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Here’s How to Decide Which Type of School Is Best for You

types of colleges

Choosing a School: What Type of School is Best for You?

There are many different types of schools for higher education. The question is, which one is best for you? First, you need to know a little more about each type.

Let’s go:

Liberal Arts College

A liberal arts college is one with a primary emphasis on undergraduate study in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students in the liberal arts generally concentrate their studies in a particular field of study, while receiving exposure to a wide range of academic subjects, from the sciences to humanities subjects.

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Private vs. Public

Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive public monies, especially in the form of favorable tax considerations and government student loans and grants.

They receive private funding through alumni donations, faculty research grants, and tuition fees. American students enjoy studying in private institutions in the USA for their technological resources, research facilities, and small class sizes.

Unusual and innovative academic programs may be found on private university campuses. Some of the most competitive and selective institutions of higher education in the United States are private.

A public institution often referred to as a state university, is one that receives funding from the state and/or federal government, although tuition revenue and private funding also contribute to its financial stability.

These institutions may follow state-wide admission requirements or have their own individual requirements. Many times, class sizes at public universities are larger but are less costly than at private institutions.

Universities

Often are larger and offer more majors and degree options—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—than colleges.

Most universities contain several smaller colleges, such as colleges of liberal arts, engineering, or health sciences. These colleges can prepare you for a variety of careers or for graduate study.

* Some Universities also have professional schools: journalism school, pharmacy school, dental school, medical school, law school, & veterinary school, etc.

Community College or Junior College

Here you can earn either an Associate’s degree or transfer credits toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university.

Tuition is usually lower and class sizes smaller. For most academic programs you will also be taking a core curriculum similar to that of the first two years of a 4-year program.

The minimum test scores and GPA are also lower for community colleges/junior colleges.

For-Profit Institutions

These are businesses that offer a variety of degree programs that typically prepare students for a specific career. They tend to have higher costs, which could mean graduating with more debt.

Credits earned may not transfer to other colleges, so be sure to check with the admission office at each college.

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Vocational, Technical and Career Colleges

Offer specialized training in a particular industry or career. Possible programs of study include the culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene, and medical-records technology. These colleges usually offer certificates or associate degrees.

 

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