Types of Colleges
What do you think of when you imagine going to college? Most think of a four-year college or university. Although an excellent option, that's not the only type of school. The most common types are:
Private Colleges and Universities
Private schools rely on tuition, fees and other private sources for funding.
- Private schools offer undergraduate students a bachelor's (four-year) degree. Associate (two-year) or advanced degrees may be offered.
- A broad base of courses is available (such as social sciences, humanities, sciences and businesses).
- Courses of study begin with general education requirements; students choose at least one area of in-depth study as their major.
- Total enrollment is generally lower than at public universities.
Public Universities
Public universities in Iowa get much of their funding from state government.
- Iowa's public universities offer several levels of degrees (bachelor's, master's and doctorate).
- A liberal arts college as well as professional colleges and graduate programs are included.
- The universities are divided into several colleges such as the College of Business or the College of Education.
- A wide variety of academic classes is offered.
- In general, universities are larger than liberal arts colleges (although there are smaller universities) with larger classes.
Find Iowa public universities.
Community or Junior Colleges
Community colleges allow you to earn a degree or transfer in two years.
- Community colleges may offer an associate (two-year) degree, certificate or diploma program.
- Specialized occupational preparation is offered.
- Many students attend before transferring to a four-year college or university.
- Class size is generally small, and students are able to receive individual attention.
- Students often choose community college as an affordable option.
Business, Health Profession and Technical Colleges
Specialized colleges train you for specific careers.
- These schools may offer several levels of degrees (certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate).
- Specialized occupational preparation is offered.
- Class size varies by institution.
- Length of program varies by major.
