Are Community Colleges the New Ivy League?
Timothy Hall
As a community college student with many friends in universities, especially the UC and CSU systems, I understand what it takes to succeed in each system. Community college has been the best choice for my education and financial situation. It has not only saved me tens of thousands of dollars, but I also believe it provides a faster and more fulfilling educational experience.
I haven't had a class with more than 40 students, allowing for a deeper and more hands-on experience with the content. The quality of education in community colleges is often superior during the first couple of years. In contrast, many universities have large lecture halls with over 100 students, where not every student's questions can be addressed promptly.
To be clear, universities boast the latest technology and impressive staff, but often students don't interact with these resources until their third or fourth year. By starting at a community college, you can gain a solid foundation and receive personalized help, then move on to advanced technology and resources in your last two or three years.
Speaking from an Engineering/Biology perspective related to my major, I strongly believe community college is the way to go.
Another significant factor is cost. Many families struggle to afford the high tuition fees at universities, especially in the UCs. With financial aid, I've paid $0 for 43 units of classes at my community college. In contrast, tuition with financial aid at UCSD is $14,896, at UCLA is $11,627, and at UCI is $9,691 per semester. These three schools average $24,142 per year, totaling $96,568 for a four-year degree. This is more than the average US salary, the average down payment for a house, and the average MSRP value for a car.
Community college can cut the cost in half, down to $48,284, which is still expensive but much more manageable.
Community colleges also excel in inclusiveness and support. At MiraCosta Community College, where I attend, there are numerous student support programs and services, such as career services, food pantry distributions, health services, accessibility services, veteran services, tutoring, extended opportunity programs, and the Campus Assessment Resources and Education (CARE) program. CARE helps students succeed by addressing challenges like food, housing, transportation, childcare, and legal aid. (https://catalog.miracosta.edu/studentsupportservices/care/)
I highly recommend MiraCosta Community College for its amazing opportunities and supportive community. Community colleges are excellent for the fundamentals and early years of college, while universities may be more beneficial in later years. If you're uncertain about your educational path, starting at a community college offers time and resources to make a more informed decision.
