What should you look for when selecting a school? Well, first you need to know what different types of schools are available to attend. There are two year, four year, traditional, vocational, public and private institutions. Complicated, right? But, understanding the differences is an important first step to finding the best school for your specific needs. Today, we are going to cover two-year versus four-year institutions. Look for an upcoming post on public versus private schools.
Two-Year Schools:
Two year schools are community colleges or technical schools. Most are state-based, but not always. Community colleges (CC) offer associate degrees, transfer options to four-year colleges and universities, certificate programs, and most offer an array of vocational programs. The vocational programs offered are typically in a career field(s) that is in high demand within the immediate surrounding area. For example, if the CC offers extensive welding programs, the community probably has a great need for welders. Community colleges may offer certificate and/or associate degree programs in vocational fields.
Vocational programs offered through a state CC are safer than credits from a nationally accredited institution (see accreditation post). All state CCs, colleges, and universities hold regional accreditation. This is the safest transfer credit you can get. If you attend a nationally accredited vocational program, then find you want to transfer to a state school one day, your credits will mostly likely NOT be accepted. Regionally accredited colleges award credit that is transferable in nature. Nationally accredited schools credit will almost never transfer into a state school. If this happens to you, you will also be out the benefits you used on your GI Bill. So, think about the long-term! And, remember that CCs offer a great way in which to gain safe transfer credit.
CCs can help if you had difficulty with your GPA in high school, have a low SAT/ACT, missed the deadline dates for the four-year school you wanted to attend (always call because some schools waive deadline dates for vets!), or are simply looking for a more stress-free transition. If you need to go home after separation, the CCs typically offer more locations to attend across a state.
I remember one student I helped transition out of the military in 2013 who was a high school dropout with a 1.8 GPA. That would have created a HUGE problem for him to gain admissions into a four-year institution. He attended community college, received stellar grades, and was able to gain admissions into a top tier California State University for an engineering pathway. He was also able to stay off his GI Bill for the years he spent at the CC which will save him in the end, especially because most engineering pathways take five years to finish.
Four-Year Schools:
Four-year schools are colleges or universities. States have state university systems; although, all colleges and universities are not state-based (see private vs. state school post) Four year schools offer: Bachelor, master, M.D. and Ph.D. degrees, may be more expensive (than a CC), offer enrichment opportunities, offer a wide range of degrees, usually have larger class sizes and campus populations, and typically have a competitive admissions process (think ACT/SAT, high school GPAs).
Universities are often quite large, and sometimes it becomes difficult to have a one-on-one conversation with a professor. This can sometimes make students feel like they are lost in the sauce. In a case like this, take advantage of the resources and activities offered by the veterans' department. It will help you develop a sense of belonging (think like the brotherhood/sisterhood you felt while in the military).
Large universities often offer special programs such as study abroad. Many of the vets I have worked with have taken advantage of this option. In fact, I have a vet who is shortly on his way to complete his junior and senior year at an American university with a branch in Tokyo. Badass! Yes, I will make a post on these options at another time...so, check back!
Main Features
Community Colleges:- Rolling admissions (no deadlines to apply by)
- Smaller class sizes
- Cheaper
- Typically require a math and English placement test to determine correct class level placement (versus taking an SAT/ACT)
- Associate degrees (two-year degrees) and certificates
- More locations
- Considered commuter colleges (typically no student housing)
- Typically offer more night-time class options
- Have a range of different types of students looking for different types of education
Colleges/Universities:
Typically have deadline dates (some almost a year in advance!)- Larger class sizes
- More expensive
- Typically require SAT/ACT scores (always call the vets office to clarify because some schools will bypass this requirement for vets, and here are a few of my go-to options: Texas Tech, University of Houston, University of Northern Arizona, and Cal State San Marcos)
- Attending students are pursuing bachelor's degrees (at minimum)
- May offer study abroad (You want to go to school in the UK, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Afghanistan (No? Just kidding!)
- Typically offer on-campus housing (some have veteran-only floors in the dorms...I feel like this could be similar to a barracks-style situation...withholding judgment at this time ;-)!)
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