If you are college bound and not yet sure what kind of college you want to go to, for what field, and for what length; you may well be wondering about your future college plans. One of the main aspects of college preparation that students struggle with is whether to go for a two year degree or a four year degree. Below, we examine both to compare what may work and may not work for your specific career and plans.
Two Year Colleges
1.Students
If you have an interest in a career in technical vocation or a specific trade, a two year college is a great choice. Moreover, if you have a track record in high school that is less than college-worthy, starting with a two year school to prove yourself and then segwaying to a four year school is a great idea. Lastly, if you just can’t afford a four year degree, opt for a two year school, as any formal education in a field is better than none whatsoever.
2.Classes
So, what are the general and specific class requirements in a two year school, you may be wondering? Just like a four year college, you can choose to enroll in both general education courses-which can transfer to four year programs, if this is your goal-and specialized field of study; but with two year schools, the specialty is always in a technical or administrative program.
3.Advancement
Most often, community colleges of two year schools work closely with the vocational trade businesses in the community, and thus, offer hands on internships and apprenticeships for those attending. So, if your chosen study is for the automotive field, you could well get hands on experience at a local repair shop to augment your career candidacy.
4.Cost
Lastly, and most importantly to many, is the cost of a two year school. It was recently reported that the average tuition costs of a two year college was only $1,935.
Four Year Colleges
1.Students
The students who decide to attend a four year school are looking for a solid education in a wide range of studies, to include their major career discipline. While a four year degree is a minimum for many entry level positions in most all industries, a degree of this sort offers a wide array of options for what career a person usually decides upon.
2.Classes
In a four year degree, of course, there is more time to take more classes-both general and specific. The first two years are often spent taking the required general education courses of a person’s major-so, math, science, English, etc-and then, the last two, in their specific career field.
3.Advancement
In a four year school, a student can expect a wide wide variety of learning experiences and opportunities aside from the actual classes, that may or may not add to their qualifications in their study-such as student clubs, cultural activities, lectures, and seminars. Moreover, internships, coop education programs, and study abroad trips also help to facilitate your education learning.
4.Cost
Get ready to tighten your belt, because the cost of a four year degree-though highly valuable on average is about $5, 351 for one year-and this doesn’t include room and board or books. The good thing about a four year school is that this investment can always be returned in the form of a better job and a better chance at advancement. The latest studies from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that someone graduating from a four year school-on average-makes about $13,000 more per year than those from vocational schools.
