* Scope and Focus: Community colleges primarily focus on providing affordable, accessible education for local residents, often offering vocational training, associate degrees, and remedial courses to prepare students for university-level work. State universities, on the other hand, offer a broader range of programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across a wider variety of disciplines. They typically have a larger campus and more extensive research facilities.
* Degree Programs: Community colleges typically award associate degrees (A.A. or A.S.), certificates, and diplomas. These can be terminal degrees (meaning they prepare students for immediate employment) or transfer degrees, designed to allow students to transfer credits to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree. State universities primarily award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
* Cost: Community colleges are significantly less expensive than state universities, making them a more accessible option for many students. This lower cost often reflects smaller facilities, lower faculty salaries (often due to a different faculty mix with more part-time instructors), and a focus on teaching rather than extensive research.
* Student Body: Community colleges tend to have a more diverse student body in terms of age, background, and academic preparation. They often serve a larger population of non-traditional students (older students returning to school, working adults, etc.). State universities tend to have a more traditional student population, largely comprised of recent high school graduates.
* Campus Life: State universities typically have a more vibrant campus life with a wider range of extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. Community colleges often have less extensive extracurricular offerings, though many still have student clubs and activities.
* Admission Requirements: Community colleges generally have open admissions policies, meaning they accept almost all applicants. State universities typically have more selective admissions processes, requiring higher high school GPAs and standardized test scores.
In short: Community colleges are a pathway to higher education, often focusing on vocational training and affordable access, while state universities are comprehensive institutions offering a full range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and a more intensive research environment. Many students use community colleges as a stepping stone to a state university.