Community College: The Best of Both Worlds!

by Casey Chin, The Tutoring Club

​When I reflect back on my college days, I think about football and basketball games, sorority events, the countless hours spent hanging out in dining halls, and the joy I felt from being independent for the first time in my life.  As much I loved my time in college, I am aware that a large 4-year university is not suitable for everyone. College education is expensive, and if a student is not socially or academically ready, the downfall could result in thousands of wasted dollars.  I also firmly believe that education and training beyond high school is imperative!  What are the options for those students who perhaps can’t afford a large University or struggled a bit in high school?  I did some research and came across several great options for Florida students!  These options allow for significant cost savings while offering the same experiences of large university living – it’s the best of both worlds!    
    The first option is offered through Tallahassee Community College (TCC).  The programs offered by TCC are called TCC2FSU, TCC2FAMU, and TCC2UWF.  Each respective program guarantees admission to Florida State University, Florida A & M University or University of West Florida after obtaining an AA from TCC through the Golden Guarantee Program.   The exciting part is that TCC is located right next to FSU and close to FAMU and there are great housing options that allow TCC students to gain a full college experience! The housing complex is called Southgate Campus Center.  It is located on FSU’s campus right next to sorority row and houses FSU and TCC students.  It’s privately owned, but set up just like a regular dorm!  It has a full dining hall and lots of social activities for students including monthly social gatherings and tailgating for FSU’s football games!  Southgate does accept financial aid as a form of payment as well!  You could save lots of money by attending a community college but still get the FSU college experience by staying at Southgate! 
     North Florida not the place for you?  Fly further south and check out a community college that offers on-campus housing - Florida has three!  
    The first is Florida SouthWestern State College located in Ft. Myers, FL.  FSWC offers on-campus housing with a dining hall, fitness center, Rec room with pool tables, basketball and volleyball courts, BBQ grills, etc., giving students a full college experience.  Students can easily transfer to Florida Gulf Coast University (also located in Ft. Myers), or with an AA, all students are guaranteed admission to one of the 11 Florida state universities.  However, it may not be the one of choice unless you go with a guaranteed program.   
    The second community college that offers on-campus housing is Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL.  HCC offers students apartment style housing in their Hawks Landing Complex.  The apartments come fully furnished and include internet and cable, washer & dryer, fitness center, computer lab, game room, resort style pool, and 24 hour video surveillance for safety!  
    The third community college that offers on-campus housing is Florida Keys Community College – that’s right – Florida Keys!  The dorm, Lagoon Landing, features suite-style dorms, has many great amenities, and is situated so that every room has beautiful views of the water.  If you are interested in Marine Science, this could be a perfect fit!
    With so many options available to students now, it almost seems silly to pay full price for 4 years of university tuition!  For more information about these schools, or others please give me a call!  904-230-2855.
ANCHORING YOUR FUTURE, 
CASEY