However, the total cost depends on several factors:
* Number of credits transferred: If you don't transfer many credits, the savings might be minimal because you end up paying for more overall.
* University tuition: The cost difference between community college and a four-year university varies wildly depending on the state, the university's prestige, and whether you're in-state or out-of-state. A relatively inexpensive state university might not offer huge savings over a community college plus a more expensive university.
* Living expenses: If you live at home while attending community college and move away for university, living expenses could negate some or all of the tuition savings.
In short, while community college is *usually* cheaper upfront, the *overall* cost depends on your individual circumstances and careful planning. Consider the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses at both types of institutions before making a decision.