Community colleges generally have lower tuition rates than universities. According to FinAid.org, the average one-year tuition for public community colleges in the United States is $13,126, versus $17,336 for students attending public universities. Students attending private universities pay an average tuition of $35,374. Thus, by attending a community college for the first two years of their education, students stand to save $8,000 or more. Since most of the same financial aid, including Pell grants and Stafford loans, is available regardless of institution choice, students in the lowest income brackets can expect a larger financial aid refund from a community college than a university.
On average, universities have larger student bodies than community colleges. With larger student bodies, more student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, form at universities. However, community colleges usually have smaller class sizes than those found in universities; it is not uncommon to have more than 100 students registered for one class at a university.
Besides student body size, universities generally have bigger campuses than community colleges. Many community colleges have only one main building, whereas some universities are spread over a mile or more. Granted, there are exceptions--some community colleges have several buildings, world-class libraries and state-of-the-art facilities, and some universities have satellite campuses that include only one building. It is important to ask college recruiters about not only their student body size but also their campus size.
During the first two years of any traditional degree program, most courses required are general in nature, focusing on writing, math, science and social sciences. These courses can be obtained at a community college or a university, and with the help of a college adviser, transfer easily from one institution to another. However, community colleges also offer degrees of a technical nature, such as those needed for nursing, medical coding and computer repair, that may take less than two years to complete. These programs are also offered at some universities, though not all of them.
Universities often offer more degree specializations than community colleges. While a community college may offer a two-year associate degree in English, a university may offer more specialized degrees within the field of English, such as 18th century literature or creative writing, but at the four-year, bachelor degree level. Since the majority of community college courses transfer directly into university degree programs, a specialization within a field can always be chosen when a student transfers from a community college to a university.
Most major universities offer student housing options not found in community colleges. Dorm life can be an enriching part of college life, though it is not for every student. While the party atmosphere depicted in popular movies does exist in many universities, it is greatly exaggerated by Hollywood producers. Many dorms have noise regulations, and universities try to pair roommates with similar study habits.
Universities that offer dormitories normally also offer a boarding package, which includes daily meals at university cafeterias. While many community colleges also offer on campus dining options, most do not have the option to buy meal packages for the entire semester.
One of the biggest draws of a public university is its sports teams. While many community colleges have strong athletic departments, they do not receive the same level of recognition found in NCAA competitions. State university football and basketball games are nationally televised, and in most cases, students may attend games for a major discount, if not for free.
Both universities and community colleges sponsor student activities. Special lectures, movie nights and campus festivals are popular in both environments. Universities offer fraternity and sorority organizations, not normally found in community colleges, though many of the subject-related clubs, like debate teams and drama clubs, are available at either institution type.