Hacking Education: The 2-to-4 College Transfer Approach

These days when people think of college, they tend to think of two things: private versus public. Private colleges offer small classes and a huge price tag, while large public universities are more reasonably priced but the class sizes can be 150+ and the personal attention is often lacking.

What if there were a third choice? There already is: the 2-to-4 college transfer approach.

The approach is simple: start at a two-year college and complete two years of coursework, then transfer to a four-year college where you earn your bachelor’s degree after another two years. Two-year schools can offer many of the benefits of private four-year universities – small classes, individual attention, a cozy campus – but at a fraction of the cost.

The money you save could help you afford a private college for your transfer school or it could reduce your student loan burden. In 2008, the average student loan debt was $23,000*. After you graduate, do you want to pay hundreds of dollars to the loan company each month?

While important, savings are just a part of the larger picture. By getting extra attention and support in the first two years of your college, you can build skills and a foundation for learning that will help you succeed in the next two years and beyond.

If you attend a two-year school near your home or online, you can also avoid the distraction of living on-campus. Parties, mixers, football games, late-night pizza runs – all of it can be fun but it can also interfere with your focus as you adjust to the more rigorous academic standards of college. It may not feel like it, but the football games will be just as exciting in two years if you choose the 2-to-4 transfer approach.

Already convinced? If 2-to-4 is right for you, start planning with these great resources:

• The Ultimate College Transfer Checklist
• How to Find a School’s Transfer Policies
• Planning for an Out-of-State College Transfer

*Source: "High Hopes, Big Debts (Class of 2008)." The Project on Student Debt.