Compare or Contrast the Benefits of a 2-Year Program over a 4-Year Program
Introduction
In terms of choosing the next step in pursuing education, it is important to think particularly about how much time and money may be spent. One also needs to consider the kind of job they intend to have in the future. Moreover, it should be noted that not all schools offer the same courses. As such, the student must consider their options when it comes to the major they want to pursue in case the schools that offer their desired majors do not accept their applications or are too costly for them. Moreover, they may also want to consider the school’s reputation and extracurricular activities. In this regard, this paper aims to comparatively analyze the benefits of choosing a 2-year program as opposed to a 4-year program. Both types of programs have their own advantages and disadvantages, which one should consider carefully.
Many believe that taking a four-year program will provide a great range of job opportunities. At the same time, it is believed that it will lead to higher salaries. However, in contrast to that viewpoint, those with a four-year degree are given more time in preparation and experience, enabling them to better compete in the job market as opposed to applicants who finished a two-year program.
This means that when making a decision on whether to attend a two-year or a four-year program, it is best that students first reflect on what specifically they want to pursue based on their desired career path..
The Benefits of a Two-Year Program
A two-year program is appropriate for those who want to look into a technical or trade vocation; those with less than satisfactory transcripts who want to eventually complete a four-year degree; and those who want to save money on the general education courses before they transfer to the expensive four-year universities.
Taking a program with only two years of study can be the most economical and practical decision to make. A two-year program can be a better investment primarily because one needs only to spend for two years and be able to already start their career. This also prevents them from having to deal with college debt. In addition, it can serve as their stepping stone to getting a bachelor’s degree.
When thinking of attending a two-year program, one must consider the kind of program they want to enroll in and if it is offered in the school they want to go to. Those who have decided to attend a two-program can concentrate on the general prerequisites, which allow them to transfer to a four-year program that is similar to their current studies. Students can also engage in apprenticeships and internships right away, giving them the experience they need and that they can use in their future endeavors. Moreover, community colleges have close links to the industries in the area, which means that students can choose from a variety of courses that directly cater to the local job market.
The Benefits of a Four-Year Program
A four-year program is appropriate for students who want a flexible degree and a well-rounded education. Although completing a four-year course takes more time and costs more money, it provides students with a degree that they can use in numerous types of jobs in the real world. Although the first two years involve generalized courses, the last two years involve students taking courses in their major. They are also allowed to take electives in their field of choice. Moreover, a four-year program offers both off-campus and on-campus learning opportunities.
Cost and Time Evaluation
Four-year programs take at least twice more time than two-year programs. They also cost three times more than a two-year program. As such, two-year programs are increasingly becoming appealing to students, especially during these times of economic difficulties. Because most two-year programs are intended for commuters, it is up to students to find their own housing, which in turn enables them to save on costs for the room and board. Students of a two-year program also get to avail of lower tuition fee rates. The College Board claims that the tuition and fees for a two-year program are more than one-third the cost for one year in a four-year program.
On the other hand, a four-year program in a public school is indicated to have an average cost of $8,655 for one year’s tuition and fees. The costs for room and board must also be considered.. As such, attending a four-year program can really become very expensive. These costs can become even higher when a student goes to a private school. It should be kept in mind, though, that although a four-year program is expensive and would require students to work for it, they are bound to later reap the rewards in the form of higher salaries when they finally join the workforce. As indicated by the U.S. Department of Education (“Fast Facts: Employment Rates of College Students”), the employment rate was higher for those who achieved higher levels of education.
However, the U.S. Department of Education (“Fast Facts: Graduation Rates”) also indicated that the rate of students who complete their college degrees is quite low. They reported that only “59 percent of first-time, full-time students who began seeking a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution in fall 2007 completed the degree at that institution by 2013” (qtd. in U.S. Department of Education, “Fast Facts: Graduation Rates”). Moreover, the rate of first-time and full-time undergraduate students who started attending a 4-year program in the fall of 2007 was 32% for private for-profit schools; 65% at private nonprofit schools; and 58% at public schools. These statistics are indicative of the challenges that students face with the high costs of higher education.
Conclusion
Getting an education is important in enabling individuals to achieve their goals and to earn a living. However, education can be very expensive and may not be afforded by everyone. As such, students have a choice of either completing a two-year or a four-year program. A two-year program is less costly bit will allow the student to start their career sooner. On the other hand, a four-year program is more costly but allows the student to learn more and experience more. With a four-year bachelor’s degree, a student will have better chances of getting hired after they graduate and will also have better chances of getting higher salaries. Moreover, they have a wider array of jobs to choose from in comparison to someone who completed a two-year program. Alternatively, a student can choose to attend a two-year program in preparation for attending a four-year program. This would allow them to take the prerequisite classes for their chosen course while they are trying to save up for a four-year program. Whichever program a student chooses, they must carefully take all the factors involved into consideration, as it will have a great impact on their future.
Works Cited
U.S. Department of Education.“Fast Facts: Employment Rates of College Students.”
nces.ed.gov. U.S. Department of Education, n.d. Web. 9 March 2016
< https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=561>
U.S. Department of Education. “Fast Facts: Graduation Rates.” nces.ed.gov. U.S. Department of
Education, n.d. Web. 9 March 2016 < https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=40>
