WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER COLLEGE?

NOW is the time to explore your options for college and financial aid.

About Four-year Colleges

Many students attend a four-year college after high school graduation. They earn a degree once they have completed a program of study. A four-year college usually offers a bachelor’s degree in the arts (e.g., English, history, drama) or sciences (e.g., biology, computer science, engineering).

About Two-year Colleges

A two-year community college or junior college awards an associate degree once a student has completed a two-year course of study. Some two-year colleges grant certificates to students who have met course requirements and are ready to practice in their career fields.

You can start at a two-year college then transfer to a four-year college if you’re concerned about college costs (community or junior colleges usually cost less than four-year colleges). A two-year college also could be a good option if you want to boost your grades before going to a four-year college.

Public and Private Colleges: Know the Difference

A two-year or four-year college can either be public or private, a tiny fact that could have a big impact on the cost of your education!

A public college receives a lot of its funding from state or local government. So, it can charge students who live in that state less money to attend that school.

A private college receives less money from state and local governments, so it charges the same cost to students who live in or outside of the state. This cost is usually higher than the cost of attending a public college.

About Vocational or Technical Schools

Vocational or technical schools offer programs that are two years or less. These schools provide students with hands-on experience related to their future career interests. Typically, students receive a certificate for a particular skill or trade upon completion of a program.

Click here for more information about these types of schools.

Need a few reasons why you should think about college now? Click here!