The cost of higher education in the US has skyrocketed over the years, sliding students into the debt trap. However, with the surge in tuition fees, many students have started to opt for another approach that involves enrolling in a two-year community college and then transferring to a four-year institution as a cost-cutting measure. This approach has gained momentum among US undergraduates, as it does seem to save them a lot of money.
According to statistics, nearly 40% of US undergraduates start in community colleges, and 80% of them wish to earn a bachelor’s degree. Of this 80%, only a quarter is able to successfully get student degree enrollment and transfer, while only 17% go on to complete their Bachelor’s degrees.
When it comes to the most preferred type of institution community college students transfer to, it is public, four-year institutions, with 56% of students applying for degree enrollment and transfer.
How Does Community College and Transferring Save Money?
For students attending a two-year public college in their home state, the average tuition and fees are just over $3,000 a year, reveals a report by the National Center for Education Statistics.
In comparison, the average fees at a four-year public institution are nearly $9,000 a year — almost three times that of community colleges. If you compare the cost of private institutions, the difference is even more staggering. It’s worth noting that these are only tuition fees that do not include food and accommodation.
Students in community colleges may experience some other expenses, such as the cost of commuting to and from the college; however, even with such expenses, they save thousands of dollars a year.
How to Successfully Transfer to a Four-Year University?
If you have decided to go to a community college and then transfer to a four-year university, the process is simple but careful planning is key. The most crucial part is finding the right educational institution with strong partnerships and agreements with your community college, so you can use transfer credit for a seamless transfer.
Partnerships and agreements between community colleges and four-year institutions may vary and come in different forms. While some schools offer general education courses or core curriculum classes, others provide program-to-program agreements in areas such as liberal arts, business, or science. Some may even cover an entire two years of study.
As a student considering student degree enrollment and transfer, you should also choose a school that offers counselling and guidance to help you make the right academic and career choices.
Ensuring a Seamless Transfer from College to a Four-Year University
The transfer process can be challenging for students. From researching the best four-year institutions to consulting advisors and comparing different institutions to transferring credits and more, these challenges can all add up to their hassles.
That said, they can have a smooth transition from their college to a four-year institution through Degreesight that enables them to find transfer-friendly colleges within minutes while saving them thousands of dollars.
To learn more about Degreesight, feel free to get in touch with us today.
