What Comes Next?
Post Secondary Resource Guide
4 Year Colleges and Universities
Colleges
Universities
Colleges are typically smaller (<5,000 students) and do not offer graduate education, or offer it on a very limited basis. The majority of students pursue a liberal arts curriculum. There are also fewer classes taught by graduate assistants and classes are usually smaller in size.
Universities are generally larger and offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Universities usually employ graduate student assistants to teach some of their undergraduate classes,labs, and discussions. Also, universities generally have separate colleges, with each focusing on a different academic area and have different admission standards and requirements.
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Private
Public
Private colleges are covered mostly by private sources including tuition, donations, and endowments. They vary more widely in their focus, size, and mission. Even though tuition may be higher, most private institutions offer financial aid beyond that offered by public institutions.
Public colleges are subsidized by tax revenues, and because of this, are generally cheaper than private schools. Because state governments subsidize them, public institutions generally charge higher tuition for out of state students. Most public colleges and universities offer a comprehensive curriculum.
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National
Regional
National colleges are those where the majority of students attending come from outside the state or region of the college. Most offer a wider range of housing options and are more selective in their admission practices.
Regional colleges have fewer students from different areas. Their mission is to provide that region's students with an education. Regional schools usually offer fewer housing options and some do not offer housing at all. Specific college pending, some may not have a strong weekend-life and many students go home on the weekend.
Other Specialized Options
Single Sex Colleges
-Types of schools that limit their students to either all male or all female.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
-HBCUs have a majority of African American students but differ greatly in size, location, and admission requirements.
Religiously-Affiliated Institutions
-Differing in size, score, and focus, these institutions are for those who want to attend college with others who share similiar religious beliefs.
Colleges Abroad
-These universities are located outside of the USA. Students must apply to a specific area of study and acceptance is conditional upon receipt of a final transcript.
Athletics
Most college athletics are sanctioned by one of the collegiate sport governing bodies. A major organization you probably recognize is the National Collegiate Athletic Association. There are 3 divisions a college's athletics can be sanctioned under, each with its own requirements.
Division I
-The highest level of intercollegiate athletics. Includes major collegiate athletic powers, with larger budgets, elaborate facilities, and more athletic scholarships.
Division II
-An intermediate level division of competition. Usually in smaller public universities and many private institutions. Athletic scholarships are offered but on a limited basis.
Division III
-This division consists of colleges and universities who do not offer athletic scholarships to their student athletes.
RESOURCES
With so many different options for college, this information is to provide you with an overview of various colleges and universities.