Hey there, future college students! Did you know community colleges are becoming a secret weapon for getting into top universities? It's true! While these two-year schools started focusing on job skills, they've become a launchpad for students aiming for bachelor's degrees and beyond. Here's the scoop: big universities are catching on that community college success is a better predictor of how you'll do in a four-year program than high school grades or SAT scores. So if you're dreaming of attending a prestigious university but worried about the competition, consider starting at your local community college. Not only could it give your application a serious boost, but you'll also save a ton of money, enjoy smaller classes, and have a smoother transition to university life. It's a win-win situation that more and more savvy students are taking advantage of!
Why are Universities Seeking Community College Students?
Proof of Student Success and Excellence
While many students seeking affordable, convenient, and program-specific courses often pursue degree pathways through community colleges, many higher education leaders are striving to shift motivated community college students into university education.
A central catalyst for this new focus on community college applicants is most notably based upon studies that reveal the soaring success rates among students who transfer from a two-year institution to a four-year school. As the Longview News-Journal reveals, “Studies show that students who complete community college course work before going to four-year institutions tend to graduate at a higher rate than those who begin their college educations at four-year institutions.” Unlike a high school graduate’s short-term results, community college experiences give university admissions officers a more accurate perception of an individual’s ability to handle complex and challenging academic endeavors.
Pressure to Compete in the Economy
Many experts believe universities have an ulterior motive for recruiting community college students. According to The News and Observer, the recent economic recession has encouraged many cost-conscious students to choose more affordable community college programs over pricier university options. As a result, community colleges across the country are experiencing a remarkable enrollment boost, bringing in increased revenues and funds to the local schools. While this is undoubtedly beneficial for community college supporters, universities often lose the same students, leading to a decline in enrollment and a loss of funding.
This video looks at the difference between two year colleges and four year colleges.
A Desire to Boost Performance Statistics
Additionally, to boost their academic statistics, some universities are working diligently to improve their student graduation rates. For example, as The News and Observer further reveals, North Carolina Central University (UNCU) is one of many schools attempting to strengthen its graduation statistics.
According to the school’s survey of enrolled freshmen students in 2000, only 49 percent earned their diploma within six years! Comparatively, the University of North Carolina (UNC) far outperforms UNCU’s graduation rates, as 70 percent of UNC students earn their degrees within six years. Adding to this comparison, North Carolina State reports a 56 percent graduation rate, which still excels beyond UNCU’s stats.
Due to their disparaging university averages, NCCU is expected to increase its enrollment from 8,300 to 13,000 students within 10 years. While increased enrollment is critical to helping their school, leaders argue that their admission standards are experiencing a shift as well: “Across the state, universities are enrolling more community college graduates toting two-year degrees…Campus officials see eager, mature and motivated students who may be a better bet to reach the academic finish line than an 18-year-old freshman who has never set foot on a college campus or lived away from home.”
Should I Transfer to a University?
Suppose you are a current student or recent graduate from a local community college. In that case, you may want to explore the many potential benefits of continuing your education at the university level. UNC data proves that first-semester juniors who transfer to a university from a nearby community college (in this case, Wake Tech Community College) earn higher GPAs than their peers who have not attended community college previously.
Furthermore, UNC reports that 33 percent of community college transfers who enroll in the university as juniors can complete their program requirements and earn their degree within two years. Within four years of transferring, 69 percent of junior-year transfers complete their programs!
From greater academic strength to improved graduation rates, community college students are quickly becoming the applicants of choice for the top universities around the country.
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