Low Cost College Strategy

Several states, including California, Louisiana and Texas, have statewide matriculation agreements guaranteeing admission to a 4-year state school to any student who earns an AA at an instate community college. In Texas and Florida, all state universities and community colleges use the same numbering system for courses. A student who passes “Math 101” at a community college will receive full credit for the course when he/she transfers to a state university.

Other states have a hybrid system that designs a means for admission to a 4-year school by completing a classes at a community college. For example, the University of Texas and Houston Community College have a program where a 4-year degree costs a total of $19,000 for all four years.

Roughly 70% of all public schools have advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses that, in many cases, can be transferred for college credit. In some rural areas, students are allowed to begin taking community college classes during their junior year in high school. The program continues for one year after high school graduation, ending in an AA degree—often at no cost. The credits can then be applied to a higher degree.

Earning Credits