I am Where I am

Community or Traditional College? 

There have been so many negative posts about how expensive and unnecessary college is. I'm weighing in, because while I love a sale (shoe sale, to be exact), college provides an intangible value for kids who feel a little queasy about the price of tuition.

The latest advice for prospective students is, forgo the 4-year institutions and hit up the community college option. While this makes sense for some students, it’s not good advice for all college-bound kids.

Ask yourself:

1. How well did I like high school? If you hated it, couldn’t stand the classes, teachers and most of your classmates, punishing yourself with another 4 years of the same (on steroids) is counter intuitive. What you need to do now is creatively think of ways to get yourself out into the world to find what you love. If you already know what you’re good at—get in the door through part time volunteering or shadowing a mentor. A 2-year degree might be a good option. But you'll still encounter mean girls. Sorry.
2. Was I involved in clubs and/or sports? I promise you, if you loved the debate team, the drama club and volley ball, a community college won’t fill those spots in your heart. The reason many community colleges are inexpensive (other than no dorms) is that there are limited extracurricular activities, no arenas or practice fields to maintain, no coaches’ salaries, no sets or stages or anything/one extra...just labs, offices, and classrooms. Sure there may be intramural clubs and activities--but those are the exceptions, not the rule. 
3. Do I want to travel or study abroad? Community colleges rarely offer these sorts of opportunities. If they do—it’s first come, first serve and the pool of eligible students is small. And the programs are only weeks-long, not for the entire semester. If you're looking at the humanities (art, literature, music, sciences), many 4-year colleges offer students the chance to study abroad as part of the curriculum. And it's included in the tuition.
4. Can I save money? This one is a toughie. College tuition is crazy expensive, about $35,000/year (out of state is higher). While community colleges are often a quarter to half that cost, it's because they only offer 2-year degrees...so, duh. You may not be saving money if you transfer because not all credits transfer and you still have 2 more years of full tuition to go. If you're seriously thinking about community college--I'll be brutally honest: You must stay at home, with mom and dad, or have a super understanding spouse/family. There's no other way to afford it. Don't believe it? Get a piece of paper and list your expenses; car, gas, books, phone, food, insurance, babysitting fees, utilities, internet/cable, and oh my! You’ll be surprised to see that these hidden costs can actually place community college tuition on par with in-state college tuition. 
5. What’s my financial aid package? All colleges require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By looking at your family's taxes from 2 years prior, college admissions counselors can see how much in need you are of grants and scholarships. These are awards that you don't have to pay back and are renewable. If you aren't offered a generous package, you can always appeal to the college of your choice. Colleges are hungry--the pool of potential students is declining for many reasons. And they know that taxes don't tell your whole story--death in the family, job loss, a move--they can and will offer you more if you're serious about attending. There are also work study programs--available at community and traditional colleges--to give you a break in tuition costs and debt from college loans. And yes, you will have loans.
6. Can't I wait to get my degree? The average age of community college students is about 22. Many people graduate go to work and then attend community college to take courses to supplement their work experience. Yes, your company may foot the bill—tuition reimbursement is great--but you still have to work at the same time. As far as companies go, you must take that Microsoft Update course. Your beloved French literature course? Forget it. A 4-year degree now may prevent the stress of additional schooling while working later. Sure you can put off college until next year. But that may turn into the next year and then the year after that. You get the picture.
7.  How motivated am I? Community colleges often cater to the more motivated students. Those students with a plan or a family, know what they want. They aren't there to linger or get to know their fellow students at a poetry reading, basketball game or class meeting. Extracurricular activities are distractions--they've got a job and other concerns. If you want a specific certification or 2-year degree that will get you into the field you love--community college is for you.

Lastly, there are the really great kids who don't want to put mom and dad in debt for years. Parents are not required to fund a college education. But they do. If you want to repay mom and dad, do them a favor--go to college, take every opportunity to become a better person. When you graduate, pay them back however you can. Money, visits and all your love.

Resources: https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/what-s-the-fafsa-and-why-you-should-care, https://www.collegedata.com/, http://www.colleges.com/