Compare the differences between community colleges and four-year colleges to determine which best fits your goals, budget, and preferred college experience.
Four-year colleges and universities are post-high school institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees and sometimes advanced degrees. They can be public or private, are typically located on traditional campuses, and provide a broad college experience that may include advanced coursework, research opportunities, and residential living, usually at a higher cost than other options.
Colleges are typically smaller and offer a more close-knit campus experience. They usually have fewer majors and smaller class sizes, which can allow for more personal interaction with instructors. Colleges may include private institutions as well as schools with a focus on community, vocational, or technical education.
Universities tend to be larger schools that offer many different majors and programs. They often award both undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate degrees (such as master’s or doctoral degrees) and may have larger class sizes, more activities, and a wide variety of student services.
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Community colleges typically offer two-year associate degrees and certificates, have lower tuition, smaller class sizes, and flexible schedules, and often serve as a pathway for students to transfer to a four-year institution.
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public community college in Virginia, with six campuses and four centers serving Northern Virginia. It ranks as the second-largest multi-campus community college nationwide and is the largest educational institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For a complete listing of all Virginia community colleges, visit the Virginia Community College System locator.
Students may choose to request a recommendation from a coach, mentor, employer, community leader, or another trusted adult outside of school.
Students are responsible for requesting, monitoring, and managing all recommendations from individuals outside of their high school.
Request and manage outside recommendations directly through the Common App. Follow the instructions provided within your Common App account to invite and track outside recommenders.
Tip: Give recommenders at least 2-3 weeks' notice whenever possible and provide all required information before the college application deadline.
Being a first-generation student means that your parents did not complete a four-year college degree, regardless of other family members' level of education. Some colleges use a different definition, so be sure to ask your admission counselor to learn more. If your parents completed a four-year college degree at an international university, contact admissions to inquire about what your status may be.
The transition to college for students with disabilities to postsecondary education steps and resources are critical. The student must initiate the accommodation process at the college level.
Attending college abroad is when a student chooses to live in a country other than their country of origin. The student moves to that country for the purpose of attending college. Deadlines, fees, and restrictions differ among countries, along with the application process and application platforms. Abroad countries may have limits on the number of colleges you are allowed to apply to. Be sure to review the testing guidelines and application requirements, and choose your major before applying. Finally, documentation is needed; this often includes a visa, passport, letter of admission, proof of language proficiency, and proof of financial support for living in the associated country.
An immigrant student is someone whose country of origin is not where they currently live.