By Marcus Camacho
Transferring from a community college to a four-year university is a great idea for students who don’t know what they want to major in or want to try out different fields of study.
The price to attend East Los Angeles College is $46 per unit while the average price for a UC or CSU is anywhere from $248 or more per unit, depending on the school.
The price doesn’t compare to those of a private college. Chapman Univeristy charges $1,390 per unit, with a 18 unit limit. They charge an additional $1,390 for every unit a student goes over the limit.
A student will not spend one-tenth of the tuition they would for a UC or a CSU at a community college.
According to a new study from Harvard University, the rise in cost for universities is one of many factors that cause students to drop out before receiving their degree in the U.S. at higher rates in comparison to other developed countries.
The study found only 56 percent of the students who enter America’s colleges and universities graduate within six years, while 29 percent of students who enter two-year programs complete their degree within three years.
Students who attend a four-year university as a freshman might feel pressured to find a major quickly to avoid wasting money and time. The pressure forces students to major in a subject they don’t want to or are unsure of pursuing a career in.
Why would I start at a community college when I can go straight to a four-year university?
Students who are unsure of what they want to major in should give transferring from a community college a chance because it allows them to get the general classes done and explore different majors, all while saving money.
Students who fear they will spend many years in school shouldn’t worry because if they are completing general education requirements and lower division requirement for their major while at a community college they can transfer to a university as a junior and be better prepared to declare a major.
Attending a community college then transferring doesn’t imply that students are less smart.
Transferring to a four-year university instead of going straight from high school might take more time if students don’t have a major, but it gives students the opportunity to discover the right educational and career path.
It would be better for students to get their certificate of completion and Associate of Arts (A.A.) at a community college before transferring to a four-year university or private school to broaden their college experience.
Students who obtain their degree at a community college wouldn’t stress about getting classes that help obtain those degrees.
The Foundation for California Community Colleges reported almost 51 percent of graduates from a CSU and 29 percent of graduates from a UC transferred from a community college.
Transferring gives students the chance to experience the college life without the high cost of four-year universities.
With the college experience that a community college provides, students get relaxed and settle into their environment and realize college isn’t as bad as they previously thought.
Students who attend community college can now take up to 15 units to choose a major. Previously there was no limit according to a new mandate by the California Community College Committee, to find the right career path at a community college so students aren’t spending so much per year.
The Transfer Center at E1-176 offers many workshops such as helping students with UC applications and UC personal statements, as well as offering university tours and student conferences.
The Transfer Center takes walk-ins and appointments to help students research schools and find which best suits their major. They are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.