Why Transferring to USC from a Community College May Be the Best Option for You
You may be a current senior in high school wondering: What’s next? Apply to a four-year school? Or maybe go to a community college and transfer to a four-year school like USC instead? You can’t go wrong with either choice! However, there are many factors to consider and those reasons can make one of these paths more ideal over the other. Here are some reasons why attending a community college might be a better option when it comes to “what’s next?”.
It might make more financial sense. Attending a four-year institution can be costly, especially if you don’t have the financial assistance to fund your education. Community colleges have significantly lower tuition and fees compared to four-year institutions, making attending college much more accessible and affordable. This is a common reason why attending community college has become a more popular choice for students who are planning to self-finance their education and are wanting to avoid taking out large student loans. The cost of tuition may be one of the biggest factors that will influence your decision on which institution to attend! So, make sure to research the costs of the schools you would like to attend and their deadlines for financial aid and scholarships to ensure you can maximize the aid you can earn and the opportunities you can pursue. Of course, don’t discount four-year schools just because of the “advertised sticker price”. It can be affordable to go to a four-year school. But it’s good to keep your options open.
It may better fit your academic goals and needs. You may have already decided which subject or career path you want to pursue, or you may still feel a bit unsure about what you want to study. Attending a four-year institution might require you to decide on a major when applying, and it may or may not offer the flexibility to explore different subjects or change majors once enrolled. Community colleges offer the flexibility to explore different fields of study that help students to discover their academic and professional interests. Community colleges also offer various kinds of academic support like tutoring, mentoring and other programs that help students transition from high school to college, and eventually transfer to a four-year institution. Community colleges are a great option if you want to take time to explore different subjects or strengthen your academic skills, so that you hit the ground running when you enroll at a four-year school.
It may give you more control of your time. Attending a four-year institution will require you to become a full-time student, which often means four courses per semester. This can be challenging if you are a student with responsibilities. Community colleges don’t require students to be full time and offer a variety of courses and flexible scheduling such as online and evening classes that help students to better manage their time between academics and their personal life. This can be ideal if you are expecting after high school to support your family, prioritize your health, are wanting to focus on gaining professional experience or simply saving money for school! It is important in the college research process to identify the type of institution and opportunities that not only align with your academic goals but also with your personal needs. Of course, in order to be a competitive applicant to a four-year institution, you will likely need to demonstrate that you can do full-time work or close to full-time work—so it’s all about balance.
Now that you have learned more about community college vs. four-year schools coming directly out of high school, you may now have a better idea where you see yourself thriving once you graduate. There are so many colleges and universities to transfer to after one (sometimes) or two years of community college. Just remember that you have options, and you can’t go wrong with either choice!
To learn more about Transferring to USC, attend a Transfer Information Session , review our Transferring to USC brochure and learn about transferrable classes on our Articulation Agreements and Histories.
Written by: Marlin Banuelos, Assistant Director – USC Office of Admission