JUCO Colleges Vs. Four-Year Colleges

Where you go to college can be an enormous decision.  This choice decides the next two to ten years of your life, depending on your degree, and could make or break how your career plays out.  Unfortunately, tied into all of the other decisions you have to make, there’s also the question of whether you want to go to a two-year or a four-year school.  There’s no right option that will suit everyone, but if you’re unsure which way to go- here are the top arguments for both of them!

College Education

What Degree Do You Want?

It’s no secret that JUCO college is aimed at those prepared to start a two-year degree.  Although this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to finish with a two-year degree after your time at a JUCO, it does limit you if you want to complete a specific four-year degree, and they don’t offer it.

A four-year college, on the other hand, can be more flexible.  Going to a four-year college doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to complete a four-year degree, but it does mean that you’ll have the opportunity to if you want it.  Although you could always transfer after a couple of years at a JUCO, some prefer to spend the full four years at one school.

Are You Ready For The Workforce?

If you’re aching to learn a trade and want to start your career as soon as you possibly can, a JUCO may be the best fit for you.  Not only can you gain an associate’s degree that will let you do anything from accounting to phlebotomy, but you can also always come back to try something new if your first choice didn’t seem to suit you.  These short-degree turn arounds give you the chance to get out and make a path for yourself in your job instead of sitting behind a desk for ages.

If you’re not yet ready for the workforce, and you want as much training and hands-on practice as you can get, a four-year college could be your best bet!  These schools thoroughly train and give their students every necessary tool for them to succeed.

What’s Your Educational Background?

How did you do in High School?  How long has it been since you graduated or earned your GED?  There’s no shame in larger gaps of education, but if you’re looking at aiming for a law or medical degree, you’ll want to study some if it’s been more than fifteen years since you’ve been in school.  

Do You Have A Sports Background?

If you’re really into playing sports and don’t want to sit on the sideline, it may be a good idea to consider a junior college.  Although most four-year colleges have great athletic programs, most of these give first-year students and sophomores minimal time to play during the game.  This means some may way two years of college before they get to play in a game.  With a junior college, there are no upper freshmen!  This gap gives you the chance to play now and transfer to play more once you’re in your third year.