Choosing a college to attend is a major decision. Yet before you can select a specific college, you will also need to decide whether you want to attend a two-year or four-year institution. When considering going to a two-year school, students sometimes get pushback from family and friends who believe four-year degrees are better for everyone. In reality, two-year colleges offer a cost-effective way to get a solid educational foundation.
Here are five common myths you might hear about two-year colleges, debunked, to help you make the right decision for your future.
MYTH 1: YOU NEED A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE TO GET A GOOD JOB.
REALITY: THERE HAS LONG BEEN A DEBATE ABOUT WHETHER A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE IS “BETTER” THAN A TWO-YEAR DEGREE, WITH PROPONENTS OF THAT THEORY CLAIMING YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO GET A HIGH-PAYING JOB OR REALLY START YOUR CAREER WITH A TWO-YEAR DEGREE.
The truth may surprise you. Earning a two-year degree can help you launch a successful, lucrative career in your chosen field, or give you the foundation you need to continue your education. Here are just a few examples of successful people who chose to attend two-year colleges:
- Jim Lehrer (news anchor)
- Maxwell Taylor (former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)
- Eileen Collins (NASA astronaut)
- Jeane Kirkpatrick (former U.N. ambassador)
- James Sinegal (Costco CEO)
- Robert Moses (choreographer)
- Joyce Luther Kennard (CA Supreme Court Justice)
MYTH 2: THERE ARE NO EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT TWO-YEAR COLLEGES.
THE REALITY: NO MATTER WHERE YOU ATTEND COLLEGE, REMEMBER THAT IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT CLASSES AND EARNING YOUR DEGREE.
There are ample opportunities to join clubs, get involved in sports, or participate in other extracurricular activities when you attend two-year colleges. If you are considering a specific two-year school, find out what clubs and activities the college offers so you can determine whether it’s the best fit for you. Chances are, you’ll be surprised by the available opportunities.
MYTH 3: TWO-YEAR COLLEGES AREN’T ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING.
THE REALITY: TWO-YEAR COLLEGES OFFER COURSEWORK THAT CAN BE EVERY BIT AS RIGOROUS AND CHALLENGING AS FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS.
College coursework is college coursework, whether earned from a two- or four-year institution. Look for colleges and degree programs that are accredited, and be prepared to put your all into your classes.
MYTH 4: YOU CAN’T GET FINANCIAL AID GOING TO A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE.
THE REALITY: STUDENTS WHO ATTEND EITHER TWO-YEAR OR FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS CAN GENERALLY GET FINANCIAL AID AS LONG AS THE SCHOOL ITSELF IS ACCREDITED.
Two-year colleges are generally less expensive than four-year schools, sometimes significantly so. This means you can save money while completing your degree but still take advantage of the loans, grants and other financial aid you qualify for to help you pay for your degree.
MYTH 5: YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO TRANSFER TWO-YEAR COLLEGE CREDITS TO A FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTION.
THE REALITY: AS LONG AS THE TWO-YEAR SCHOOL YOU ARE CONSIDERING IS REGIONALLY ACCREDITED, YOU WILL LIKELY BE ABLE TO TRANSFER SOME OR ALL OF THE CREDITS YOU EARN TO A FOUR-YEAR SCHOOL, IF YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO GO ON TO EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE AFTER GRADUATION.
If you think you may want to earn both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree, explore whether the two-year college you’re considering has articulation agreements with four-year schools.
When you are choosing what college you want to attend, don’t believe unfounded myths. Make the decision that’s right for you and your future.
To learn more about Generations College’s associate degree programs, visit us online. Then, call (312) 922-1884.