Are you ready to take the next step and choose your college or university? This is your chance to pave the way for your future success.
Don't worry - there are plenty of educational avenues to explore. We're here to help you discover your educational options and find the right path to your future.
6 types of colleges and universities
Most colleges and universities fit into one of six categories. Below, we share essential information about the different types of college and university options available to you.
Community colleges
Community colleges are known for their accessibility, affordability, and wide range of educational programs. They offer two-year associate degree programs, four-year bachelor's degree programs, vocational training programs, and certificate programs.
Community colleges typically have open enrollment, allowing anyone with a high school diploma or GED equivalent to attend. Although they're available to so many, they still tend to have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personal attention from instructors. Community colleges also offer adult education programs, including basic skills instruction like ESL and GED preparation.
Community college tuition and fees are significantly less than four-year universities. Many states even offer free community college to state residents. Tuition for in-district community college attendance averages $3,400 per semester.
In short, community colleges offer a wide selection of educational opportunities at an affordable cost. They're a great option for students to learn a new skill, trade, or complete basic skills instruction. It's also a great choice for those wanting a lower-cost way to nab a two- or four-year degree.
Liberal arts colleges
Liberal arts colleges offer four-year bachelor's degrees in areas like humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts. They focus on providing students with a well-rounded education that develops critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
Liberal arts colleges don't train you for a specific career but rather help you explore a variety of fields of study and interests.
Liberal arts colleges also encourage hands-on experience through research opportunities, internships, and community service. They're known for creating a close-knit community where you can build strong relationships with your professors and peers.
Liberal arts colleges are pricey, but many have generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost. The tuition cost averages around $38,330 a year.
If you're not sure what career path to take, want to strengthen your critical thinking skills, or prefer more access to professors, a liberal arts college could be a good fit for you.
Public universities
State and local governments fund public universities. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like sciences, engineering, business, and education.
Public universities offer bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional programs in fields like law, medicine, and dentistry.
Because they are subsidized by government funding, public universities are typically affordable, especially for in-state residents. They offer students plentiful resources like libraries, research facilities, and many extracurricular activities.
Public universities tend to have larger class sizes, particularly in undergraduate coursework. Some public universities also offer online classes, so you can get your degree while juggling work, school, and everything else.
Public university tuition varies by state, residency status, area of study, and financial aid qualifications. For the 2021-2022 school year, the average tuition for in-state students at public four-year schools was $9,400.
Public universities could be a good option if you're looking for high-quality education at a lower cost, access to campus amenities, and you don't mind large class sizes.
Private universities
Private universities are privately funded and known for providing students with top-notch resources and attention. Private universities are renowned for academic excellence and typically have diverse student populations, including international students.
Private schools offer undergraduate degrees and graduate programs in various fields, such as sciences, engineering, business, law, and medicine. They also often have well-funded research programs and state-of-the-art facilities to support research and innovation.
Although private universities usually come with high tuition fees, they also offer eligible students significant financial aid and scholarship opportunities. As with any school, tuition costs vary by location, program, and financial aid availability. Tuition for private, nonprofit four-year institutions in 2021-2022 was around $37,600.
While private universities are quite expensive, they offer unique opportunities for academic and personal growth and community connections that may make them worth the higher cost of admission.
Technical colleges
Technical colleges - sometimes called trade schools or vocational schools - are educational institutions that provide hands-on training in specific career fields, such as health care, automotive repair, construction, or information technology.
What's unique about technical colleges is that they offer certificate or diploma programs that can be completed in as little as six months. They also offer two-year associate degree programs. Technical colleges are generally cheaper than four-year colleges, but costs vary by the type and length of the program.
Technical colleges also often foster strong relationships with local employers and provide job placement assistance for graduates. This offers grads a quicker path to employment and higher earnings immediately after graduation.
Overall, technical colleges are a great option for those looking for a quick and practical way to a trade career.
Special mission colleges
Special mission colleges have a specific focus or mission to help certain groups of people or address a specific need. They're usually created to provide higher education opportunities for historically left out or underrepresented groups, like women, minorities, or low-income students.
Some examples of these schools are historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and single-sex women's colleges.
These schools offer programs and services tailored to the needs of their target student population. Special mission colleges also tend to have a smaller student population and a more close-knit campus culture, which can help students feel more like they're part of a community.
College FAQ
Have questions? Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What's the difference between a college and a university?
Colleges offer undergraduate programs. They may operate independently or as part of a larger university. While there are large colleges, they typically have a smaller student body and class sizes. Private colleges are known for their smaller class sizes and accessibility of instructors. Colleges also tend to have a more community-focused atmosphere.
Universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including specialized professional degrees like law and medicine. Universities are generally larger institutions, often with research facilities for educational advancement. Universities have a greater emphasis on research and graduate education.
What's the difference between a public and private college?
Public colleges get funding from local and state governments, which typically means lower tuition rates, particularly for in-state students.
Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, and nongovernment funding sources. Although they don't receive state funding, they often have generous financial aid packages to students due to contributions from alums and private donors.
Both public and private institutions offer financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
How do I choose the best type of college for me?
Choosing the best type of college may seem difficult, but you can start by reflecting on what's important to you. Consider things like:
- Campus location (close to home, hobbies, nature, entertainment)
- Class sizes
- Majors offered
- Housing cost and availability
- Student population (diversity, networking)
- Extracurricular options (sports, leadership, clubs)
Don't automatically eliminate a school you want to attend because you think you can't afford it or your grades or test scores aren't good enough. The most expensive schools have hearty financial aid options, and admissions teams consider many other factors when choosing students.
Do your homework. Visit college campuses, speak with admissions officials (it's their job), check out school websites, and research online using a platform like College Rover, where you can compare and sort your consideration factors in one place.
Finally, don't stress! Remember, this is your decision. Make your choice based on your goals. Explore all your opportunities and apply to multiple colleges to keep your options open. With some thorough research and healthy self-reflection, you'll find a place where you'll be happy and thrive academically.
Compare the best colleges and universities with College Rover
When it's time to choose the right college, do your research. College Rover helps simplify the college search process.
Search colleges and compare majors, course offerings, and other attributes like tuition, location, and more. College Rover is an invaluable tool for helping you get the college experience of your dreams.
