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Formulas for Career Success: Higher Learning

Types of Institutions

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Questions

• What two categories do higher learning institutions fall under?

• What types of higher learning institutions are available?

• What types of degrees are offered at each type of higher learning institution?

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Higher Learning Institutions

• Are classified as public or private– public institutions are largely supported

by government funds– private institutions do not receive

government funding, but are supported solely by tuition, endowment and donations

Endowment: account of donation funds invested in order to continuously generate income; the original endowment amount is left alone, while the income

it generates is available for spending

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Public vs. Private Institutions

Public Private

Generally less expensive

Generally more expensive

Tend to be larger Tend to be smaller

Often offer wider choice of majors

Often offer smaller range of majors

Larger class sizes common

Smaller class sizes common

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Higher Learning Institutions

• Include:– vocational, trade and technical schools– community and junior colleges– colleges and universities

Did You Know? Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest higher learning institution

in the United States.

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Vocational, Trade & Technical Schools

• Provide job-specific training• Award diplomas or certificates

depending on the area of study• May also prepare students

for a licensing exam• Offer formal classes and

hands-on training directly related to a student’s career of interest

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Vocational, Trade & Technical Schools

• Offer a wide range of programs depending on the institution– programs may take anywhere from a

few months to a few years to complete• Do not typically have on-campus

housing or other on-campus amenities available

• Are usually less expensive than traditional college and therefore considered a cost-effective option

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Community & Junior Colleges

• Are also known as two-year colleges• Award associate degrees• May grant diplomas or certificates

based on area of study• Provide traditional classes with

flexible scheduling • Are typically less expensive than

four-year schools

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Community & Junior Colleges

• Do not typically offer on-campus housing– however, there are exceptions

• May or may not offer other on-campus amenities such as food services

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Colleges & Universities

• Are four-year schools • Award bachelor’s degrees• May or may not offer

graduate degrees

Did You Know? The most commonly earned bachelor’s degrees are those in the field of

business.

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Colleges & Universities

• Typically offer on-campus housing • May also offer other on-campus

amenities, including:– food services– fitness centers– game rooms– laundry service

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Colleges & Universities: What is the Difference?

The difference between a college and a university is unclear and often debated. Some say colleges offer fewer programs and are made up of departments,

whereas universities are larger and made up of schools and colleges. Others say colleges do not

include a graduate school, while universities do. In reality, the words have become nearly interchangeable

because neither of these rules is without exception. Typically, universities are larger and may include a

focus on scholarly or scientific research. Additionally, many universities also have professional schools such

as law school or medical school.

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Higher Learning Institutions

• Come in a wide range of types and sizes, providing programs for any career interest– regardless of the desired atmosphere

and career goals, there is a post-secondary school right for everyone

– extensive information is available from counselors, teachers and the Internet to help you discover where you will fit