Next stop, community college or university: Things Modesto-area students should consider
As high school seniors enter their final semester, their experiences may vary depending on whether they choose to go to a community college like Modesto Junior College or a university like Stanislaus State.
The primary differences between community colleges and universities include program length, degree type, degrees offered and tuition.
The differences in degrees
Primarily, community colleges offer an associate’s degree, a two-year undergraduate degree that’s the first higher-level diploma you can earn after high school.
Students who earn associate degrees typically transfer to a university, where they can use most of the credits they earned toward getting a bachelor’s degree — a four-year undergraduate degree.
Modesto Junior College is one of 15 California community colleges that offer a bachelor’s degree program. Students studying respiratory care at MJC can earn the degree in 15 months. Students seeking bachelor degrees in other areas will need to transfer to a university like Stanislaus State.
In addition, most community colleges have limited subjects students can study, compared to their university counterparts.
At Modesto Junior College, there are 202 degrees and certificates offered in 58 subjects, according to the school.
Stanislaus State offers 45 undergraduate degree programs, 47 minors and 101 different concentrations, tracks and emphases. The school also has 26 graduate programs for those looking to gain their master’s or doctoral degrees.
The difference in price
Price is also a key difference between community colleges and universities, with community colleges often being cheaper options for students.
According to Modesto Junior College, the cost of attendance ranges between $4,306 and $31,360 for the 2024-25 school year. Stanislaus State ranges cost of attendance between $24,134 and $36,210. Both ranges do not include financial aid.
Both schools’ prices ranges take into account tuition, books and supplies, housing, food, campus fees, transportation and students’ other personal expenses.
