As senior year wraps up, life begins to feel like you feel when you’re at the front of the line trying to figure out what to buy at McDonald´s. Except instead of picking between fries or salad, you’re choosing your entire future. No pressure. One of the biggest questions students face is whether to attend a four-year college directly or start at a community college and then transfer.

Going straight to a four-year college is what many people think when they talk about the college experience. You move out, get a roommate who either becomes your best friend or someone you hate. There are football games, late-night study sessions, and the freedom to decide things like when you go to sleep (which, let’s be honest, might be way too late).

Another reason people choose a four-year college is that it’s simple. You start there, and you stay there until you graduate. No need to transfer or reapply to a different school. You can settle there, meet people, and build strong connections. It feels like the perfect path.

However, here’s where things get a little less fun: the cost. Four-year colleges can be really expensive. Like, “check your bank account and suddenly need a nap” is expensive. Many students end up taking out loans, and these debts can follow them for years after graduation. So while the experience may be exciting, the price can be a huge downside.

That’s where community college steps in, kind of like the hero of a story that people forget about for the cute side character. It’s cheaper, which means you can save a lot of money while still getting your general education. You can live at home, which might mean free food and free housing. After two years, you can transfer to a four-year college and finish your degree, most times ending up in the same place as someone who started there.

Community colleges, like Bakersfield College, are also great if you’re not totally sure what you want to do yet. Honestly, though, most people aren’t. Expecting a 17 or 18-year-old to have their whole life planned out is crazy when most of them are still children at heart. Community college gives you time to try different classes and figure out what you want to do without spending a lot of money. Plus, classes are usually smaller, so it’s easier to talk to your teachers and ask questions when you’re lost.

However, in the end, there’s no perfect choice. It all comes down to what you want. Some people may be ready to pack their bags and head straight to a four-year college. Others may rather save money, stay closer to home, and take things step by step. Both paths can lead to the same goal.

So instead of stressing about picking the “correct” option, it might be better to focus on picking the one that makes the most sense for you. Whether you want to dive into it or take things slow, you’re still moving forward and hopefully avoiding too much student debt along the way.