Types of Colleges

There are many types of colleges. Consider them all and choose the type that's the best fit for your personality, learning style, and situation.
Two-Year Community or Junior Colleges
A two-year college offers you a degree after two years of full-time study. Four out of 10 graduating high school students start their college careers at community colleges.
Attending a community college has lots of advantages.
- Tuition and fees at public community colleges are less than half of those at public four-year colleges and about a tenth of those at private four-year colleges.
- The faculty at community colleges tends to focus more on teaching than research, which means you'll get more help. And classes are usually smaller , so you'll get more personal attention from your teachers.
- Community colleges are good places to explore fields that interest you before committing to a major. You'll save money by paying less than you would at a four-year school while exploring your options.
- Taking classes at a community college can help improve your GPA. Community colleges have an open-door admissions policy — all students are accepted regardless of past academic performance.
- Since many communities have community colleges, you can save money by living at home.
Careers you could have with an Associate's Degree.
Administrative Assistant
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician
Computer Specialist
Court Reporter
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Desktop Publisher
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Engineering Technician
Flight Attendant
Forensic Science Technician
Funeral Director
Geological and Petroleum Technician
Hospitality Manager
Massage Therapist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nursing Aide
Occupational Therapist Assistant
Paralegal
Physical Therapist Assistant
Radiation Therapist
Radiologic Technologist
Registered Nurse
Respiratory Therapist
Solar Energy Consultant
Sound Engineering Technician
Surgical Technologist
Public and Private Four-Year Colleges and Universities
A four-year college usually offers a bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences once you've completed a program of study.
Universities are generally large and offer many majors.
State colleges and universities are usually less expensive than private colleges and universities. State colleges are usually large, as well.
Private colleges are generally more expensive, but tend to be smaller and may offer more personal attention. There are many types of private colleges including women’s colleges, men’s colleges, religious colleges and military colleges.
Don’t exclude more expensive colleges from your list. They often have many grants and scholarships available.
Careers you could have with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Accountant
Athletic Trainer
Biological Technician
Biomedical Engineer
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Computer Applications Software Engineer
Computer Systems Software Engineer
Conservation Scientist
Dietitian
Environmental Engineer
Financial Examiner
Forester
Graphic Designer
Health Educator
Insurance Underwriter
Journalist
Market Research Analyst
Medical and Health Services Manager
Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
Personal Financial Advisor
Public Relations Specialist
Physicians Assistant
Software Engineer
Survey Researcher
- Careers that you could have with a Graduate or Doctorate Degree after earning a Bachelor’s Degree.
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Clergy
Dentist
Doctor
Educational, Vocational and School Counselor
Financial Manager
Lawyer
Management Consultant
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
Petroleum Engineer
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist
Psychiatrist
Scientist
Surgeon
Teacher
University Professor
Veterinarian
Vocational/Trade/Technical Schools
Vocational schools, also known as trade or technical schools, teach skills necessary to perform a particular job.
Vocational schools offer a variety of programs that are two years or less. Typically you earn a certificate or diploma for a skill or trade once you've completed a program of study.
Check out careers that you could have with vocational school training.
Automotive Service Technician
Cosmetologist
Culinary
Executive Chef
Catering Chef
Catering Manager
Food and Beverage Manager
Events Manager
Hairdresser
Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
Massage Therapist
Mechanic
Truck Driver
Welding
Online Classes and Degrees
Many colleges offer online classes that may be taken as part of a program. These classes provide some flexibility in your schedule.
More and more completely online degrees are offered by online universities, traditional colleges and universities, and community colleges.
Check out popular degrees offered at many online universities.
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Nursing & Health Care
- Psychology
- Information Technology
- Continuing Education