March can be a tumultuous month for Oxford seniors, as college decisions evoke a variety of emotions. Whether they plan to pursue a certificate program, transfer in the future, or save money on education, approximately 15% of Oxford’s graduating class chooses to attend local community colleges (CCs) like Cypress and Fullerton College annually, according to Oxford’s counseling department. Despite their benefits, these institutions are unfairly perceived by many members of the Oxford community, creating negative stigmas towards students who take this route. Rather than dismissing community college as a lesser option, students must move away from determining an institution’s worth based on prestige and open their minds to an alternative path outside of a four-year university.
College admissions are becoming increasingly competitive, with acceptance rates declining each year. Among the University of California (UC) system, Oxford students most frequently apply to UC Irvine. According to the UC Admissions website, for the class of 2024, 154 students applied to this campus, but only 65 — less than half — were admitted.
Along with the competitiveness of admissions, the cost of attending these schools can be a burden for those who do get in; The yearly price for attending a UC campus, including tuition, housing, and food, can reach up to $47,388 for a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree. In contrast, the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD)’s pledge program guarantees eligible graduates two years of free tuition at Fullerton or Cypress College.
Though expenses may be offset by financial aid, not all students qualify, leading to economic stresses and potential debt from loans taken out to pay tuition. As a result, many students choose to attend a CC as a financial investment, saving money on general education courses during their freshman and sophomore years.
Due to Oxford’s academically focused atmosphere, students often feel intense pressure to apply to institutions based on prestige rather than what best suits them. A future at a CC is viewed as an insult by many; demeaning comments from peers, exacerbated by a herd mentality that focuses on applying to select schools as a status symbol, discourage students from choosing this path.
“I think the students at Oxford Academy genuinely do have a stigma against community college,” Oxford alum from the class of 2023 Jonathan Nguyen said. “I remember feeling really bad and embarrassed about my decision.”
Nguyen attended Cypress College after graduating, then transferred to the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
“For students coming from families with budgeted incomes, I think [those] who aren’t exactly sure what they want to pursue academically should look at community college. I know many peers who regret going to expensive institutions and wasting time and money switching careers,” Nguyen said.
Some students associate CC with lower graduation rates and a loss of the classic college experience, but fail to consider the plethora of alternative options available. Students can participate in certificate programs and earn associate degrees, and in the case of some programs, bachelor’s degrees, allowing them to join the industry faster.
Students may also continue their education after CC by transferring to a four-year university after completing general education courses. Public state universities like the UCs have higher acceptance rates for transfer students — acceptance for eligible transfer students is guaranteed at six UC campuses through the Transfer Admission Guarantee program — offering another route for students to pursue advanced degrees.
Nevertheless, many students feel compelled to follow the traditional route due to pressure from family, peers, or even themselves. This pressure is increased at Oxford, where students often disregard the benefits of the CC system. Reducing this deeply rooted stigma calls for a change in the very culture of how Oxford students view college admissions.
Students should be motivated to do what’s best for themselves — whether career-wise, financially or due to personal circumstances, a four-year university may not be the best choice for everyone. Students can help break down stigma by celebrating themselves and their peers, who may embark on varying journeys. Breaking free of ‘college-shaming’ can propel scholars to success as they explore routes that are uniquely beneficial.
