College and University Education in the United States

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College and University Education in the United States

November 2005

From the many types of institutions to the virtually unlimited array of programs and majors, the universities and colleges in the United States reflect the diversity, tolerance, and pursuit of excellence that characterize the best of the country as a whole. Through this journal, prospective international students and their parents and advisors will learn about the American system of higher education and academic and student life at U.S. colleges and universities.

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Education & Youth

Driving tomorrow’s achievements

Translations

Inside This Publication

Volume 10, Number 1

Feature Stories

Welcome
Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Introduction
Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education
About This Issue
Public Universities in the United States
A typical state university enrolls tens of thousands of students and offers hundreds of courses of study.
What is a Large, Private Research University
The availability of private funding enables private universities to step off in bold new directions of inquiry.
U.S. Community Colleges
Two-year colleges are an attractive alternative for students seeking a hometown environment and lower costs.
Strength Out of Diversity
Small private colleges focus on teaching and on interaction between students and faculty.
Minority Serving Institutions
Organizations place special emphasis on minority students, including African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Remain Relevant
An educator discusses the unique role of HBCUs in affirming identity among African-American students.
Religiously Affiliated Colleges
Religious institutions believe their tradition of learning through faith is "value added" to higher education.
Specialty Institutions
Colleges that concentrate on teaching the arts, business, or military studies are just a few examples of schools with focused curricula.

Photo Gallery

College Life

The U.S. college experience is a time to study and prepare for a career, but also offers opportunities to discover, explore and mature.

Feature

United States Welcomes Foreign Students to Community Colleges

This article focuses on community colleges, but the message of "Welcome" is extended to all foreign students at all U.S. institutions of higher learning.

In Depth

A closer look at individual university programs

Did You Know?

Potential international enrollees are advised to begin the application process at least one year prior to the application deadline in order to obtain and submit all the necessary academic records and to arrange to take required tests.

Resources

Selected readings

Selected Web sites

This site delivers information about current U.S. foreign policy and about American life and culture. It is produced by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

America.gov - Engaging the world