Two year programs are a great way to start your education journey in the USA. Studying In America investigates how you can receive the education you want at a fraction of the cost.
If money is tight (as it often is for students!) a two year program at a technical or community college can be the perfect option. Often an educational experience comparible to 4 year colleges or universities can be earned here at a fraction of the cost. Each year students save thousands of dollars by beginning their academic career at these colleges and are often very pleasantly surprised by the high quality instruction and personialized attention that they receive
Transfer To A Four Year College Or University
Transfer agreements between many city and community colleges and 4 year institutions offers students guaranteed transfer of their course from specific AA to BA and BSc programs. So, don't be afraid to ask what universities the college has these agreements with when you are choosing a program. Most International students find that the advantage of studying the first two years at a community or technical college is that they have saved thousands of dollars on their education, but have still earnt the same degree. What better way is there than to earn your degree and maintain your financial goals at the same time?
Ten Reasons Why You Should Choose A Two Year Program At A Community College
1.Community Colleges Provide Quality Education At A Lower Cost
U.S. community colleges are funded by state and local taxes to ensure that all students can afford to attend college. As a result, tuition costs average $6,500 annually as compared to approximately $13,000 for a four-year public institution and $25,000 for a four-year private institution.
2. Students Can Easily Transfer To A Four-Year College Or University
The "2+2" system in the United States refers to an efficient system of "articulation" between a two-year college and a four-year college or university. Articulation is the process by which one institution matches its courses or requirements to course work completed at another institution. Most community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, ensuring that credits earned at the two-year institution will count toward the four-year degree program.
3. Intensive English Programs Allow Flexible TOEFL Requirements
Community colleges offer English as a Second Language classes for students whose TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score is too low to begin an academic program in the U.S. Intensive English programs, either on or off campus, are provided to help students enhance their English abilities prior to enrolling in college level studies.
4. Student Support Services & Personalized Learning Environment
The average community college class size is 25-35 students, promoting personal attention and ongoing support from professors. Focus is on individual student success and professors, rather than teaching assistants, conduct classes. A wide range of support services are offered to students, including tutoring, advising, language and writing labs, and international student clubs and service centers.
5. Wide Variety Of Programs.
Community colleges have hundreds of majors from which to choose. Many international students pursue programs in business management, computer science, computer graphics, engineering, health sciences, hospitality and multimedia. In addition, they can study everything from art to zoology.
6. State-Of-The-Art Technology.
Most U.S. community colleges use state-of-the-art technologies and instructional facilities. Traditional universities often focus on basic education and research, while community colleges not only focus on education, but also provide professional certificate training and workforce development. Because of their close ties with high-tech industries, community colleges necessarily have cutting edge technologies.
7. Hands-On Access To U.S. Culture.
Because they are funded by and deeply rooted in their local communities, U.S. community colleges tend to have stronger local ties than most other educational institutions, both on- and off- campus. This relationship provides international students with extensive opportunities to interact with Americans and to experience real U.S. customs and ways of life.
8. Expanded OPT Opportunities.
Students are entitled to one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of an Associate degree ”and another year upon completion of a Bachelor's degree. Optional Practical Training refers to paid employment related to the student's field and level of study used to round out the educational program in the United States. This work can be done on- or off-campus.
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