There are many types of colleges that suit different goals. After determining what type of college you want to attend, you can research and visit specific schools to find the best one for you. Here are four of the types of colleges that you might consider:
Community Colleges typically offer two-year degree programs. People who attend community colleges can earn an associates degree, and they can also transfer to a four-year university following completion of their associates degree program. Often, community colleges have low tuition, and many students choose to attend their first two years of college at a community college to save money before transferring to a four-year university. Some students also choose to attend community colleges so they can have the flexibility to work or fulfill other obligations while in school.
Public Universities are four-year institutions that are funded by governments. Often, public universities offer affordable tuition rates for state residents. Typically, public universities have large student populations and many student organizations and activities. Additionally, public universities usually have many smaller colleges within them, giving students a large range of degree programs to choose from. Public universities often also have distinguished faculty, meaning that students can learn from and network with industry experts.
Private Universities are four-year institutions that are funded by the costs of tuition, donations and other sources. Although the tuition private universities tend to be higher than it is at public universities, private universities sometimes offer financial aid to students. A private university might be a good fit for you if you enjoy rigorous coursework and a relatively small student population. Because classes at private universities tend to be small, you may also be able to connect with faculty more easily, which can be valuable to your learning experience and future career.
Liberal Arts Colleges are colleges that teach students courses in a variety of liberal arts areas, including history, language, literature, math and more. Typically, liberal arts colleges are private, four-year institutions, and they tend to have relatively small class sizes. Many students choose to attend liberal arts colleges so that they can learn skills and knowledge that they can apply to a variety of career paths rather than one specific career.