Your Guide to Types of Higher Education
Last Updated on October 18, 2023 by Jill Schwitzgebel
Universities
Often, the terms “university” and “college” are used interchangeably when referring to higher education. Students in the US will usually say that they are going to college after high school, whether they are attending a university or a college. One is not more prestigious than the other.
Typically, universities are larger and have multiple smaller “colleges” within them. Those colleges may include engineering, nursing, education, and more. They typically have a college of Liberal Arts, as well, and may have an Honors college. Universities will typically offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. It’s not unusual for introductory courses to be taught by graduate students rather than professors.
Universities may be either public or private.
Liberal Arts Colleges
Schools that label themselves as liberal arts colleges are generally smaller with more limited major options. They offer a well-rounded course of study in all areas, with in-depth focus in one area. They tend to be more focused on undergraduate students because they do not offer graduate degrees, typically. There are exceptions – some, like Dartmouth, kept “college” in their name as a nod to history. Classes are likely to be taught by professors with degrees in the field.
Like universities, they may be either private or public, although the majority are private.
Within the University and Liberal Arts College categories, there are specialized options for some groups:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities –these schools originated at a time when these students were systematically denied entry to other colleges and universities. Today, they give students the opportunity to experience education as a majority population in the college.
- Military Colleges – along with coursework to attain their bachelors degree, students that attend these colleges also receive military instruction. All students will participate in ROTC, although not every student is required to serve in the military after they graduate.
- Religiously Affiliated Colleges and Universities – formed by a religious group or organization. Students do not have to be affiliated with that religious group, but should know that the school will align with that religion’s values. Students will likely need to take a course or two in religion to graduate.
- Women’s Colleges – as the name implies, these schools are specifically for women, with high numbers of female professors and administrators to serve as mentors and role models. Women’s colleges tend to have a high number of graduates in science.
See also: Private Vs. Public Colleges: Understanding the Difference
Service Academies
Students receive a top-rated bachelors degree, in exchange for military service time as commissioned officers after they graduate. Tuition, room and board, and even books are free for students who attend. However, competition to get into the academies can be fierce.
Community Colleges/Junior Colleges
Community colleges and junior colleges are similar, and offer two year associates degrees. Many times, students will then transfer to a four year college or university to complete their bachelors degrees. Or students may complete a specialized training program in a specific occupation during those two years instead.
See Reasons for Families to Consider Community College
Technical Institutes or Professional Training
These schools offer specialized programs to prepare students for jobs in specific occupations. Programs are often one year in length.
For-Profit Colleges
As the name implies, these exist to maximize profit to their owners/shareholders. Many have been under investigation for taking advantage of students for their own gain, rather than student benefit. Graduation rates are very low – in the range of 20% in some cases. While not all are predatory, proceed with caution here.
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