Worth it to go to wayne county community college district out of state? (Detroit: apartments)

[Radical_Car]

Hey, I am 17 and from Minnesota and I will be Junior in High School, my first day is actually tomorrow(well today since it is after midnight here) and I should be sleeping, but it's the first day and what not.

Anyway, I am starting to think about college and I always wanted to go out of state, but the tuition is always expensive, and I noticed that the tuition for Wayne County Community College District is actually cheaper then in state tuition here.

Would you reccommend it? Also what campus is the best? I was thinking the downtown one just because I have heard the downtown is great.
I have never been to Detroit, and I would definitely visit the city before I would decide to go there.

Now, honestly, and I am asking only people who live in Detroit or people who have lived there and can actually give me an honest answer (not someone who has never been to Detroit and just has some ignorant idea of what it is based on the media and what not), what is the crime like? Many people talk about how you can't walk down the street without being mugged and other people say it isn't that bad. Since I have never been to Detroit, and really the only source I have is the internet, many people claim Detroit is horrible, and others say it isn't really that bad.
I myself think it really isn't as bad as people or the media claim, and sure there are dangerous and ghetto neighborhoods, but doesn't every city have bad neighborhoods and what not?
People also claim about there being a ton of abandoned buildings, and I have seen several pictures of them online and YouTube videos, but the YouTube videos I have seen only show the abandoned buildings, and claim the entire city is like that, which I have a hard time believing it actually is.

Also, what is the job market like? I know GM is in the tanks, and the unemployment is like the highest in the country(i think?) I would be going for Accounting, since I am excellent in math, and this year as a Junior I will be taking an accounting class, and probably another one my Senior Year. I suppose it is always possible to move to another city after I graduate...

Housing right now in Detroit is cheap, obviously, and if I were to stay in state I would still move out into my own apartment, and apartments in Detroit from what I seen on Craigslist and other apartment sites is that apartments are generally cheaper. What kind of apartments are in or near the downtown area?

Thanks

[Cliffie]

Wayne is an excellent school with great connection to Wayne State U and all the other good MI schools if you wnt to transfer or get an advanced degree. I'd recommend it to anyone. The main campus had the most to offer academically. There is lots of decent student-priced housing in the immediate area. I would contact the school and ask about housing, since you're not really in a position to walk over and take a look in person.

[somebodymiami]

why not miami dade CC?

[Radical_Car]

Originally Posted by somebodymiami

why not miami dade CC?

I just went to their website and they're out of state is a lot more than tuition in my state plus Miami housing I believe housing isn't cheap.

[MTUCache]

Honestly I don't have much input on the WCCCD or out-of-state tuition... but I would definitely say that you absolutely need to be checking out these areas for yourself in person and seeing if it's what you're used to. If that means a road-trip with the family or arranging a campus visit, you've got to do it, because there's nothing so intimidating as moving to an entirely new environment by yourself.

For many urban-acclimated people living in Detroit in student-housing would be no big deal. They've already accepted situations involving their environment, their neighbors, and the "feel" of their neighborhood. For someone who isn't acclimated at all to that environment it could easily feel like they were living in their worst nightmare (even if it's not really all that bad).

I would be curious to see how the price difference between WCCCD and Oakland Community College, and how they partner with their respective "big brother" schools (Wayne State and Oakland University). Obviously the housing costs would be different based on which campus of each school you went to, but for myself at least I would feel much more comfortable living on my own at the Royal Oak or Auburn Hills OCC campus. Much different environment.

As long as you're considering accounting, have you looked into Walsh College (in Troy)?? They have an excellent reputation as a business school, are in a great area (although admittedly a bit pricier), and cater specifically to people who are working regular 9-5 jobs. Just a thought since you brought up Accounting and that's where my mother went to school, near where I grew up.

[enigmaingr]

Personally, I wouldn't attend any community college out-of-state unless I was moving to that state for some other reason.

WCCC is about the same as every other community college. You will get the education you need at a decent price. But if you are willing to move for a community college, why not apply to a 4-year school? You might be surprised to find out that you qualify for a lot more financial aid at a 4-year school than you might be expecting, making it actually more affordable than WCCC.

I attended a university in Michigan but work for a community college in Michigan. I love the community college mission so please don't take this as a knock on community colleges. Just keep a few things in mind before you make a decision:

-Community colleges generally attract non-traditional students. Many of your classmates will be older adults with families or people your age that grew up in the area and already have an established network of friends. These people don't have a need or the time to reach out to new people. It's very much a commuter culture where people just go to class and return home as soon as possible. At a 4-year school, just about everyone is away from home and are eager to meet others.

-Your credits might not be so easily transferable should you later decide to attend a 4-year school in a different state. If you come to WCCC, I suggest that you also plan to transfer to a 4-year school in Michigan.

-If you are interested in accounting, you'll need a 4-year degree. Many universities will require you to have taken all courses within your major at that school. You may find that you'll have to re-take some basic accounting courses at your new school.

-Most scholarships are for students attending a 4-year school

-If you factor in living expenses, you might find that it will be cheaper for you to pay a little more at your local community college.

-All community colleges are bursting at the seems with displaced workers returning to school for job training or degree completion and other students looking for an affordable option. This means that your 2-year plan may be extended an additional year as you may not be able to get into all the classes that you need.