Student Loan Dodgers

One strategy some students employ to reduce the overall cost of a higher education is transferring credit from another institution, often a community college or junior college. The first two years of many four-year programs are filled with general degree requirements. Math, science, English, foreign language, health, public speaking, social science, elective and basic computer classes that qualify for transfer are offered by community and junior colleges at a much lower per-credit-hour cost than those offered at a four-year university.

This is a great strategy for students who are concerned that their academic performance may suffer at a larger institution. Community colleges are filled with adult students of all ages. Smaller class sizes and better out-of-class availability of instructors mean that students can receive a richer, more productive academic experience in a two-year setting, while still making progress toward a four-year degree.

Additionally, completing the first two years at a community college offers students the opportunity to live at home and work part-time while still attending school. Living at home can save thousands of dollars in room-and-board costs if Mom and Dad are amenable to the arrangement. Combined with the decreased tuition at a community college, this approach can significantly reduce the cost of a higher education.

If you plan your academic program carefully, you can graduate from the community college with a two-year general education degree, or a two-year degree that complements your major field of study at the four-year institution of your choice. The combination of your two degrees may make you more valuable to prospective employers once you finish your bachelor’s degree.

Many colleges and universities guarantee housing for freshmen, and therefore restrict the size of the incoming class. You may find that it’s much easier to transfer into the university of your choice as a junior, instead of competing for a freshman spot. You’ll end up with a bachelor’s degree from the school of your choice and will still have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the campus life.