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 expensive 3.Transition is easier at a community college – Because you can live at home 4.Many credits can transfer to 4-year colleges 5.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 US 2.Options available for all types of students. 3.Choose one that best fits your needs