A two-year college (often called a community or junior college) offers programs where students can earn an associate degree in two years or even a certification in one year or less. Two-year colleges can also be technical schools that specifically focus on career training, such as welding, carpentry or mechanics. After earning an associate degree at a two-year college, many students choose to enter the workforce, but some choose to continue their education at a four-year college.
Things of Note Regarding Two-Year Colleges & Trade Schools
- Students earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or an Applied Science (AAS) degree
- Students who earn an AA degree may later transfer credits to a four-year college or university.
- Public community colleges have open-admissions policies. These institutions are not typically residential.
- Many trade schools allow students to graduate in under two years
- Private junior colleges often require entrance examinations or some level of equivalent work experience and/or extracurricular activities.
- Trade schools teach specific skills for a trade (such as welding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.) and provide hands on training
- Those who have earned an AAS degree (which is occupation-specific, such as automotive technician) may be able to transfer some credits earned to a four-year institution.
- Most are small residential schools; students live on campus or in the surrounding community.
- You must take the TSIA2 to determine placement in college classes!
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Two-year colleges often prepare their students to join the workforce after graduation.
- Students may take classes and training that are specifically geared toward gaining practical experience.
- These job-related skills can help qualify students for work after graduating, and because the program is only two years long, students may find a job sooner than if they attended a four-year college.
ADMISSIONS
- When applying to a two-year college, candidates may have an easier time getting admitted.
- Community, vocational and technical colleges typically have more open admission policies, which can lead to a higher acceptance rate.
- Two-year colleges usually require candidates to have their high school diploma or GED, state testing scores and a transcript from high school to qualify.
- Though standards may differ depending on the school, students may also need a certain GPA, like a 3.0 or higher.
COST
- Two-year colleges typically have much lower costs than four-year colleges.
- This may be due to them being shorter programs that focus on technical skills and abilities.
- Another reason for this may be that many two-year colleges don’t have housing options, which can reduce the cost of tuition.
- Many students choose two-year colleges because of the low cost and to avoid student debt.
- There are even some two-year colleges that pay for some or all of a student’s tuition.
COLLEGE LIFESTYLE
- Two-year colleges have minimal lifestyle changes.
- Most two-year colleges have little to no campus living, meaning students typically live away from campus and commute to school.
- Because of this, there may be fewer opportunities for students to take part in events, clubs or organizations.
CAMPUS SIZE
- Two-year colleges are typically smaller than four-year colleges.
- They may have smaller campuses, so their class sizes may be smaller.
- This can help students develop meaningful relationships with their classmates and professors.
- Because of their size, two-year colleges may provide more academic support.
- Counselors and professors can spend more time helping their students because they have fewer students to support.
PROGRAMS
- Many two-year colleges offer both transfer and career-focused programs to students.
- Transfer programs provide students with the opportunity to earn the first two years of their bachelor’s degree before transferring to a four-year college to earn the rest of their degree.
- This can be a valuable option because students can save money by obtaining half of their degree through a community college.
- Career-focused programs can allow students to take courses that prepare them for the workforce upon completion.