Finding your college

Considering College Types

The first step to finding your college is understanding the different types of colleges that are available. Different colleges and universities have different functions and goals. Different colleges fit into one of the categories listed below.

• Liberal Art Colleges: The education of undergraduate students is the focus of Liberal Arts Colleges. Professors generally view teaching as their primary responsibility. Because most liberal arts colleges are smaller than universities, classes are smaller, and more individualized attention is available. Students who attend liberal arts colleges are exposed to a broad range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences rather than being prepared for a specific career path. Furthermore, they choose at least one area of in-depth study as their college "major." Many employers seek graduates of liberal arts programs because they value their well-rounded preparation.


• Universities: Universities are generally larger and feature a liberal arts college as well as certain professional colleges and graduate programs. Universities provide a wider range of academic options than liberal arts colleges. They will most likely have more extensive resources in terms of library, laboratory, fine arts, and athletic facilities. Class sizes at many large universities will reflect the institutional size, with most introductory classes taught in a lecture format. Graduate students will teach some classes. Professors at prominent universities will engage in research, which contributes to the life of the academic community but may divert energy, concentration, and resources away from undergraduate teaching.


• Technical Institutes and Professional Schools: Students who have made a firm decision about what they want to study are enrolled in Technical Institutes and Professional Schools. They place a premium on preparation for specific careers, such as music or fine arts, engineering, or technical sciences. Before deciding on one of these options, you should be certain of your future direction.


• Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Historically Black Colleges and Universities arose during a period when African American students were routinely denied admission to most other colleges and universities. Students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a unique opportunity to experience an educational community in which they are the majority. They find committed faculty mentors who encourage their success expectations.


• Tribal Colleges: Tribal colleges, like HBCUs, are focused on the needs and education of American Indian students.


• Women’s Colleges: Women's colleges, with a higher proportion of female faculty and administrators, provide college women with more confident-building role models. Along with opportunities to serve in a wide range of student leadership positions, and a greater awareness of career opportunities for women. Women's colleges produce a significant number of science majors, as well as students who go on to graduate school and/or professional studies.


• Community or junior colleges: Community or junior colleges usually provide the first two years of a liberal arts education, as well as specialized occupational training. An associate degree is awarded at the end of a two-year program of studies, and many students go on to further their education at a four-year institution.


• Proprietary institutions: Proprietary institutions are for-profit businesses that operate in response to investor demands as well as stockholders. They attract adult learners and part-time students looking for specialized professional training. These programs are typically non-traditional in format; many for-profits are also available online.