1. 2-Year College vs. 4-Year University

2. What is a 2-year college?
The most common type of 2-year college is referred to as a
community college.
Community colleges award Associate degrees and Certificates.
Students can begin their studies at a community college and transfer to a 4-year university or complete an Associates or Certificate and enter into the workforce.

3. Types of Degrees Awarded @ Community Colleges
Note: Associate of Applied Science & Certificate programs typically do not transfer to a four-year university.
Associate of Arts and Science
Prepare students to transfer to a 4-year university and include the ‘’basics’’ or core-curriculum.
Associate of Applied Science and Certificates
Prepare students for vocational/technical careers in the job market.
Associate of applied science degrees typically do not have all core class, the associate of applied science will have a about five core requirement. Although it is a bit harder to transfer, some schools offer a bachelors of applied science. Make sure students know that not all schools will have a bachelors of applied science.
Can Anyone Guess Why This Might Be?

4. Associate of Arts or Science can include:
Teaching
Psychology
Fine Arts
Sociology
Business
Biology
Chemistry
Communication
Engineering… just to
name a few.
Associate of Applied Science and Certificate programs can include:
Welding
Computer Networking,
Culinary Arts
Automotive Technology…and more.
Community colleges will offer an associate of science, for those going into the science fields.

5. Associate of Arts or Science
General education classes – such as English, Math, History, etc. These are the courses that every student must take, regardless of major.
Lower-division electives – These classes may pertain to your major or focus, or they may be general electives that fulfill institutional requirements, such as a language or cultural class. 
Classes that are related to your major – You can also take classes that will prepare you for your major once you transfer to a four-year institution. This not only cements your interest in your major, but also demonstrates to the university that you are serious about your interests, as well as have an ability to succeed in the subject matter. 

6. Associate of Applied Science or Certificate
Associate of Applied Science degrees include a few of the ‘’basics’’ but not all of them. It generally takes at least two-years to complete one of these degrees.
Certificates do not include any
‘’basics’’ and generally take less
than two-years to complete.
Because these degrees include few
or no basic classes, they cannot be
used when transferring to another
program or to a university.
Certificates will have at least a math or reading pre requirement.

7. Examples of Community Colleges in San Antonio
Can anyone name the five community colleges here in San Antonio?
San Antonio College (SAC)
St. Philip’s College (SPC)
Palo Alto College (PAC)
Northwest Vista College (NVC)
Northeast Lakeview College (NLC)

8. 45% of the U.S. population attends a community college.

9. Stop now and split class into two groups
Group A will debate pros of entering a two year and cons of entering a four year.
Group B will debate pros of entering a four year and cons of entering two year.
Have groups research their assignments and have groups debate pros and cons of two year and four years.
Split class into two groups and have Group A research the advantages of starting at a two year institutions, and disadvantages of starting at a four year institutions. Have Group B research the advantages of starting at a four year and disadvantages at starting at a two year.
Then have groups debate why they think one is better than the other. After groups have finished continue on with the presentation. Ask both groups if they learned anything different, did this activity help them when making a choice about the college or university they are applying to. Have students reflect on activity when researching/applying for school.

10. Who Goes To Community College?
Texas: 55% of post-secondary students enrolled in a community college.
Texas: 80% Bachelor’s students previously attended a community college.
Alvarado, Cindy. Policy Brief: Transfer For Student Success. Greater Texas Foundation, Web. Nov

11. Advantages of Attending a Community College
Reason #1:
Attending a community college can save you money
Per Semester (15 credit hours)
UIW- $13,725
UTSA- $4886
TAMUSA- 4108
SAC- $1,290
Do the math, how much can you
save by attending a community college?
Cost of Attendance
UIW:
UTSA :
TAMUSA:
Cost of attendance vary per school, Numbers are an estimate of 15 credit hours.

12. Reason #2: Prepare you for transfer to a university
You are taking the same “basics” at the community college you would take at the four-year university. Make sure to check with the university you intend to transfer to ensure that the courses will transfer.
Most universities will offer you the option to follow a transfer plan. A transfer plan provides you with a guide to follow so that you know exactly which courses will transfer.
If you are ever in doubt, make
sure to meet with an advisor at
the community college and the
university you wish to transfer to.
An articulation agreement according to the Alamo College is an agreement between two institutions, which allows a student to apply credits earned in a specific program at one intuitions towards advanced standing, entry, or transferring into a specific program at the other institutions. Articulations Agreements can also be found on the Alamo Colleges website for more information on transfer.

13. Reason #3: Opportunity to ‘’tryout college’’
Community colleges typically have smaller classes than public universities, which some students feel gives them an advantage to larger classes.
Costs less to explore your interests if you want to take some electives at a community college.
Gives students time to select a major without having to worry about accumulating debt right away. Or gives students time to find a right fit for major with out having to worry about paying to much. Gives student ample time to work towards the end goal.

14. Reason #4: Open Admission Policies
For community college admissions,
students need to submit the ApplyTexas application and a high school transcript or GED certificate.
Students do not need to submit
SAT/ACT scores for admission purposes. A TSI test will be required to determine college readiness.
Also, there are generally
no application fees to apply!
Although SAT/ACT scores are not required, it would be helpful if you score above the minimum for college level.

15. Reason #5: Transfer Admission Policies
Most universities consider students with 30 or more hours a transfer student.
This means that they no longer
look at your high school GPA
or SAT/ACT scores for admissions. Your transcript will be evaluated for transfer purposes and your transfer GPA calculated.

16. Potential Disadvantages of Attending a Community College
Reason #1:Housing Options
Most community colleges do not have
on-campus housing available for students.

17. Reason #2: Must Plan Ahead
It is important to check with the university you plan to transfer to early on so that you know exactly which courses will transfer from the community college. Planning ahead will ensure you get the most from your community college experience.

18. 2 out of 5 students lost all credits when transferring
Alvarado, Cindy. Policy Brief: Transfer For Student Success. Greater Texas Foundation, Web. Nov
policy-brief-transfer-for-student-success/

19. Tips for planning ahead Things to do before you start taking classes
Think about where you would like to transfer
Meet with an admission or transfer counselor from that University
Ask if that school has a Joint Admission or Agreement?
Are there transfer plans
available?
Students meet with transfer specialist and academic advisors to gage what classes they have taken and which are required to take and to verify their degree plan has not change. Also make sure school will accept their credits.

20. The Benefits can outway the Disadvantages...
However, community colleges are not for everyone. Do your research and visit different campuses to make sure you find an option that is the best fit for you.

21. Differences Between 2-year & 4-year
Cost of Attendance
Upper level course work
Only offered at 4-year universities
Types of Degrees Offered
2 – year schools: Associate’s and
Certificates
Housing Options
Class Sizes

22. Similarities Between 2-year and 4-year
Core coursework, the “basics”
Both accept financial aid
Offer internal scholarships
Have student support services
Tutoring
Health Services
Disability Support Services
Veterans Affairs Services

23. What happens when you transfer?
Transcript reviewed for credits earned
Advising
Orientation
Registration
Payment: Financial Aid

24. Do your research and figure out what is the right fit for you.
Still confused? Visit cafécollege for assistance!

25. Questions?