Types of Colleges

College education occurs after high school and leads to a degree. Colleges can be categorized by the length of time a student will need to attend to earn a degree: Two-year colleges and four-year colleges. Students can further sharpen their college list based on how the college is funded and by those colleges with special focuses. Learn more about the types of colleges below and then learn how to make your college list.

Four-year colleges

There are over 2,400 four-year colleges in the United States where students can earn a bachelor’s degree. Traditionally, at these colleges, students take classes in a specific area of study to prepare for a career (known as a major, such as accounting, nursing, computer science) and general education classes (e.g., English and math) to earn their bachelor’s degree. A traditional bachelor’s degree can be completed in four years, but for many, completing their bachelor’s degree takes more than four years (this can be an important factor when determining which college you can afford).

There are two types of four-year colleges:

Liberal arts colleges: Typically smaller in size, these colleges focus primarily on educating undergraduate students. They are known for providing students with a well-rounded education through broad exposure to humanities, social sciences and sciences classes. This approach allows students to develop critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that are valuable across various career paths. Liberal arts colleges often offer students the flexibility to explore different areas of study before declaring a major, and many students can take advantage of the opportunity to pursue a double major or a combination of majors and minors. Class sizes at liberal arts colleges are usually smaller, fostering close-knit learning environments and more personalized attention from faculty. Professors at these institutions often prioritize teaching and mentorship, which can lead to strong relationships between students and faculty.

Universities: These are larger institutions that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Universities tend to provide a wide range of majors and specialized programs. Because of their size, universities can accommodate a diverse student body and offer extensive resources, including large libraries, state-of-the-art laboratories, fine arts centers and athletic facilities. While introductory classes at universities may be larger, there are often opportunities to engage in smaller, more focused courses as students progress in their chosen fields. Universities also offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports and research opportunities, allowing students to find and pursue their passions inside and outside the classroom.

Research universities

While open to undergraduates, these institutions are distinguished by their strong emphasis on graduate-level degrees, including master’s and doctoral programs. Research universities are particularly committed to advancing knowledge through research led by faculty members who are experts in their fields. Undergraduates at research universities often can participate in research projects, gaining hands-on experience that can be valuable for future academic or professional pursuits. The resources available at research universities, such as specialized research facilities and access to cutting-edge technology, make them attractive options for students interested in fields that require advanced study and innovation.

Two-year colleges (community/junior colleges)

There are just over 1,000 community colleges, as known as junior or two-year institutions, in the United States. Community colleges traditionally offer programs that allow students to complete an associate’s degree in two years. Unlike bachelor’s degrees, which require four years of study, an associate’s degree focuses on providing a solid foundation in general education along with specialized training in a specific field. These degrees can serve as a stepping-stone to a bachelor’s degree or provide the necessary skills and credentials for immediate entry into the workforce. Students typically choose to attend a community college for one of the following reasons:

Affordability

Tuition at community colleges is generally lower than at four-year institutions, making it a cost-effective option for many students. 

Hint: In Delaware, students can use the SEED+ scholarship to earn their associate’s degree for free at Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC) or the University of Delaware Associate in Arts program. 

Flexibility

Many community colleges offer flexible scheduling options, including evening, weekend, and online classes, which accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. 

Transfer opportunities

Community colleges often have connected degrees with four-year universities, allowing students to transfer credits and continue their education towards a bachelor’s degree.

Hint: Delaware Technical Community College has more than 200 program-to-program transfer agreements. Learn more about them here.

Career focus

Community colleges offer programs to equip students seeking to enter the workforce quickly with the practical skills needed for specific careers, such as paraeducator, dental hygienist, or automotive technician.

Trade schools
(vocational-technical/career colleges)

Trade schools are designed to provide students with hands-on learning and classroom or lab instruction in a specific industry or career in an in-demand trade. These may include particularly in-demand trades such as HVAC-R, electrical work, construction, maintenance, dental hygiene, CNAs, or paramedicine. These programs are focused on practical skills and can include internships or apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience with on-the-job training for a specific occupation. On average these programs take just under a year to two years. Students can graduate with an industry-recognized certificate or an associate degree. If a student attended a trade school with a registered apprenticeship, they may qualify for a journeyperson certification. Trade schools are an excellent option for students who want to gain the skills needed to enter a specific field or industry in the workforce. These institutions often have strong ties to local industries, which can lead to job placement opportunities upon graduation for in-demand jobs.

Click here to learn more about trade schools and
technical training programs in Delaware >

How colleges are funded

Colleges can be further categorized based on how they are funded, which can significantly impact the cost of attendance and the types of programs offered.

Public colleges are funded through public funds, such as state and local taxes, along with student tuition and private donations. Because they receive public tax money, these colleges are subject to oversight and regulation by state or federal governments. One key benefit of attending a public college is the availability of in-state tuition rates, which provide a significant discount for state residents. This makes public colleges a more affordable option for many students. In addition to lower tuition, public colleges often offer a wide range of programs and resources due to their larger size and funding.

Private colleges, on the other hand, do not receive funding from taxes. Instead, they rely on student tuition, private donations, and endowments. While the sticker price, or the tuition cost listed online, can be higher than that of a public college, many private institutions offer generous financial aid packages, often funded by alumni and other donors. These financial aid packages can significantly reduce the cost of attendance, making private colleges accessible to students from various financial backgrounds. Private colleges are also known for smaller class sizes and a more personalized approach to education.

For-profit colleges operate as businesses, with the dual goals of educating students and generating profit. Recently, many for-profit colleges have been investigated for engaging in behavior that is not best for the students. These colleges often offer career-oriented programs designed to quickly prepare students for the workforce. However, for-profit colleges have faced scrutiny in recent years for practices that may not always align with students’ best interests, such as aggressive recruitment tactics, high tuition costs, and low graduation rates. New laws and regulations have been implemented to protect students, but it’s crucial for prospective students to thoroughly research and understand the implications of attending a for-profit college. Consult with your school counselor about attending a for-profit college, as they can provide valuable guidance in making an informed decision.

Colleges with special focuses

Some colleges also focus on a specific interest or student demographic in mind. After deciding whether to attend a four-year or two-year institution, you can further narrow down your options by considering colleges with special focuses that align with your interests or needs:

  • Religiously-affiliated colleges are connected to or founded by a religious organization or faith. While religious beliefs are often part of the college’s mission, the degree of religious involvement in campus life varies from college to college. Some may require participation in religious activities, while others may offer a more secular environment with optional religious services and organizations.
  • Single-sex colleges enroll only male or female students. These colleges often provide a unique educational environment tailored to their students’ specific needs and strengths. Faculty and staff at these colleges often reflect the gender of the student body, contributing to a cohesive and supportive community.
  • Music and arts colleges specialize in providing students with an education in creative fields, such as music, performing arts, and visual arts (including architecture, studio design, animation, and graphic design). They often offer conservatory-style training, where students can focus intensively on their craft while gaining exposure to related disciplines.
  • Military academies are the five undergraduate colleges that provide rigorous academic education and military training to develop future commissioned officers for the U.S. armed forces. These institutions are highly competitive and offer a fully funded education in exchange for a commitment to service in the military after graduation.

Delaware Colleges

Delaware State University Four-year university Public MSI – Historically Black University (HBCU)
Delaware Technical Community College Four-year university Public Also offers trade and technical training programs
Goldey-Beacom College Four-year college Private Focuses heavily on business-related majors and careers
University of Delaware Four-year university Public Offers a two-year associate of arts program
Wilmington University Four-year university Private Offers many courses in an online format

Now that you have learned about the types of colleges and how they are funded, you can learn how to identify which colleges are the best fit for you.

Take the next steps here to learn how to identify colleges that are the best fit for you >