Types of Higher Education?

(Microsoft 2011a)

Higher Education

• Over 4,000: Two & Four-Year Colleges & Universities– Around 2,500 Four-Year Schools– Around 1,500 Two-Year Schools

• Should be a postsecondary institution fitting your – Career goals– Interests– Skills – Desired college experience

Type of Postsecondary Schools

• Vocational Schools– Usually between one to two years– usually for profit

• Online Colleges– Can be one year all the way to doctorate (up to 12 years)

– Can be for profit

• Community and Technical Colleges• 2-year schools• Usually not for profit

• Universities and Private Colleges– 4-Year schools– Usually Not for Profit

Community Colleges: 2-Year School

• Associate Degree: leads straight high skill careers• Smaller classes: More professor contact• Cost: Significantly less than four-year schools– Commuter: Can live at home, may be easier transition

• Admitted: Most high school grads get admitted– Transfer Credits: Many classes are accepted at your 4-year

colleges of interest

Community College Benefits

1. Fewer students per class– Get more personalized instruction

2. Less expensive3. Transition is easier at a community college – Because you can live at home

4. Many credits can transfer to 4-year colleges5. Many 2-year degrees lead directly to good high skills careers

Example:

Public 4-Year University

• Degrees: Business, Engineering, Design, Theater – Admitted: more difficult than 2-year school, varies

• Larger Classes: less access to faculty– More graduate assistant instructors than at other schools– Tends to have less discussion in classes

• Cost: Not as expensive as a private college– If attending in state where you live

• More activities: athletics, clubs, concerts, political

Public University Benefits

• Have university housing– More of a complete colleges experience

• A lot to do– Sports, clubs, many school events, concerts

• You can earn different types of degrees– Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PHD

• Learn to live on your own

Examples:

Private 4-Year College

• Degrees: Biology, Dance, Philosophy, Spanish – Admitted: more difficult than 2-year school, varies

• Smaller Classes: more access to faculty– Few graduate assistant instructors than large university– Tends to have more discussion in classes

• Cost: Tends to be the most expensive type of college– Often provides some of the best financial aid programs

• Campus Life: highest % of students living on campus

Private College or University Benefits

• Small class sizes• More financial aid• Campus life• Networking options

Examples:

Vocational Postsecondary Schools

• Private school: Focus on training for a specific career– Often connects students to employers after completion

• Examples of vocational schools– Aveda Institute: 1-year, Cosmetology, Massage, etc.– Dunwoody Technology: 2-year, Automotive, Computer– Minnesota School of Horseshoeing: 3 to 6 months

• Often does not require any or as many core classes– Ex: English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language

Technical College: 2-Year School

• Increasingly more overlap with community college– Smaller classes: More professor contact– Cost: Significantly less than four-year schools– Admitted: Most high school grads get admitted– Commuter: Can live at home, may be easier transition

• Associate Degree: leads straight high skill careers– Ex: Carpenter, Dental Hygienist, Web Designer, Chef

• Apprentice Program: offered for some degrees

Types of Classes

• Lecture based: Classes that are structured around a professor

• Seminar based: Small group lead discussion• Independent Study: Meeting one on one with a profession

outside of class time, usually designed by student

• Lab: application based class

• Studio: hands on based class, usually art type classes

Re-Cap

1. 4,000 colleges and universities in the US2. Options available for all types of students.3. Choose one that best fits your needs