Community College and University, Essay Example

The community college often represents a number of dynamics that are not relevant at a major university.  These dynamics and advantages are often overlooked in favor of more popular universities.  However, community colleges offer separate advantages that are not commonly seen at the university level.

Cost

The cost of tuition at a community college is much less than the typical university.  In fact, when other factors are considered, this savings is increased greatly.  For instance, as many colleges do no offer dorm rooms, community colleges are able to save money and normally do not require the many fees seen at the university level.

At the university level expenses are normally much higher.  This is much more relevant at private universities and distinguished schools.  However, even at public universities, the tuition can be seen quite normally at two to three times more than that at a community college, and often more than this general figure.

Convenience

Community colleges are fairly convenient.  One major advantage is in the night classes offered, as many community colleges cater to the community, offering classes to professionals continuing their education and those going back to school.  Additionally, community colleges offer a great deal of flexibility, with a more personal touch.  Counselors and administrative concerns are fairly easy to handle.

There are some disadvantages at the university level in regards to convenience.  Certainly universities do not generally offer many night classes, with schedules occurring in the day for full-time, traditional students.  Additionally, universities require a great deal of paperwork for administrative concerns, such as counseling, which are normally much quicker to resolve at the community college level.

Instructors

The relationship between students and instructors at the community college level is often more convenient for students.  This has always been a major advantage at this level, with smaller class size and instructors that are generally more available to students.  This is a major advantage of community colleges in regards to the “actual” education of students.

At the university level one major advantage is found in the education of the instructors.  Many instructors at this level hold a doctoral level degree, as opposed to a Master’s level degree at the community college level.  However, often the availability of the instructors is less, as class sizes are often larger at the university level.

Conclusion

There are a number of advantages found at the community college level, in regards to the subjects presented in this analysis.  A major advantage is in the price of tuition, which has always been much less than universities.  Due to the smaller atmosphere of the community college, night classes and administrative concerns represent major advantages in terms of convenience.  This is enhanced with smaller class sizes, where instructors are often more available to students.

While community colleges offer distinct advantages, universities still remain a popular choice.  Relative to the issues presented, the university presents a number of high-qualified and distinguished instructors.  Additionally, the university offers an atmosphere that is distinct from that of community colleges.  While both offer a set of advantages and disadvantages, there are a number of advantages that are offered by community colleges.