Community colleges are typically organized into districts, similar to K-12 school districts, in a specific geographic region. For example, Los Rios Community College District is composed of four different community colleges in the Sacramento region. These colleges are funded by the state and are designed for students living in the nearby community, which is why many community colleges don't offer on-campus housing.
Community colleges offer students the opportunity to pursue an associate degree, certification or just take classes to fulfill personal interests. Most applicants can enroll in a community college; SAT or ACT exam scores aren't required for admission. To enroll in a degree program, you will need to graduate from high school. Many degree programs can be completed in two years, and certificate programs can be completed in weeks. Community colleges are usually less expensive than state colleges.
A state college typically refers to a public, four-year institution that receives funding from the state, unlike private colleges and universities. Therefore, state institutions typically offer cheaper tuition than many private colleges. State colleges offer both bachelor's and graduate degrees. Competition for admission to a state college varies on the popularity of the college. All state colleges require applicants to have graduated from high school, and many will require that you submit SAT or ACT exam scores along with an application and letters of recommendation.
Earning a bachelor's degree will boost your earnings. According to the World Wide Learn, those who obtain a bachelor's will earn almost $14,000 more per year than those who earn an associate degree. This is even true for students who earn a degree in the same field. For example, according to PayScale, as of 2010, registered nurses with less than one year experience and an associate degree earned an average of $21.87 per hour, while those with a bachelor's degree earned $48,900 per year, and were more likely to be placed in supervisory positions.