University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the most affordable programs in the United States.
Best Affordable Colleges
Deciding on a Degree
The best choice you can make when deciding on your degree, is to do what you love and be paid. But, to be practical, do some research. The field you choose must be able to support you, and possibly a family, for years to come. Imagine yourself in the field for the near and distant future.
Take stock of your:
- Abilities, what you’re naturally good at
- Interests, what you what to learn more about
- Passions, the desires that go to the core of who you are
The short list of degree choices should take a student’s interests, passions, and strengths into consideration, along with advancement and the job market. Get answers to pertinent questions.
Consider Online Learning
Most post-secondary institutions now offer online and hybrid courses. Hybrid classes combine online coursework with minimal on-campus meetings, sometimes as few as once per semester. Additionally, many degree programs are now available entirely online. While community colleges pioneered this trend, most universities have since followed, with up to 92% of institutions offering at least one fully online degree program.
The benefits of online programs include cost savings and flexible scheduling. Students can work full-time while attending classes from home, with coursework available at their convenience. Additionally, online programs eliminate the need for institutional lodging, further reducing costs.
Online vs. On-Campus
With so many options currently available, students entering college must consider what learning environment is best for them. It is a personal preference issue as much as an issue of cost. You will also want to determine what are the best colleges for your field and how do those colleges rank against their peers.
On-Campus
For some students, a structured environment is a better option. Physically attending school engages all the senses and provides immediate answers to questions. There is also the social aspect of school that should be considered along with increased costs must be taken into consideration, especially if living on campus is necessary.
Online
We’ve covered some to the advantages of online learning including; the ability to continue working and no institutional room and board fees. There are also drawbacks to an online environment. The social part of the college experience does not exist with online learning. Also, answers to questions are rarely available immediately. Extra help in a course may require a trip to the campus, if possible, or an extended email exchange with teacher assistants or professors.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
All post-secondary institutions offer lower tuition for residents, with out-of-state tuition averaging nearly $9,000 more. In some cases, out-of-state tuition can be up to 300% higher. Attending a prestigious school may justify the cost, and working at your college can offer reduced or even free tuition.
Some schools offer reduced tuition for neighboring states. For example, colleges on the Illinois border offer in-state or discounted out-of-state tuition to Indiana residents. It's worth checking neighboring states' tuition schedules.
Regional exchange programs offer financial aid or reduced tuition to select students, often based on specific regions, programs, or majors. For example, the National Student Exchange provides in-state tuition to non-residents. Similar programs exist in the Midwest and New England. Check the requirements to save money.
You can establish residency before enrolling, but most states require one to two years of continuous residency prior to enrollment. If you're a dependent, your parent or guardian must also meet the state's residency requirement.
Types of Accreditation
There are three types of accreditation: regional, national, and programmatic. Regional accreditation is widely recognized and allows for easier credit transfers between institutions. Institutional accreditation covers the entire school, while programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs, departments, or specialized schools, such as law or medical schools. Vocational schools and non-school educational programs, like hospital nursing programs, can also receive accreditation.
Numerous accrediting bodies specialize in specific programs. For example, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) focuses on nursing programs, while the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is an internationally recognized, high-standard accreditation for business schools. Similarly, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), established by the American Dental Association, accredits various dental programs, including:
- Predoctoral (Dentist)
- Hygienist
- Dental Assistant
- Lab Technician
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Radiologist
- Orthodontics
- Dental Anesthesiology
Top 50 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the US
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Score: 83.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,464
- Out-of-State:$15,414
- Net Price: $4,991
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 19,854
- Undergrad Students: 15,896
- Graduate Students: 3,958
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Florida
Score: 80.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
CUNY City College
Score: 77.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State:$15,290
- Net Price: $5,181
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 14,489
- Undergrad Students: 11,929
- Graduate Students: 2,560
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
California State University-Long Beach
Score: 76.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,008
- Out-of-State:$18,888
- Net Price: $9,346
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Total Enrollment: 38,973
- Undergrad Students: 32,931
- Graduate Students: 6,042
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
California State University-Fullerton
Score: 76.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,073
- Out-of-State:$18,953
- Net Price: $7,925
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 40,386
- Undergrad Students: 35,432
- Graduate Students: 4,954
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
CUNY Hunter College
Score: 75.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,382
- Out-of-State:$15,332
- Net Price: $4,848
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 22,970
- Undergrad Students: 17,256
- Graduate Students: 5,714
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Texas A&M International University
Score: 75.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,846
- Out-of-State:$19,382
- Net Price: $5,383
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 8,505
- Undergrad Students: 6,979
- Graduate Students: 1,526
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
CUNY Brooklyn College
Score: 74.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,452
- Out-of-State:$15,402
- Net Price: $5,972
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 14,195
- Undergrad Students: 11,661
- Graduate Students: 2,534
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Score: 72.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State:$15,420
- Net Price: $5,001
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 13,921
- Undergrad Students: 12,061
- Graduate Students: 1,860
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
CUNY Queens College
Score: 72.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,538
- Out-of-State:$15,488
- Net Price: $6,434
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 17,001
- Undergrad Students: 14,406
- Graduate Students: 2,595
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
CUNY Lehman College
Score: 72.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,410
- Out-of-State:$15,360
- Net Price: $4,974
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 13,015
- Undergrad Students: 11,211
- Graduate Students: 1,804
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Charter Oak State College
Score: 72.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,506
- Out-of-State:$8,506
- Net Price: $10,191
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 1,602
- Undergrad Students: 1,501
- Graduate Students: 101
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Florida-Online
Score: 71.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,876
- Out-of-State:$16,579
- Net Price: $10,791
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 5,356
- Undergrad Students: 5,356
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 54:1
California State University-Los Angeles
Score: 70.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State:$18,698
- Net Price: $5,801
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 26,460
- Undergrad Students: 22,737
- Graduate Students: 3,723
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Florida International University
Score: 69.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Score: 69.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State:$18,944
- Net Price: $5,068
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 16,426
- Undergrad Students: 13,969
- Graduate Students: 2,457
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
California State University-Fresno
Score: 69.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,980
- Out-of-State:$18,860
- Net Price: $7,507
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 23,999
- Undergrad Students: 21,354
- Graduate Students: 2,645
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
California State University-Stanislaus
Score: 69.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,826
- Out-of-State:$19,706
- Net Price: $7,555
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 10,154
- Undergrad Students: 8,926
- Graduate Students: 1,228
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
California State University-Northridge
Score: 68.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,095
- Out-of-State:$18,975
- Net Price: $8,936
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 37,579
- Undergrad Students: 32,181
- Graduate Students: 5,398
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
California State University-Bakersfield
Score: 68.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,696
- Out-of-State:$19,576
- Net Price: $7,521
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 9,613
- Undergrad Students: 8,188
- Graduate Students: 1,425
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Score: 68.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,627
- Out-of-State:$16,419
- Net Price: $5,465
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 2,198
- Undergrad Students: 1,712
- Graduate Students: 486
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Elizabeth City State University
Score: 66.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,412
- Out-of-State:$7,412
- Net Price: $4,120
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,149
- Undergrad Students: 2,033
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 66.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
The University of West Florida
Score: 65.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,609
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,521
- Undergrad Students: 9,291
- Graduate Students: 4,230
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
California State University-San Bernardino
Score: 65.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,675
- Out-of-State:$19,555
- Net Price: $8,805
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 19,803
- Undergrad Students: 17,034
- Graduate Students: 2,769
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Monroe College
Score: 65.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State:$17,922
- Net Price: $9,157
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 7,011
- Undergrad Students: 5,916
- Graduate Students: 1,095
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Score: 65.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,064
- Out-of-State:$20,120
- Net Price: $9,529
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 1,481
- Undergrad Students: 1,481
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
St. Petersburg College
Score: 65.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State:$9,286
- Net Price: $2,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 23,501
- Undergrad Students: 23,501
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Score: 64.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State:$9,124
- Net Price: $3,029
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Farmingdale State College
Score: 64.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,576
- Out-of-State:$18,486
- Net Price: $8,111
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 9,314
- Undergrad Students: 9,264
- Graduate Students: 50
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Chicago State University
Score: 64.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,754
- Out-of-State:$12,754
- Net Price: $6,446
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 2,317
- Undergrad Students: 1,450
- Graduate Students: 867
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
CUNY York College
Score: 63.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,358
- Out-of-State:$15,308
- Net Price: $6,670
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 6,446
- Undergrad Students: 6,199
- Graduate Students: 247
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Score: 63.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$4,656
- Net Price: $7,899
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 43,023
- Undergrad Students: 43,023
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Eastern New Mexico University
Score: 63.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State:$8,843
- Net Price: $8,702
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 5,106
- Undergrad Students: 3,833
- Graduate Students: 1,273
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Seminole State College of Florida
Score: 63.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State:$11,447
- Net Price: $3,144
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 14,323
- Undergrad Students: 14,323
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
California State University-San Marcos
Score: 63.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,739
- Out-of-State:$19,619
- Net Price: $10,463
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 15,109
- Undergrad Students: 13,914
- Graduate Students: 1,195
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Score: 63.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State:$19,939
- Net Price: $8,105
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 31,559
- Undergrad Students: 26,434
- Graduate Students: 5,125
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 62.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State:$7,969
- Net Price: $6,355
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 6,787
- Undergrad Students: 5,748
- Graduate Students: 1,039
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
McNeese State University
Score: 62.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,460
- Out-of-State:$9,960
- Net Price: $10,154
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 6,230
- Undergrad Students: 5,696
- Graduate Students: 534
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Shepherd University
Score: 62.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,642
- Out-of-State:$19,082
- Net Price: $9,827
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,235
- Undergrad Students: 2,718
- Graduate Students: 517
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Western Governors University
Score: 61.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State:$8,300
- Net Price: $9,207
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 156,935
- Undergrad Students: 112,807
- Graduate Students: 44,128
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 42:1
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Score: 61.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,855
- Out-of-State:$16,497
- Net Price: $8,510
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 3,947
- Undergrad Students: 3,236
- Graduate Students: 711
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Marshall University
Score: 61.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State:$20,294
- Net Price: $8,756
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 10,691
- Undergrad Students: 7,952
- Graduate Students: 2,739
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
College of Staten Island CUNY
Score: 61.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,490
- Out-of-State:$15,440
- Net Price: $7,217
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 10,248
- Undergrad Students: 9,299
- Graduate Students: 949
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Purdue University Northwest
Score: 61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,419
- Out-of-State:$15,620
- Net Price: $9,162
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 8,911
- Undergrad Students: 8,176
- Graduate Students: 735
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Saint Johns River State College
Score: 60.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,830
- Out-of-State:$10,352
- Net Price: $6,187
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 6,434
- Undergrad Students: 6,434
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Heritage University
Score: 60.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,920
- Out-of-State:$19,920
- Net Price: $7,841
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 853
- Undergrad Students: 796
- Graduate Students: 57
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Miami Dade College
Score: 60.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,661
- Net Price: $5,478
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 47,245
- Undergrad Students: 47,245
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Score: 60.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,878
- Out-of-State:$9,992
- Net Price: $2,341
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 20,363
- Undergrad Students: 20,363
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Indian River State College
Score: 60.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,764
- Out-of-State:$10,201
- Net Price: $5,019
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 14,862
- Undergrad Students: 14,862
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
Research Community Colleges
Community colleges can offer another alternative, or a starting point when considering an advanced degree. Community college tuition is normally a fraction of the cost of a private college or university. Spending the first year or two of general studies at a community college can stretch education dollars with lower tuition and housing costs.
Most community colleges offer associate or two-year degrees. There are career doors that can be opened via an associate degree. In many cases, credits are transferable to a four-year institution and a two-year degree can be applied toward a bachelor’s.
Keep in mind that not all courses are transferable. When laying out an educational path, extensive research should be done in advance to eliminate any surprises in the future. The best idea is to contact a career counselor at the four-year college of choice to be sure credits can be transferred.
One “con” to community colleges may be a more limited selection of classes. The bottom line is to do your due diligence. Be sure that community college will be a profitable choice to begin, or even complete, your post-secondary education.
Reasons to Start with an Associate Degree or at a Community College
As stated, many universities and colleges accept transferred credits from accredited community colleges. In some cases, achieving an associate degree at a community college, then transferring to a four-year school, is a wise path. Expenses can be easier to manage while studying at a community college. Many students can live at home with their parents during that first two years, as there are many more locations when it comes to community colleges than there are for four-year colleges. In many cases, it’s also easier to hold down a job while attending school in your hometown.
Another advantage to an associate degree in your chosen field is the opportunity to start internships or actual jobs. Students may be able to work in their career field during the last two years of college. Businesses may be more apt to hire someone earning their degree if they already have a two-year degree. Some students may land jobs in their career field and decide to postpone their bachelor's degree altogether.
In any case, be sure to do your research. Don’t wait until you’ve invested two years to find out that your four-year school of choice will not accept your transferred credits. Doing your due diligence is imperative when planning a college path.
Important Questions to Ask in Your Research
Will You Need a Higher-Level Degree?
The more a company’s jobs are sought after, the more education they can require of their candidates. A Master’s Degree or a Ph.D. can be necessary to enter or advance in certain careers.
A Master’s Degree is required for:
- Professors at colleges and universities
- Nurse Practitioners
- Orthotists
- Marriage and Family Therapists
Large, well-known corporations like NASA, and even Google and eBay, can require a Ph.D. for positions like:
- Computer Engineer
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Mathematician
- Systems Engineer
- Biologist
Other reasons to pursue a higher degree would include the notoriety, like becoming an expert in a particular field. Having a higher degree can be an asset in standing out from the crowd, possibly opening the door to promotion and higher pay. If your current employer offers tuition assistance to return to school, that can be incentive enough.
How Many Students Graduate on Time?
Studies have shown that post-secondary schools that are more selective on admissions have a higher graduation rate. Those schools who accepted less than 25% of applicants had the highest rate of completion. Institutions that were least selective, with open admission policies, have the lowest graduation rate.
Additionally, private for-profit institutions had the lowest completion statistics compared to public and private non-profit schools. Statistics also show that female students just edge out male students by a few points.
It’s wise to look into all aspects of your school, including the odds of students graduating.
Popular Affordable Degree Options
Associate Degree
An associate is a college degree awarded after two years of study. This degree stands between a high school diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree. Several lucrative occupations only require a two-year degree.
Radiation Therapist:
Average Two-Year Cost: $42,000
Average Annual Salary: $84,000
Required Courses:
Dental Hygienist:
Average Two-Year Cost: $22,692
Average Annual Salary: $71,820
Required Courses:
Sonographer:
Average Two-Year Cost: $13,842
Average Annual Salary: $67,732