<p>One way to compare programs is to look at the textbooks being used for equivalent courses along with publicly available grade information (only works for public colleges). Given a large enough sample size (20k+) you can get a good idea how students compare not only across community college vs 4 year publics, but 4 year publics vs each other. I found many schools use the same textbooks for lower division courses, at least in science, mathematics and engineering. It was comforting to know that a student in statics at GATech looked at the same problem set I did or a student in calculus at Harvard. As well, I actually found out that the average GPA at my state flagship for the first two years of engineering was about .375 higher than it was for my CC across the same courses. Again, given the sample size, I see the “rigor” of the programs as on par with slightly better students at the 4 year school (which makes sense).</p>
<p>Of course it will vary from school to school and state to state, so give it a look and see for yourself!</p>