Bad University vs. Community College

[clandestinerogue]

I'm an international student. I hv quite a limited funding, so i can't go straight to any big university. Is it better to start my 2 years of study in a community college or a cheap-but-not-so-good university (or referred as tier 3&4 Universities in USNews)??

[diontechristmas]

3rd tier universities are not 'bad'.

[UCSDJake12]

Depends on your state. If you have guaranteed transfer from CC to a top-tier university, do that.

[happymomof1]

Are you an international HS student currently in the US on an H2 or F2 visa who wants to stay here for college? If so, check the in-state definition for your current state of residence. You may qualify for in-state tuition at public universities and/or community colleges based on years of residence and/or graduation from a HS in that state. If you don't qualify for in-state tuition, the 3rd & 4th tier universities are perfectly fine, as are the community colleges. Most of what you get out of your college years is up to you. Study where you can afford to go.

Are you currently living outside the US and thinking about coming here for college? If so, the universities in your own country are almost certainly as good as (if not better than) the 3rd and 4th tier universities in the US, and almost certainly much cheaper. If money is a big issue, study there and come to the US for grad school.

[rhumbob]

Don't get fooled by only reading this website. Third and Fourth tier schools can provide an excellent education and give you the tools for success and the chance for admission to any grad school / law school / medical school.

Not that I'm knocking Community Colleges. Ther are two in my neck of the woods that are among the best and I suspect stack up decently against many 4 year institutions.