subject: Choosing The College: Consider College Types Available [print this page] Choosing a college can become a tiring and tiresome business if you choose wrong criteria for your choice. Try to be wise while choosing a college. Do not be guided by pure emotions. If your choice of a college is prompted by emotions, for instance, if you choose to attend a medical university because your boyfriend/girlfriend has been dreaming of becoming a doctor while you faint at the very sight of a bleeding abrasion on a knee, your choice is not a successful one, be sure. While choosing a college, consider the types of colleges available to make the area of potential colleges as narrow as possible.
A two year or a four year college?
There are two-year colleges that offer transfer programs that give the students an opportunity to continue their education in a four-year college.
There are also special program called terminal programs that offer students the opportunity to obtain a certificate or an associate in applied science degree that require successful completion of a one or two years course of studies. The merit of this type of college education is that obtaining a degree allows you to start your career at once, though there are also cases when licensing is necessary.
A significant merit of two-year colleges is their comparatively low tuition fee.
Four-year colleges grant bachelors degrees and they offer an opportunity to obtain masters degree or doctoral degree too.
Usually four-year colleges can be characterized by efficient faculty, well-equipped labs and classes, various academic activities available to students.
A public college or a private college?
The merit of public colleges is that their main financial source is low tuition fee. However, if you are non-local, you should be prepared to pay a higher tuition as you do not pay taxes. Besides, the applicants who want to study at a public college may count on scholarships and financial aid as it is available.
Private colleges can be characterized by comparatively higher tuition fee. However, the fact that a lot of them are church affiliated and donations are a significant source of funding, help to keep reasonable tuition. The advantage of private colleges can be their prestige and reputation.
