A university degree means many things to many people. Only you can define the importance of a degree like this to you, and only you can determine if now is the time for you to go to university.
If you're not sure how beneficial a college degree can be to your life, let's look at some benefits of a college degree versus a community college education.
Money. The first obvious benefit of a college degree would be future earning potential. The four-year title almost always trumps the two-year title.
There would have to be exceptional circumstances for someone with a two-year degree to earn more over a lifetime than someone with a four-year degree in the same field.
While a degree does not guarantee employability, it does improve the chances and earning potential associated with the field you are entering. If you have a two-year degree, the decision to continue your education can be difficult, but it's worth it in the end.
Housing. This is another distinct advantage that universities offer over community colleges.
In fact, many universities now offer housing options for students with families in addition to students without families.
Colleges and universities offer all kinds of value when it comes to housing and dining.
When you don't live on campus, you're missing out on a big part of the college experience.
For this particular reason, students who want to enjoy the experience that college life provides often consider universities over community colleges. Diversity.
This is another key component that is often missing at the community level.
International students find no real price differences between universities and community colleges, so they tend to opt for the housing and cultural atmosphere that universities present rather than go with the restrictive educational, residential, and cultural experience that many community colleges offer.
At the university level, you will find students of different races, religions, cultures, and nationalities—much more so than is typical at a community college, unless you attend a community college in a very culturally diverse city like New York.
Culture. This is something that is often missing from a community college because they are mostly commuter campuses. You won't see quite the opportunity to experience art, music, theater and other amazing experiences that universities pride themselves on offering to their students.
Nothing compares to the cultural offerings of most major universities, and if you get the chance, I hope you take the time to stop by and experience some of the wonderful things that being in a university community gives you the opportunity to experience.
Research opportunities. At the university level, you will have the opportunity to participate in research projects with certain professors if you prove yourself and show interest.
This is something that is not as likely at a community college because most community college professors are more into teaching than research.
You'll find that the experience of working on a large-scale research project is unlike anything you're likely to experience again if given the opportunity.
Confidence. There is nothing like a college degree from a university to help you become a more confident person, both personally and professionally.
This is something that cannot really be achieved at the community college level, but can only be experienced by earning a degree from a university.
If you lack confidence in dealing with others or in your career, I hope you find that your college education is just the thing to help you feel more confident in all levels of your life.
This is just a small sample of the many advantages that studying at a university has over a community college education.
I hope you will consider them carefully as you decide what is best for your personal educational needs.
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