What Counts as College?
Any formal education, regardless of where it is from, that occurs after completing high school counts as college! This includes everything from four-year universities to trade schools.
Public Vs. Private Colleges
Public Colleges
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Private Colleges
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Types of Colleges
Community Colleges
Community Colleges are nonresidential colleges (means you don't live on campus) that typically offer Associate's Degrees, Certificates, and Job Training Programs. Community Colleges tend to be smaller schools, but some can get quite large! Community college will almost always be the most affordable option, especially if you choose one that's close to home. The vast majority of community colleges are public and receive state funding!
Examples in Michigan: Montcalm Community College, Lansing Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, and more!
Trade Schools
Trade schools are colleges that offer technical, hands-on training for a specific career. Most trade schools only have one or two programs and you are usually taught by someone who works in that industry instead of by a professor. Most trade schools only offer Certificates. Trade school programs tend to be short-term, but can be expensive compared to similar programs at community colleges. Most trade schools do not offer scholarships or accept federal financial aid from the FAFSA, which means you will likely have to pay for trade school out of pocket. Most trade schools are technically private schools because they typically do not receive state funding.
Examples in Michigan: Douglas J Aveda School of Cosmetology, The Merrill Institute, and more!
Four-Year Colleges
Four-Year Colleges are residential (you can live on campus) colleges that offer 4-year degrees. Four-Year colleges tend to be private colleges and tend to be smaller and more expensive than Universities. Four-Year Colleges often offer more in scholarships than Universities due to their smaller student bodies.
Examples in Michigan: Alma College, Olivet College, Adrian College, and more!
Universities
Universities are large institutions that are divided into smaller colleges. For example, Michigan State University consists of 17 colleges (like the College of Social Science, the Broad College of Business, or the College of Education). Universities tend to have a lot of on-campus resources and activities for students to use and participate in. They also tend to have more employment, research, or internship opportunities while you're still in school. Universities tend to be public and have large student bodies.
Examples in Michigan: Ferris State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, and more!
Community Colleges are nonresidential colleges (means you don't live on campus) that typically offer Associate's Degrees, Certificates, and Job Training Programs. Community Colleges tend to be smaller schools, but some can get quite large! Community college will almost always be the most affordable option, especially if you choose one that's close to home. The vast majority of community colleges are public and receive state funding!
Examples in Michigan: Montcalm Community College, Lansing Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, and more!
Trade Schools
Trade schools are colleges that offer technical, hands-on training for a specific career. Most trade schools only have one or two programs and you are usually taught by someone who works in that industry instead of by a professor. Most trade schools only offer Certificates. Trade school programs tend to be short-term, but can be expensive compared to similar programs at community colleges. Most trade schools do not offer scholarships or accept federal financial aid from the FAFSA, which means you will likely have to pay for trade school out of pocket. Most trade schools are technically private schools because they typically do not receive state funding.
Examples in Michigan: Douglas J Aveda School of Cosmetology, The Merrill Institute, and more!
Four-Year Colleges
Four-Year Colleges are residential (you can live on campus) colleges that offer 4-year degrees. Four-Year colleges tend to be private colleges and tend to be smaller and more expensive than Universities. Four-Year Colleges often offer more in scholarships than Universities due to their smaller student bodies.
Examples in Michigan: Alma College, Olivet College, Adrian College, and more!
Universities
Universities are large institutions that are divided into smaller colleges. For example, Michigan State University consists of 17 colleges (like the College of Social Science, the Broad College of Business, or the College of Education). Universities tend to have a lot of on-campus resources and activities for students to use and participate in. They also tend to have more employment, research, or internship opportunities while you're still in school. Universities tend to be public and have large student bodies.
Examples in Michigan: Ferris State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, and more!
How do I Decide Which is Right for Me?
Community college may be right for you if....
Trade school may be right for you if....
A Four-Year College may be right for you if....
A University may be right for you if....
- You only intend to earn a certificate or associate degree
- You plan to pursue a technical career, like welding or mechanics
- You want your education to be as affordable as possible
- You don't mind missing out on some of those traditional college experiences, like living in a dorm
- You have a lower GPA or SAT Score
Trade school may be right for you if....
- You only intend to earn a certificate and you want to get it as quickly as possible
- You plan to pursue a technical career, like welding or cosmetology
- You are willing to get private student loans or are able to pay out-of-pocket for trade school
- You know what field you want to enter after high school
A Four-Year College may be right for you if....
- You have a high GPA and SAT score so you can get extra scholarships
- You want to attend a small college with smaller class sizes
- You want to attend a school with a close-knit feel
- You are interested in playing varsity sports
A University may be right for you if....
- You want a "traditional" college experience
- You want to get work, internship, or research experiences in your field during college
- You want a busy environment where there is always something going on
- You're looking for a very specific program