" During your college search, think fit over prestige. There are many types of colleges including; liberal arts, ivies, research universities, and many more. Despite their vast differences, each type of college is equipped with the resources ready to cater to a different type of person. Your job is to find out what kind of person you are."
Liberal arts colleges are usually smaller and provide a broad basis in courses that can prepare you for a variety of fields. Most are private, four-year institutions and can only provide bachelor’s degrees. They usually have a solely undergraduate focus.
Universities are usually larger and offer more majors or degrees that range from bachelor's, master's and doctorate. Most contain several smaller colleges, like honor colleges, colleges of liberal arts, engineering, etc.
Community colleges are two-year colleges that yield associate degrees. People can either transfer to a four-year university with their degree or go on to a certain career. Usually very cheap to attend one.
Vocational-technical/career colleges offer certificates/associate degrees for people who want to pursue a specific career/field.
Art colleges focus on training students into fields such as photography, music, theater or fashion. Most yield associate or bachelor's degrees in the arts.
Public colleges are funded by the governments and usually cheaper (financial aid at a private college may be cheaper for a student than at a public institution, case-by-case basis).
Private colleges are funded by tuition charges, fees and donations.
For-profit colleges are (usually more expensive) businesses that offer degrees that prepare students for a specific career/field.
Four-year colleges lead to a bachelor's degree. Ex: universities and liberal arts colleges.
Two-year colleges lead to a certificate or an associate degree. Ex: community colleges, vocational-technical colleges and career colleges.
Single-sex colleges are private colleges that are specifically for men or for women.
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are Specialized-mission colleges that focus on educating African American students.
Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) are colleges where >25% of the students are Hispanic.
Predominately white institution are colleges where White/Caucasian students account for at least 50% of the total enrollment.