Understanding the Different Types of Colleges

It’s not the first time you’ve heard these terms for the different types of schools: College vs. University—four-year colleges and two-year colleges—community college or state university—private university and state college...AND, to add to the confusion some of these are used interchangeably. It’s safe to say, you’re not alone if you have questions about the types of institutes for higher education! There are many types of schools to choose from within the United States.

What are the different types of colleges?

Knowing the basics about the types of colleges offered will help you create an informed plan and help you understand the educational and career paths of others, too. Let’s start with this common question: What's the difference between colleges and universities? Generally speaking, colleges are smaller than universities. Colleges tend to offer fewer majors or areas of study than universities. This allows colleges to sometimes be more specialized. For instance, someone may say College A is great for nursing students or College B specializes in criminal justice studies. Universities usually have more advanced types of degrees such as master’s, Ph.D., and M.D. programs. Some big universities may be known for teaching several programs like engineering and medicine, while additionally offering specialized advanced degrees in fields such as teaching.

Types of Colleges

Let’s break down the different colleges and universities, or post high school learning options for students.

Public and Private Colleges

State governments fund public colleges. Public colleges tend to have lower tuition rates and oftentimes, more generous financial aid packages than private colleges. Most public colleges offer substantially reduced in-state tuition rates for students that reside in that particular state. Private colleges use tuition and fees to fund their education business. Private colleges can be more expensive than their private college counterparts. Scholarships and financial aid opportunities are funded by private donors like alumni.

4-Year and 2-Year Colleges

Four-year colleges offer bachelor’s degree programs. They’re sometimes called undergraduate institutions or colleges. Two-year colleges provide associate degree programs and/or may offer certificate programs. Two-year institutions are sometimes called community colleges. They can also be vocational, technical, or career schools.

Universities

Universities are larger than colleges and may have smaller colleges within their university system. For instance, University A may have a College of Technology, College of Education, or College of Health Sciences—each with its own Dean. Universities offer advanced degrees: master’s and doctoral degrees.

Community Colleges

Community colleges are two-year institutions that are smaller than colleges and universities. Many students attend a community college to earn their associate degree, become certified or learn a trade. Tuition is substantially lower at community colleges.

For Profit Colleges

Businesses own for-profit colleges. For-profit colleges tend to offer online classes and flexible course schedules with courses offered in the evenings and on the weekends. Compared to other colleges, for-profit colleges cost more. Credits at non-profit colleges may not transfer to other universities or colleges.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal arts colleges are private, four-year institutions offering undergraduate degrees in art, history, languages, literature, philosophy, sociology, and more. The curriculum is strongly focused on skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and verbal and written communication. A liberal arts degree offers students a broad knowledge base and the opportunity to choose from a variety of career paths. Classes are smaller and students may receive more one-on-one attention from professors.

Specially Designated Colleges

Additionally, students may choose to attend a school that educates a specific, oftentimes underrepresented, student demographic. Specialty colleges can also concentrate on a specific field of study or ideology. HBCU HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Created because of historical racial segregation practices in the U.S., HBCUs were designed to help Black students advance their education. Today, HBCUs accepts all student races. HSI HSI stands for Hispanic Serving Institution. According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 25% of enrolled students must be Hispanic to qualify as a HSI college or university. Women's Colleges Similar to HBCUs, women’s colleges were created because of historical educational exclusion practices based on sex. Most women’s colleges are private institutions with small classes. Female-only colleges offer all types of degree programs and tend to have a high number of female professors. Religious Colleges Colleges with religious affiliations are private schools that combine academics with faith-based practices. Faith-based colleges can have large and small student populations. The University of Notre Dame and Georgetown are examples of large religious universities.

Vocational, Technical and Career Colleges

Sometimes called career schools, these institutions are focused on a particular trade or skill set. Students learn in a hands-on environment, often from field-experienced teachers. Students can earn their degree or certification, and/or learn a trade in two years or less. Trade schools can be private or public and post- or pre-secondary. In fact, some rural high schools offer Vo-Tech bridge programs for seniors.

Which type of college is right for you?

Before you get to venture into the real world, you’ll need to know your destination before charting your course. Your goal is the compass. The type of college you choose is your mode of transport. Luckily you have a variety of college or school options to choose from.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Type of College

There are a multitude of factors to consider when deciding the type of school, you’ll attend. Start by evaluating the following details as they relate to your specific needs: Majors and Classes Offered Will you have access to the coursework needed? Does the school have the degree you need? Financial Aid Availability Will you need financial aid to help you pay for school? Does the school you’re interested in tend to offer generous financial aid award packages? Size of the School Do you need small classes to thrive? Does the idea of attending large lecture classes sound like a good fit for you? School Location Do you need to go to an in-state school for financial reasons? Are you looking to attend a university as an out-of-state student? Do you want to be close to home? Housing Options Are there plenty of housing options within the town where the school’s located? Will you be far enough away from home that you should live in a dorm? Do you want to live in dorms or college apartments as an upperclassman? Campus Atmosphere Are there places to dine? Is there a student gym or student union? Does the college have a sports team or pep band? Connecting with your high school counselor, teacher, or college recruiter is also another method to help you make your final decision.