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Thesis statement: Attending a 4-year college, also called university, is more beneficial
and covers a broader aspect to enhance an individuals standard way of life, particularly
in education and career.
D. Objective: This study aims to expound on the college alternatives and which
is more beneficial to students.
F. Scope and Limitations: This study is only concerned with the advantages and
disadvantages of the college alternatives.
G. Review of Related Literature
1. Robert L. Morgan (2016) explains that 4-year colleges focus, also known
as university, on students planning to complete a bachelors degree or
graduate school, while, 2-year colleges, also known as community
college, focus on students planning to complete an associate degree or
establish a vocational interest.
2. Lisa Anne Rodriguez (2008) explains that majority of Hispanics are
concentrated in community colleges for reasons of cost, proximity to
family, and flexibility in schedules.
3. The Korea Educational Longitudinal Study (KELS) 2011 data on high
school-to-college transition reveals that 49% of high school graduates
attended 4-year colleges, while only 25% attended 2-year colleges.
4. According to Robert L. Morgan and Tim Riesen (2016), 40.2% of the
general population enrolled at a four-year college, while only 20.6%
attended 2-year community college.
5. The average annual median income for adults who have associates
degrees is approximately $13,000 less per year than adults who have
bachelors degrees ($32,900 vs. $45,700), or $500,000 less in estimated
lifetime earnings (U.S. Department of Labor, 2002).
6. As I cite David L. Leal and Stephen J. Trejo in their book Latinos and the
Economy: Integration and Impact in Schools, Labor Markets, and Beyond,
I examine whether starting at a 2-year college and transferring to a 4-year
college is a better strategy than initially enrolling in a 4-year college.
Although not casual, the evidence suggests that first generation college
students that enroll in 4-year college do better than those that enroll in 2-
year colleges (2011).
7. Robert L. Morgan and Tim Riesen explain that, 4-year colleges have
multiple opportunities for integration and inclusion in campus activities,
variety of course offerings, and numerous social groups and
organizations. However, they are less prevalent so accessibility may be
limited; relocation may be necessary; admission requirements and high
cost may be prohibitive (2016).
8. Robert L. Morgan and Tim Riesen explain that, Admission requirements
of 2-year colleges are usually less rigorous than 4-year institutions. Most
2-year colleges are open admission. Students in need of academic
preparation can take developmental coursework, although the options are
not as plentiful as in 4-year institutions. Two-year colleges are usually
nonresidential institutions. Students usually live at home or on their own in
the community (2016).
H. Significance of the Study: This study will further explain the advantages and
disadvantages of 4-year colleges and 2-year colleges.
I. Methodology
1. This study uses qualitative research paradigm and the research design
study is descriptive.
2. The data were gathered through library and online research and an
interview.
3. The data were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive analysis.
4. The data was evaluated through researchers and experts opinion.
J. Research Ethics: The information gathered has full consent from the research
participants and they are not at risk. The research participants are kept
anonymous and confidential and they have the right to withdraw. Deceptive
practices are not applicable in this research.
B. 4-year colleges are expensive and there is a competition for admission, but
they have a high value for cost-effectiveness compared to 2-year colleges.
1. According to Christopher Marsilio (2015), A four year university is the
most cost effective way, than that of a two-year institution, to ensure a
solid career. Four year universities offer a minimum degree that
guarantees an average of $13,000 more than those who graduate from a
two-year university. This displays the appeal of four-year universities.
While the cost can be a burden to some families, the return of the tuition
onto a graduates future is almost guaranteed to be positive. This is a
decision that most students would not want to miss out on.
2. According to Education Corner (n.d.), Across the board, community
college is much more affordable. The average tuition is half that of a public
university. Part of this is because community colleges are stripped down,
avoiding things like big campus infrastructure and extracurricular
programs that increase the overhead at large universities.
Career achievements
More course-offerings
When you graduate high school you have your choice of what kind of an education
you want to get. You have your choice of going to a 4-year university, or a 2-year
college. In order to decide you will compare the two and use the comparisons to
come up with your final decision. Questions to ask yourself would be, what are you
looking for in college, how do you want to learn, and how much money do you have
to work with.
One major decsion one must make after exiting high school is whether to go to a
university or stay home and go to community college. Although universities and
community colleges serve the same purpose, the two differ in their learning
environment, convenience, and admission requirements.
V. Experiences
VI. Conclusion
https://www.khanacademy.org/college-admissions/explore-college-options/college-
search-type-of-college/v/comparing-vocational-vs-2-year-vs-4-year-colleges