Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
On Campus Blog
Alex Friedrich

Community colleges: Lacking the college experience?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

We've seen how the image of two-year colleges -- whether it's correct or distorted -- causes some Minnesotans to choose four-year colleges instead.

Judging from my survey, some of the reason my be tied into how people view the "college experience."

Students looking at four-year institutions may want the friendships formed in dorm life, a large alumni network, or may just want to study in a 100-year-old ivy-covered building. In contrast, community college students, some responses suggested, might feel more comfortable -- or just not mind -- staying at home.

Four-year student Blaine Ponto wrote in:

I feel like a four-year college, for most students, would provide a better experience, but it's not for everyone. (Community colleges are best for) people who are working (or) want to be at home a lot .....

Century College admissions representative Andy Gammons said:

The only reason I wouldn't encourage someone to consider a two-year college is if they were interested in a residential experience. Especially at a private institution, these experiences are very beneficial. At state four-year institutions though, the residential experience can often take away, not add to, the learning.

One University of Minnesota - Twin Cities student said:

There's also a view that community/tech colleges don't have as connected of a student network or support system, and you dont meet as many people as you would in a traditional school setting.

Indeed, North Central University teacher Amy Anderson said:

In my opinion, the larger loss is the experience of being with the same group of friends and the same professors for an entire four years. Much of the value of a four-year school is in the relationships and mentoring that occurs.

Nathan Flanders, a counselor at St. Paul's Central High School, said:

Sometimes a two-year school is a great next step to get acclimated to life away from home.

Yet one parent said the college experience is possible at some two-year colleges:

We had to do our own research to find two-year colleges that offer a full college experience (dorms, arts, sports, community). I ended up putting together a guide for other parents because no one seemed to know about the residential two-year colleges.

I'll try to post that guide next week.