Colleges in
the United States
In the United States, "college"
refers to various post-secondary educational institutions, including
universities, each with its own characteristics, programs, and
missions. Here is an overview of the types of colleges other than
universities:
Community Colleges:
Community colleges, also known as two-year or junior colleges, offer
two-year associate degree programs and certificate and diploma
programs. They are often affordable for students looking to complete
general education requirements or gain specific skills or
certifications. Community colleges are typically open admission
institutions, meaning they accept a wide range of students,
including recent high school graduates and adult learners.
Technical and Vocational Colleges:
Technical and vocational colleges, often referred to as trade
schools or career colleges, focus on providing hands-on training and
education in specific trades or fields. They offer programs in areas
such as automotive technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and
computer programming. Graduates from these colleges are
well-prepared for immediate entry into the workforce.
Art and Design Colleges:
Art and design colleges specialize in creative fields such as fine
arts, graphic design, fashion design, and performing arts. These
colleges offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees and other
specialized programs for students pursuing careers in the arts.
Music Conservatories:
Music conservatories are institutions that focus on intensive music
education and training. They offer programs in classical music,
jazz, composition, and other music-related disciplines. Graduates
often pursue careers as musicians, composers, music educators, or
conductors.
Liberal Arts Colleges:
Liberal arts colleges emphasize a well-rounded education in the
humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts. They
typically offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees and promote critical
thinking, communication skills, and a broad understanding of various
disciplines.
Business Colleges:
Business colleges, also known as business schools or schools of
business, offer undergraduate and graduate programs in business and
management. Students may earn Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor
of Business Administration (BBA) degrees, among others from some
colleges.
Religious Colleges:
Religious colleges are affiliated with specific religious traditions
and often incorporate faith-based values and teachings into their
curriculum. They offer a range of degree programs and may have
specific requirements related to religious practices or beliefs.
Specialized Colleges:
Some colleges focus on highly specialized fields, such as maritime
studies, aviation, agriculture, and engineering. These institutions
provide in-depth training and education in their respective areas of
expertise.
Online Colleges:
Many traditional colleges also offer online degree programs,
allowing students to earn degrees and certificates remotely. These
programs are especially popular among adult learners and working
professionals.
It is important to note that while
colleges offer various types of programs and degrees, they typically
award bachelor's degrees at the undergraduate level. Students
interested in pursuing advanced degrees, such as master's or
doctoral degrees, often transition to universities after completing
their undergraduate studies at colleges. Admission requirements,
program offerings, and accreditation status can vary significantly
among colleges, so prospective students should research and choose
institutions that align with their educational and career goals.
Below are the links to some of the
popular colleges in the US.
Indian Capital Technology Center
(OK)
Collins Career Technical Center
(OH)
Foothill College (CA)
Las Positas College (CA)
Renton Technical College (WA)
Ogeechee Technical College (GA)
Lorenzo Walker Technical College
(FL)
Santa Barbara City College (CA)
Lakeshore Technical College (WI)
Northwood Technical College (WI)