Redefining College
It starts with your dream. What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? College may help you achieve that dream. College is any education after high school that leads to financial stability. College can be a certificate training program, a two-year associate degree, a four-year bachelor’s degree or beyond. Some certificates or degrees can stack like building blocks for your education and career, where you can earn multiple certifications or degrees step by step. For more about stackable credentials, refer to the Adult Learner section of the College Guide.
Higher Education & Degrees
A non-degree credential is usually issued by a community college or other higher education institution. Example: Certificate in Practical Nursing.
A two-year degree is issued by a community college. Example: Associate of Arts Degree.
A four-year degree is issued by a college or university. Example: Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree, some students decide to continue their studies with a master’s degree. This degree requires at least one year of study beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Following a master’s degree, students earn their doctorate (PhD or EdD) by completing one to three years of study, a comprehensive test(s), a written dissertation and often an oral presentation and exam.
Certain careers, such as medicine, law, and dentistry, require a professional degree. Depending on the field of study, professional degrees can be awarded on the bachelor, master, or doctoral level. Some occupations have more than one level of professional degree.
Your College Fit
Finding the kind of college that fits your needs is an essential first step. A good college fit is when a college meets a student’s needs and wants academically, geographically, socially, and financially. Your ideal college may look different from where your family or friends attended.
Types of Colleges
- Public Institution
- Private Institution
- Community College
- Four-year Institution
- Online Programs
- All Male or Female
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs)
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)
- Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
- Religiously Affiliated
- Military Academies
- Transition Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability (TSID)
Other sections of the College Guide
Start exploring career options, learn about ISP and types of diplomas, and find out how to get involved.
It is time to dig into self discovery, job shadow, understand GPA and college admissions, financial assistance, and more.
Understand campus resources, scholarships and financial assistance (and renewal), transfer tools, and more.
Whether you are looking to complete a college degree, certificate, or credential for the first time, or you are going back to school to start a new career path, explore the resources available to you.