2008 Woodie Awards
Community College vs. University
Jeren W. Canning
Issue date: 7/20/05 Section: News
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Three years ago, two friends graduated from high school. The first, Jason Lee, was accepted at the University of Utah. The second, J.D. Hooton, was also accepted, but opted to attend SLCC before transferring to the U.
Since his entrance at the U., Lee has spent much of his money being what he calls "just a number to the large university." He reduced his class load due to low finances and is currently considered a sophomore, when he should now be considered a senior. After two years of struggling with the university he decided enough is enough and stopped taking classes.
"I figured I would be ahead of the game because I was accepted to the U., but I was in over my head," Lee said. "I simply wasn't ready for a University, I was only 17 and didn't know what I was getting myself into."
Hooton on the other hand has taken the easier, but just as academic route. He is currently finishing up his associate's degree at SLCC and will transfer to the University of Utah in January, where he will complete his bachelor's degree.
"My friends gave me a hard time for choosing SLCC over the U.," Hooton said. "At least I have a little money in my pocket after tuition, and now I feel I'm ready to take the next step."
These stories are synonymous with many of the students across the state. When offered the chance to attend either a University or a Community College, it is a very difficult decision. A university has the prestige, but a community college has many advantages also.
Money is always a problem for college students. No matter which way you look at it, students will end up spending thousands of dollars each year for tuition. One positive is that SLCC is on the lighter side of the tuition scale. A full-time student at SLCC can expect to spend approximately $2,300 a year, where the tab at the University of Utah can tip the scale at about $5,000. More than double the cost, and for students on a budget $2,700 goes a very long way.
Since his entrance at the U., Lee has spent much of his money being what he calls "just a number to the large university." He reduced his class load due to low finances and is currently considered a sophomore, when he should now be considered a senior. After two years of struggling with the university he decided enough is enough and stopped taking classes.
"I figured I would be ahead of the game because I was accepted to the U., but I was in over my head," Lee said. "I simply wasn't ready for a University, I was only 17 and didn't know what I was getting myself into."
Hooton on the other hand has taken the easier, but just as academic route. He is currently finishing up his associate's degree at SLCC and will transfer to the University of Utah in January, where he will complete his bachelor's degree.
"My friends gave me a hard time for choosing SLCC over the U.," Hooton said. "At least I have a little money in my pocket after tuition, and now I feel I'm ready to take the next step."
These stories are synonymous with many of the students across the state. When offered the chance to attend either a University or a Community College, it is a very difficult decision. A university has the prestige, but a community college has many advantages also.
Money is always a problem for college students. No matter which way you look at it, students will end up spending thousands of dollars each year for tuition. One positive is that SLCC is on the lighter side of the tuition scale. A full-time student at SLCC can expect to spend approximately $2,300 a year, where the tab at the University of Utah can tip the scale at about $5,000. More than double the cost, and for students on a budget $2,700 goes a very long way.