Research universities primarily derive their funding from state government investments in academia and industry, yet these funds do not directly subsidize students' tuition and fees. Consequently, even at public institutions, tuition remains relatively high, typically ranging between $13,000 to $14,000 annually. While these universities may boast world-renowned scholars, including Nobel laureates, this does not necessarily correlate with superior teaching quality. These distinguished professors devote substantial time and energy to research and mentoring graduate students (particularly master's and doctoral candidates). Undergraduate education often occurs through large lecture-style courses (frequently taught by teaching assistants, who are typically doctoral students), resulting in limited interaction between faculty and undergraduates. This structure makes it challenging to address individual learning needs, placing greater responsibility on students to engage in self-directed learning and maintain personal discipline.

Professors at teaching-focused universities also conduct research and publish papers, but their studies typically align closely with industry needs and are immediately applicable. Since research progress is still required, professors must continuously stay updated with theoretical advancements and collaborate with industry partners. These activities do not hinder teaching; on the contrary, research ensures professors' theoretical knowledge remains current and industry-relevant, guaranteeing that their teaching content is both up-to-date and practically useful.

Research universities primarily receive funding from state government investments in academia and industry, but these funds do not directly subsidize student tuition. As a result, even at public universities, tuition at such institutions tends to be higher, typically around $13,000-$14,000 per year. While these universities may boast world-renowned scholars, including Nobel laureates, this does not necessarily translate to better teaching quality. These distinguished professors often dedicate most of their time and energy to research and mentoring graduate students. Undergraduate instruction frequently consists of large lecture-style classes (often taught by teaching assistants, who are typically PhD candidates), with limited direct interaction between professors and undergraduates. Consequently, students must rely heavily on self-directed learning and self-discipline to succeed.

Community colleges always include the word "College" in their names, such as De Anza College. With relatively low tuition and less stringent admission requirements compared to traditional four-year universities, they are ideal for students who cannot afford the cost of a conventional university education or whose high school grades may not meet the standards of prestigious institutions. This does not mean community colleges compromise on academic quality. They offer the first two years of a standard university education—many students complete their initial coursework at a community college before transferring to teaching-focused universities or even research universities (Bear has successfully guided students from De Anza to UC Berkeley!). Moreover, all previously earned credits are transferable. This system demonstrates that even the most renowned universities have long recognized the academic rigor of community college instruction.