Exploring Your College Options

There are many options available now for furthering your education. By exploring your college options, you can find the right fit for you.

• Colleges may be either two-year or four-year. 
• Two-year colleges lead to a certificate or an associate degree. They include community college, technical-vocational, and career college.  
• Four-year colleges lead to a associate and bachelor's degree. 
• Universities are larger, four-year schools. They offer more majors and lead to bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

College Specific Information:

• Vocational, technical, and career colleges prepare students for a specific career in as little as 9 months. Programs include: medical assisting, dental assisting, culinary arts, information technology, paralegal, cosmetology, and more.
• Credits earned at technical-vocational or career colleges may not transfer to other colleges, should you decide to pursue additional education later in the future.
• There are colleges/universities that specialize in art, music, theater, or religious studies.
• Private colleges may sometimes be connected to a religious faith. However, they may allow students to attend who do not practice the same religion, as long as they show respect for the beliefs and follow their honor code.
• Students can now complete some, if not all, of their education online. Online degree programs are available through regular "brick and mortar" colleges/universities and through online-only schools. However, make sure the school you choose has the proper accreditation. Remember, just because a school says it is accredited doesn't mean that it really is, or that it has the right accreditation! Be sure to check with your state licensing board. Read more about accreditation precautions here.      
• More colleges and universities are offering Adult Degree Programs, where you can finish your bachelor's degree in as little as 16 months. These typically are designed for busy adults who meet once a week in the evenings or can be completed online. 

What is the Difference in Tuition Among Schools?

• Public colleges (such as community colleges and state colleges) are funded by local and state governments and typically offer lower tuition than private colleges. 
• Colleges typically offer lower tuition rates for students who are in-state residents. 
• Technical-vocational or career college may have higher tuition costs than a community college. 
• Tuition for an Adult Degree Program is less than the regular tuition rate at the same college or university.