One of our kids went to community college for two years and then transferred to our public flagship. I am aware this is a distasteful option for some.
It worked out great for us. Affordable for both student and parents. Kid got involved in Student Government at the CC and was a big fish in a small pond.
It also raised her awareness & concern re: students struggling to get an Associate’s Degree. You know, slowly chipping away at school plus working two jobs, maybe having a baby of their own, etc. It was eye-opening for her, in a good way. Part of her job in SGA was looking at student retention & graduation rates, and brainstorming ways for the school to improve both.
Anyways, a mentor of hers said, “Your degree is going is say University of ==State==”, NOT “2 years at CC, then 2 years at U of ==State==”, remember that.
Her professors at graduation were gushing to us about her, and none of them knew she was a transfer from a CC. We mentioned it, and the professors seemed genuinely surprised.
She is successfully launched, and working on The Hill in DC & staying in touch with her alumni network. It’s where she wanted to land, and it’s been two years now. She is very happy.
There are many paths!