I'm surprised most folks are talking about state schools as the main "cheap" options for their kids... only a few mentioned community colleges, what gives?
Thing is, kids are complicated, and there's no one blanket statement about what's best.
Our oldest went straight to a 4-year university. She has known since she was very small that she was very attracted to the medical field, and in high school we pushed her towards experiences to verify that her perceptions were realistic (and they were). Going straight into a university provides her with the best opportunities for the things she wants to do, it's what she wants, and it's in our budget. She's doing exceptionally well, and I think we helped her to make great choices.
Our youngest is less sure of what she wants, and she lacks somewhat in confidence. She is, at this point, considering all her options, and one of those is community college -- she's just as smart as her sister, but she isn't sure at all that she's ready to go out into the big, bad world just yet. We have several college visits lined up over the next few months (including one to a community college), and -- like her older sister -- we're encouraging her towards experiences to help her "test" out the things that interest her for a career, though she isn't as certain as her sister was. Because she's waivering between the choice of a 2-year or a 4-year school, we are also investigating the transfer programs at the 4-year schools. I am sure that she's the student who,
if she transfers, would benefit from some support in making the switch between schools. I know that her sister's college, for example, has a dorm floor where they house all the transfer students together, and I'm thinking that would be good -- you know, being placed with other students who are more like 19-20 instead of straight out of high school.
Finally, community college doesn't always mean 2 years of community college + 2 years of university = degree. My husband, for example, started at community college, then needed 3 years of university to complete his 4-year degree. Things don't always transfer nicely. You can "up your odds" by keeping contact with the school you eventually plan to attend, but IF they change the requirements, well, you're screwed. This could still be the best option, but don't assume that graduation in 4 years is a given.
Okay, I said
finally, but I realize I have more to say . . . things in the world of education are changing rapidly these days, and it's impossible to say what'll be available for your as-yet unborn baby. One thing that's popping up in many high schools is an "Early College option". This means that the students are enrolled in high school for 4 years . . . but they leave with a high school diploma AND an Associate's degree. It essentially means they've taken their basic English 101, Math 101, etc. and are ready to head into a university as a junior. However, in my area they only take 50 kids per year, and preference goes to kids whose parents are not college grads. Also, these kids don't get to choose any electives -- so my oldest would've missed out on the Health Occupations class that allowed her to spend 50% of her school day as a senior in the hospital, and both of my girls would've missed out on some fun things like art, which they really enjoyed. My oldest wouldn't have earned a CNA, which is providing her with a good part-time job during college, and she wouldn't have the certainty that she's in the right major. And they don't have the chance to take part in school sports and other social events. My friend whose daughter just graduated from this program last year DID enter college as a junior . . . but she's mapped out her coursework, and she will need three years of university to finish her degree. I'm not entirely sold on this program, and I don't think you should choose this based solely upon financial reasons. The student for whom it's a good fit is the kid who is academically capable but doesn't value the high school social scene. It would be a nightmare for the kids who hope to win a sports scholarship, or for the kids whose life IS band or theater.
The opportunity for AP classes and early college classes has blossomed through the fairly new Virtual Public Schools system; and many high school students take part in dual-enrollment programs, which means they might take math and history at the high school 1st and 2nd period, then travel to the community college in the afternoon to take college courses. My youngest is going to do this next year, and it's a great deal -- she'll probably take 4 community college classes next year when she's a senior, and because she's doing it "though the high school" we won't pay a penny for tuition or books.
So, in closing for real, I have two big points:
- What works for one child may not work for another. Every child needs and deserves his parents' time in helping him work through the options available for his specific needs and opportunities.
- College options are changing. When the time comes for your child, what I've just said about my children may not be relevant in the least.