One of the most reliable ways to lower the price of a bachelor's degree is to complete general-education courses at a low-cost community college, then transfer to a four-year school to finish. This "2+2" path can save tens of thousands in tuition.
Why It Saves Money
- Community college tuition is typically a fraction of four-year tuition.
- You can live at home for the first two years, cutting housing costs.
- Credits transfer to many public universities through articulation agreements.
How to Do It Safely
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm transfer agreements | ensures your credits count toward your target degree |
| Follow the right course sequence | avoids repeating classes at the four-year school |
| Keep your GPA up | some programs are competitive for transfer |
Watch Outs
Not every credit transfers, and some four-year majors admit few transfers. Meet with advisors at both schools early and in writing. Compare the full four-year cost in our Community College vs. University Calculator.