request all the student loan money that’s available to you. Such things as Map grants, Pell grants, and scholarships you are not required to pay back. However, if you get a private or Stafford loan, you have to pay it back starting six months after you graduate.

Next, consider what your major might be. Think about your passions, personality, and what you enjoy doing. Also, go through the school’s list of class of each major you’re interested in to help your decision. You may even want to look up the job outlook for these careers before you settle on one major. This will help you choose a school, and it will help you choose easier between a college or a university. If your passion has always been design and art, perhaps a photography or art major would suit you well. Likewise, when applying to schools with your major, ask what they are known for as a school. Some schools are known for business degrees, others for liberal arts or sciences, and yet others are known for medical or law.