While she didn’t end up completing her social work college-university degree at George Brown College and Ryerson University in Toronto, she learned some valuable skills that helped her get to where she is today — a self-love coach. When Keidi Janz, 30, graduated from a Toronto high school, she had no idea what she wanted to do. “There are many well-paying jobs you can get with an associate degree, like an HVAC technician or aircraft mechanic.". College life can be challenging for new college students. “It can help students develop necessary academic skills, mature emotionally, and often lead to a more fulfilling, better-paying career," he says, “while also helping students reduce their debt load.". Seemingly in response to the growing interest in college-style learning, Schweitzer says that there is still a clear divide when it comes to the workforce. This is a combination Robert Shea, associate vice-president of academic and student affairs at Memorial University in Newfoundland, calls the “academic ladder.”. Another issue is the pressure to figure out exactly which institution you want to attend right after high school. The flexible class schedule further helps students take their time with difficult courses, or get their tough classes out of the way while managing a smaller course load. The college vs. university decision can be a tough one. If its a joke, it will be easier. There is a difference in education between community college and university. © 2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Learn more about a communications degree and if it's right for you. ", However, the biggest benefit of the flexibility at community colleges versus universities is that students can pace themselves and take lighter class loads to accommodate their schedules or jobs if they need to, Swaminathan says. Congratulations! 7 503.00$ vs … At a public university, it is common to have more than 100 students in lectures. “Exploring the world is important to develop global competencies but it should be planned strategically.”. Community colleges also give many high school students the opportunity to explore a variety of different subjects before committing to a particular path. Like most new grads, he began the process of applying for jobs in his field. Learn more about mathematics as a college major to help you decide if it's the right choice. A college and university generally are academic equals. Flexibility: Class schedules can be more flexible. This necessitates a strong sense of time management and self-motivation. For example, if a student wants to attend a school with a variety of programs and classes, then a university may be a better choice. Taking a year off before post-secondary leads to better grades, increased job satisfaction and even higher pay later in life, the American Gap Association noted. BC is technically located in Chestnut Hill, a village six miles outside of downtown and a short train ride (or T ride to locals) from the city proper. A math major studies theorems and formulas within math subjects. She recommends parents help their kids get started, even if that means enjoying a passion on the side while studying in another field. Plus, four-year public universities in California give priority to applicants transferring from California community colleges. But research suggests more young people are creating their own paths to get the jobs they want. WATCH: Global News asked 10 students if they felt there was a stigma around choosing college over university. I (get) filtered out.”. “My career pathway has seen a large roadblock. Many people think that the term college means a private school and that a university is state funded. These general credits can then be transferred to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree. Learn more in the Discover Help Center, Start Budgeting for College Application Season, 4 Smart Tips for Comparing Student Loan Interest Rates, 6 Steps for How to Compare Your Financial Aid Award Letters, 4 Things to Consider Before You Accept That Scholarship, It's Never Too Late to Apply for College Scholarships, Create the Dorm Room You Love on a Budget, How Internships Helped Me Get a Job After College, Budgeting for Your Child's College Visits, Credit Strategies for Cosigning a Student Loan. College and University: two words with similar meanings that are often used interchangeably. “In California, for example," Swaminathan says, "it's easier to get into the UC system if you go to a community college for two years as opposed to applying right after high school." Schools have career centers and resources that can help you find a job. Considerations include cost, which schools you can get accepted to based on your grades, the kind of learning environment that works best for you, and your desired career path. Students dropped out for a variety of reasons, the study noted, including academic pressures, trouble meeting deadlines, choosing the “wrong” program and for many, cost. Doctor answers COVID-19 questions, Cutting edge tips on how to chop your produce at home like a chef, ‘Precarious work is a health hazard’: When staying home isn’t an option, Canadian school counsellors are stretched thin — and it’s our students that suffer. By December of that year, roughly 143,000 had dropped out. “Because you're not spending tens of thousands of dollars a year," he says, “you can take an extra semester or two without putting yourself deeper and deeper into debt.". But Toronto-based career expert Fiona Bryan argues some young people don’t have patience when it comes to building a career. Well, college is not only easier than high school, it’s also better. “Applying to community college allows them the freedom to develop a sense of what they want to accomplish with their education and what they want to do with their lives.". With a higher student-to-instructor ratio, university programs offer more independence than many college programs. Boston College vs. Boston University: A Closer Look . “We are the instant gratification generation because we have not really experienced a recession that set our expectations.”. But these schools shouldn't be overlooked. When a student ends up choosing a post-secondary option that isn’t the best fit, there is a high chance they’ll drop out. It is better because you now get to call the shots and enjoy the rewards that come with that. Not necessarily. And like anything, take time to make this decision. '” she explained. Community Colleges are often thought to be easier than courses at 4-year institutions, but this isn't the case. If you already have a job or plan on working while you're in school, attending a community college may be a good idea because you may have more flexibility when picking class times. A 2015 study conducted by Henry Gary Decock of the University of Toronto found that an increasing number of students entering Seneca College had used the college’s program as a vehicle to university. Understand the differences between the ACT vs SAT and get help on which you should take. 07-18-2009 at 10:16 am. Learn about why more students are opting to enroll in their local community college, rather than going straight to four year institutions. University, she says, is meant more as an exercise for the mind, while college is more focused on getting graduates into their fields. “Kids don't always know what they want to study in school," says Swaminathan. However, “This is true whether or not you go to a community college," he says. “In theory, you are training in college to serve to fill a need in the industry, which means that you will get a job.”. “Some kids," Swaminathan says, “are not emotionally mature enough to leave home and go to university." “What we as a society are not doing is providing those maps (to students),” he said. If its actually a good one, it will challenge you as much as university, perhaps more. The less specialized you can be, the better.”. Mitchell Jabalee, 24, can attest to the importance of connections he made while studying history at Cape Breton University for his undergraduate degree in 2018. A community college education is not valued by employers. For example, the University of Central Florida accommodates around 56,972. Community colleges are gateway schools for many careers, he adds. Another important factor while choosing a college is assessing the support a school provides when students are looking for employment. “I pull on a lot of things that I did actually learn in school for social work. Professors Are Less Qualified Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Mclaughlin is still dealing with the consequences of going down a path that wasn’t the right fit. Please read our Commenting Policy first. Want to discuss? Location and Weather . It depends on a number of factors inculding the level of the course and the institutions themselves. “That tends to be tremendously helpful," Swaminathan says, “especially for students who need to work while they attend school. As a rule, people with college degrees earn more … “Follow the money, and figure out the happiness later… It’s wrong to tell people to follow their passion because they don’t know what their passion is yet.”. To protect your account security, you must update your browser as soon as possible. He graduated from Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ont., with a business diploma in 2018. Community college vs. university: which is better? “I don’t believe though that one path is the ultimate pathway,” he said. It also helps students develop necessary academic skills, Swaminathan says. The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Boston College than BU ($28,354 vs. $29,479) Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Boston College are 9% lower than costs at Boston University ($14,826 vs. $16,160) Students enrolled at least half-time and seeking an associate degree at four-year institutions are eligible to apply for a Discover Undergraduate student loan. “There’s a stigma attached to that switch, like ‘I made a mistake,’” she says. When it comes down to it, there’s really no end-all, be-all difference between college and university; it’s just more of a general trend of things that are usually truer for one than the other. But during the interview process over the years, the 24-year-old realized he was being passed over because of his college diploma. This article will clarify some of the questions about the differences between a college and a university, both in terms of their dictionary meaning and their use in colloquial speech. So what’s the take away? 2. Today is your day. But to be honest, college > highschool. Meanwhile, the belief that one’s passion should also be one’s full-time career is a disadvantage for new graduates, she said. Career opportunities: Students can explore their interests and enter niche job markets. In college, everything is very structured. Laurel Gregory reports. That's because you have the opportunity to improve your grades from high school and do internships or extracurricular activities that hone your skills in the field you're interested in, making you a more appealing applicant. What matters more are the interpersonal skills and networks they build along the way. 7 699.00$ vs 9162$ 1404 more academic staff? “You don’t have to (keep going) to school because it’s what you’ve done since you were a kid.”. “Colleges are supposed to be in touch with the industry,” she adds. Community colleges just cater to a different learning style (i.e. Schweitzer says it doesn’t matter so much what students decide to study in the beginning. It’s definitely cheaper, and a great way to satisfy your prerequisites before transferring to an expensive four-year college to complete your major. In some states (like New Jersey and Illinois) opting to start at a community college could chop more than $20,000 off the total cost of a bachelor’s degree. This can be a result of family pressure, finances and even misguided conversations around one type of post-secondary education being “better” than the other. Increased flexibility and smaller classes Two decades ago, Bryan says people understood the need for a job right away, even if it wasn’t their passion. When it comes to choosing between a two-year community college and a four-year university, one isn't inherently better than the other. College, in contrast to university, is an educational institution that offers further education courses leading to specific degrees or qualifications. 1. If you though high school was easy or okay, the same goes for a community college. Not losing momentum in whatever choice students choose — whether it’s college, university, both or a gap year — seems to be the key to later success in life. Plus, the class sizes at many community colleges tend to be smaller and the cultures less competitive. The positive effects of the gap year, aside from having time to save money for a post-secondary education, are undeniable. Many students ask if a university is better than a college. Another 2008 study by the Canadian Education Project, a Toronto-based education policy and research association, found 38 per cent of college and university students in Canada will drop out or change majors over the course of their post-secondary career. After all, one of the reasons for getting a degree is to find a job in your chosen field after graduation. She says a lot of parents want to know what their kids are training for in university, when in actuality a degree provides the structure for a career rather than something job-specific. 4.5% lower admission rate? someone who learns better with more personalized attention). Why Canadian high school students are confused about what to do next, Why Canadian high school students are confused about what to do next – Oct 1, 2019, When can we expect the coronavirus vaccine? “Historically, it was privilege that allowed you to go to university, and if somebody went to college when they could afford university, it was looked upon as, ‘why would you do that? But if this is your plan, make sure to do your research and double-check that your credits will indeed transfer to your four-year college. Community colleges usually offer more evening classes and may even have options for weekend classes. Across the country, community colleges have worked to ensure that their associate's degrees matc… Students who want to become nurses or radiology technicians, for example, may benefit more from attending a community college. One of the major community college benefits is their ability to help high school students transition into college life when they aren't quite ready for the independence required for going away to school. Support: Students often receive more support during their transition from high school. “(A gap year) was so important for me maturing,” she added. Find out how much you should expect to pay when applying for college and taking the requisite tests such as the SAT and ACT. Here are five steps to follow when choosing an institution of higher education: 1. This is an interesting notion that people … Instead, he says, consider which type of education will help you reach your goals and maximize your opportunities. College Degrees Make Healthy Living Easier. You pick things you want to learn and eventually you end up with enough credits to get your degree. The decision to attend a community college instead of, or before, a four-year college is complicated and based on many factors. If you would say to someone “I’m a college student in UK” they would guess that you’re either attending a vocational course or learning to get A-Levels to enter university afterward. Janz focused on herself by going to therapy and exploring outside hobbies, this provided some clarity for her future. This, he adds, can help improve institutions’ retention rates. Community College Courses are Easier. Obviously not to the level of a graduate, (but) I’ve gone through training on my own,” she said. But less expensive tuition isn't the only element that helps students save money. Shea agrees that taking a gap year can be a useful tool in students taking control and designing their futures responsibly. Attending community college first, he adds, allows them to develop a sense of maturity and gain perspective on what they want to do with their careers. Find out how to show college admissions officers that you're a good fit for their school. This saves you time and gets your foot in the door with a potential employer. Find out your chances of getting into college from a wait list. When it comes to employment opportunities, which school you choose really just depends on what career you want. The survey followed 963,000 students aged 18 to 20 who were in post-secondary institutions by 2005. Junior college classes are smaller, so it is easier to get help from a professor not a teaching aid. smaller class sizes on average and provide students with a greater degree of personalized attention from faculty and advisors At the very least, you can complete your first two years of your college education for a fraction of the cost. Why Community College or Trade School Might Be Better Than a 4-Year College Degree – Niche Blog Like Mclaughlin, some students are forced to choose one institution over the other. Gain insight into how college admissions work. In work, someone above you is making the rules. Shea encourages students to start with their passion and go from there — getting a diploma, entering the workforce and then going back for a degree to move up into management. Why is Imperial College London better than University of Cambridge? When it comes to choosing between a two-year community college and a four-year university, one isn't inherently better than the other. Depends how the college is. “You are being trained in college to fill a need in the industry,” she said, adding that universities are now feeling the pressure to be more college-like. Cost: Community colleges are usually less expensive. “It’s not a mistake; it’s an evolution. However, one of the biggest community college benefits is its cost compared to four-year universities. “I think a combination of college and university is necessary to truly equip students for a successful future.”, “Programs that offer a combination of both education systems is the key, I believe, and I wish I’d been more well-informed of the differences.”, “Co-ops and internships are invaluable. If a student values small class sizes and a closer relationship with professors, then a college might be the best option. If you have the mindset of a hard worker who tries his/her best to suceed, then it will be easy. “(The cuts) put university out of reach again due to my finances,” Mclaughlin said. Turns out, there are plenty of community college benefits, and attending one can be an advantage for students before they move on to a four-year university. Some community colleges also offer four-year bachelor's programs for certain majors such as public safety management, nursing, and electronics engineering, meaning you could ultimately save even more money on a bachelor's degree. With smaller class sizes it is easier to learn at a slower pace rather than the fast pace of larger four year schools. About 14 per cent of first-year students across the country dropped out of their university programs, according to the 2011 Youth in Transition Survey from Statistics Canada. ^^ That's definitely true, hence it being a little "easier" than going to a university. Obtaining a university degree is also necessary for anyone who is interested in working in academia or research-based professions. Nobody has one career.”. “Approach (post-secondary) in terms of keeping doors open. 17% vs 21.5%; 1 463.00$ lower cost of room and board? There is no real answer to that because none of us have the exact same goals. On the other hand, recruiters don't always visit community colleges, Swaminathan says, so most students will have to actively seek work. 4 vs 6; 196$ lower cost of room and board? Explore this interactive tool that can help you evaluate your college return on investment. Though Mclaughlin has some regrets of not being better equipped to make the right decision for his own career, he knows there’s no one right answer. “It should not be a year to do nothing, but a year to volunteer, work and explore career options and potential areas of study,” he said. For starters, it’s ‘university’ In the UK, higher education (what Americans call "college") is known as … Why is University College London better than Imperial College London? An advocate for “no education is wasted,” and as a mother herself, Schweitzer is a huge proponent for taking the time needed to figure out what one really wants to do — even if that means taking time off. Justin Mclaughlin wishes he had a university degree under his belt. The pressure students feel is completely normal, but it can also leave them feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their decision in the first place. According to a Columbia University Research study done by Calcagno Bailey on the “ Effects of Institutional Factors on the Success of Community College Students ,” compared with students at small colleges, large classroom sizes were negatively correlated with student success rates. Deferring his acceptance meant further delaying his ability to find a job in business. “It was just accepted (back then) that you came out of post-secondary and you needed to work or were already working,” she said. Most people attend a two-year community college to fulfill their general education requirements and earn an associate's degree. They teach us that it is a job,” she said. In actuality, the differences between a college vs. university can be harder than you think to define. 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