Four Year
Typically offers a Bachelor's Degree and requires a completion of a minimum of 120 credits.

Two Year
Typically offers an Associate's Degree and requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credits.

Community Colleges
This type of college offers an Associate's degree after the completion of two years of full-time study. They frequently offer technical programs that prepare you for immediate entry into the job market. Many people also attend community and junior colleges to prepare and save money so that they can transfer to a four-year university.

Public vs. Private
Supported by state money, public colleges are usually larger and less expensive (especially if you live in-state) than private schools. Private schools tend to be more selective and offer more individualized attention. This type of college/university relies on the tuition, fees and contributions of private donors and therefore may be more expensive than state supported public colleges/universities.

Liberal Arts Colleges
This type of college offers a wide variety of courses in the social sciences, humanities, and sciences. Many are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students.

Specialized Colleges
This type of colleges emphasize preparation for specific careers. Examples are colleges that specialize in business, computer technology and health science.

Religious Affiliation
If you chose a private school, do you want one that's affiliated with a specific religion? This does not guarantee that all students attending will be of that faith, but school history, traditions and services will be in line with that religion's philosophy and beliefs.

Single-Sex vs. Coed
Most schools are coed, but you can still find schools that are predominantly women or men.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities
There are about 90 schools whose educational mission has historically been the education of African Americans.

Hispanic-Serving Institutes
There are about 180 institutions designated by the federal government as "Hispanic serving."

Residential
These colleges offer on-campus living quarters.

Commuter
These colleges do not offer on-campus living quarters, though off-campus apartment living may be available.