This is the oldest type of college and the one which many feel offers the strongest background for specialized or professional training. It is designed to give students a broad cultural foundation in the arts and sciences, and offers a four-year program leading either to a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Much of the first two years of study is in required "core curriculum" courses, and the last two years is in a major concentration.
Private Universities
The difference between a college and university is that the university is an institution which normally includes three types of schools: an under-graduate college, various categories of professional schools, and a graduate school. The private universities are normally smaller in enrollment than the state universities.
StateUniversity or College
The state university or state college is supported financially by the state. The student body is normally quite large in number. Being publicly funded, it offers tuition rates well below most private colleges and universities; however, rates are usually higher for out-of-state students. As a results the stated mission of the school, the state institutions give special consideration to in-state students. Admission requirements for out-of-state applicants are usually highly selective. This is especially true for the state university systems in Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan, California and Florida.
Technological Institution
These are degree-granting colleges which offer intensive training in engineering and applied sciences. Undergraduate study may sometimes run five years in cooperation with liberal arts colleges on the Three-Two Plan.
Community Colleges are two year institutions and are open to all high school graduates.