What is the best type of college for you?

We’re halfway through our series: College search 101.

1. What do you want to do with the rest of your life?
2. Education and earnings
3. Choosing the right type of educational program

What type of college will help you achieve your educational goals?

Once you’ve settled on the type of program that will help you get a better job and make more money, it’s time to figure out what kind of school will best meet your needs.

Public colleges and universities

These traditional schools are run with the help of government funding and supervision. They are what most people think of when they hear the term “college” or “university.”

While they’re not for everyone, public colleges and universities offer a variety of program types – including many traditional academic programs, along with occasional career, trade, and licensure programs. They also offer professional programs like law and medical degrees.

These schools usually have strong continuing education programs.

Non-profit colleges

These colleges aren’t funded or directed by government officials. They usually report to a board of directors that assume responsibility for the ultimate success of the institution.

Non-profit colleges usually have similar program offerings as public schools, but claim to offer a higher quality of education than their state-run counterparts.

You’re probably familiar with the following examples of non-profit colleges:

• University of Southern California
• University of Notre Dame
• Stanford University

Career, trade and specialty colleges

Education means business for these private colleges. They’re in it to turn a profit – and that’s not a bad thing.

Many career, trade, licensure, and specialty programs can only be found at private colleges.

These schools place high value on practical knowledge and hands-on training. You won’t find most traditional academic programs here.

Interested in studying comparative literature or joining a sorority? Look somewhere else.

Want to get down to business with a specialized program focused on a specific skill set? You’ve found the right place.

Online Colleges

Many schools offer programs that can be taken over the Internet or through other forms of distance learning.

Private colleges have been a major force behind the development of online learning; but, the public schools, along with the non-profits, are following close behind.

Online colleges are a great fit for working professionals, stay-at-home parents, and many others.

The next post in this series will look at resources that exist to help you find the right program at the right college.

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