Formulas for Career Success: Higher Learning Types of Institutions 1

Questions What two categories do higher learning institutions fall under? What types of higher learning institutions are available? What types of degrees are offered at each type of higher learning institution? 2

Higher Learning Institutions Are classified as public or private –public institutions are largely supported by government funds –private institutions do not receive government funding, but are supported solely by tuition, endowment and donations 3 Endowment: account of donation funds invested in order to continuously generate income; the original endowment amount is left alone, while the income it generates is available for spending

Public vs. Private Institutions PublicPrivate Generally less expensive Generally more expensive Tend to be largerTend to be smaller Often offer wider choice of majors Often offer smaller range of majors Larger class sizes common Smaller class sizes common 4

Higher Learning Institutions Include: –vocational, trade and technical schools –community and junior colleges –colleges and universities 5 Did You Know? Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest higher learning institution in the United States.

Vocational, Trade & Technical Schools Provide job-specific training Award diplomas or certificates depending on the area of study May also prepare students for a licensing exam Offer formal classes and hands-on training directly related to a student’s career of interest 6

Vocational, Trade & Technical Schools Offer a wide range of programs depending on the institution –programs may take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete Do not typically have on-campus housing or other on-campus amenities available Are usually less expensive than traditional college and therefore considered a cost-effective option 7

Community & Junior Colleges Are also known as two-year colleges Award associate degrees May grant diplomas or certificates based on area of study Provide traditional classes with flexible scheduling Are typically less expensive than four-year schools 8

Community & Junior Colleges Do not typically offer on-campus housing –however, there are exceptions May or may not offer other on-campus amenities such as food services 9

Colleges & Universities Are four-year schools Award bachelor’s degrees May or may not offer graduate degrees 10 Did You Know? The most commonly earned bachelor’s degrees are those in the field of business.

Colleges & Universities Typically offer on-campus housing May also offer other on-campus amenities, including: –food services –fitness centers –game rooms –laundry service 11

Colleges & Universities: What is the Difference? The difference between a college and a university is unclear and often debated. Some say colleges offer fewer programs and are made up of departments, whereas universities are larger and made up of schools and colleges. Others say colleges do not include a graduate school, while universities do. In reality, the words have become nearly interchangeable because neither of these rules is without exception. Typically, universities are larger and may include a focus on scholarly or scientific research. Additionally, many universities also have professional schools such as law school or medical school. 12

Higher Learning Institutions Come in a wide range of types and sizes, providing programs for any career interest –regardless of the desired atmosphere and career goals, there is a post- secondary school right for everyone –extensive information is available from counselors, teachers and the Internet to help you discover where you will fit 13