Junior College

Going to college is probably one of the biggest decisions we will make in our lifetime.  It is one of the first decisions we have a hand in making that generally involves expense, and is often, the first time we will be moving away from home.  For a high school graduate it can be relatively overwhelming.

College choices can be difficult.  Of course, it depends on what your long term goals are as to how you precede at this time.  Weighing the options of community college vs. junior college vs. university can be just as challenging as finances vs. two years or four years.

Count The Cost

Cost is always a consideration.  If you have been saving or your parents have made provisions for your higher education you might choose the University of your choice and leave high school with little other thought.  For most, this might not be the case, and education must be taken in steps.

If you are going into a specialized field, with specialized courses, a junior college may not fit your bill, but if the field you are going into requires a lot of general courses or initial requirements that can be gotten out of the way before hand, a junior college should be considered as an answer.  The difference in cost between the two can be pretty much, as well, so with the fundamentals out of the way at a less expensive learning institution it leaves more for later when the four year plan comes into play.

Look To Location

With so many junior colleges set up in most of the larger the communities across a states there is a better chance of saving money by remaining home another couple of years with your parents. Commuting might not always be our first choice but if it saves dorm and/or food, and laundry costs it can be worth it for a few years, as well.  The only pressing factor might be the transferring of your credits.  When considering multiple schools for a bachelor degree, transferring credits will be a must.

Career Of Choice

The final factor to consider is your career choice.  Where are you heading and where would you like to be six to eight years from today? You usually have ample time for education unless you are going into a highly specialized field - such as the medical profession. Junior colleges have good programs that are accredited.  Whether it was your first choice or not, you can be getting the best education for the situation you are in and making a good attempt to be able to further your education in future.