What is the difference between a community college and a four-year university in the United States?

Community colleges and four-year universities are both institutions of higher education in the United States, but there are significant differences between the two. Community colleges, also known as junior colleges or two-year colleges, are typically smaller and offer two-year associate degrees or certificate programs. They are often more affordable than four-year universities and offer more flexible scheduling options, such as night and weekend classes, for students who may need to work or have other commitments.

Four-year universities, on the other hand, are larger institutions that typically offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. They are often more selective in their admissions process and have higher tuition costs than community colleges. Four-year universities also tend to have more resources, such as research facilities, athletic programs, and a wider range of academic majors and programs.

Another key difference between community colleges and four-year universities is the academic preparation and expectations. Community colleges typically offer remedial courses and other support services to help students who may not be as academically prepared for college-level work. Four-year universities generally have higher academic standards and may expect students to be better prepared for the rigors of college-level coursework.