With the dramatically rising tuition costs, many families are turning towards the financially savvy decision of starting on the higher education path first at a two-year community college. Many public and private universities have articulation agreements with local community colleges. Therefore, attending a community college for two years before transferring to a four-year institution can save significant money – while still providing you with an excellent bachelor's degree.
According to the College Board, for the 2007 – 2008 school year, community colleges' average tuition and fees were $2,360. This is in contrast to $6,185 at a public four-year institution or $23,712 for a private four-year institution.
This video looks at ways you can lower college costs.
Calculating the specific academic savings
For example, let us calculate the savings if you begin your academic career at Pasadena City College, which has articulation transfer agreements with the public UC campuses and the private University of Southern California.
If you are a resident of California and attend Pasadena City College full-time, which is based upon 12 units, then you have the following annual academic costs:
- Tuition and Fees: $508
- Books and school supplies: $1500
In contrast, at the private University of Southern California, you have the following full-time annual academic costs:
- Tuition and fees: $30,850
- Books: $1,000
At a public University of California campus, the annual full-time academic costs for a California
