Learn the basics of how college works in the US
Hey there!
I’m Maria, and I’m one of your student guides. 👧🏼
Hi, I’m Jonathan. We’re here to help you understand how college works in the United States.
It might seem confusing now—but don’t worry. 💪🏼
You’ll understand it very soon!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLEGES
Did you know there are lots of different types of colleges in the U.S.?
College differences are based on some key points. Let’s explore them together.
Number of colleges
Did you know that there are thousands of colleges in the U.S.? In some states like New Jersey and New York, there are hundreds of them.
This is important because you might know only a few names because they are close to your house or you know someone who attended one, but there are so many choices! 🤓 Let’s learn about the differences and find out which one is a better fit for you.
Urban/Suburban Campus vs. College Towns
Some colleges have their buildings in the middle of large cities or in their suburbs. These are called urban or suburban campuses and are very convenient if you work in that city or your family lives there.
Other colleges have their buildings in small towns far away from urban areas. There are fewer distractions and more opportunities to focus on your studies. Some have large, beautiful buildings. But work might be restricted to jobs offered by the college, and you might have to pay extra for commuting to visit your family or work in a company.
If you live in New York or New Jersey, you’re lucky—there are tons of great community colleges and universities. Some are urban and suburban, and some are in college towns.
Community Colleges vs. 4-Year Colleges
I started at a community college. It’s a two-year school where you can earn an associate degree that will open the door to many jobs or prepare you to transfer to a bigger university and continue studying. It costs less and is a great first step. It’s also good if you are not sure what you want to study and want an introduction to higher education.
I chose a 4-year college. That means I’m working toward a bachelor’s degree. It takes about four to five years to finish, and it’s a great way to find a job. Four-year colleges are usually larger than community colleges and offer more degrees and activities.
Liberal Arts Colleges vs. Research Universities
My school is a liberal arts college. This type of college is usually small and focuses on teaching students a little bit of everything—like reading, writing, science, and the arts—so they can think clearly and solve problems.
My university is a research university. These universities are usually bigger than liberal arts colleges and focus more on specific subjects or careers, like engineering, nursing, or cybersecurity.
Both are good—just different. One helps you explore many subjects, and the other helps you go deeper into one subject.
School Rankings vs. Accreditations
There are multiple publications that rank colleges. You will notice on the colleges’ websites or in advertisements that the schools are ranked #15 in the nation for this or #3 in the state for that. Rankings are helpful, but they should not determine where you study.
More important than rankings are accreditations. Regional accreditation means that a college has been checked by an official group to make sure it gives students a good education. Accreditation is important because it helps make sure your degree will be trusted by jobs and other schools, and if you want to transfer to another school, your credits are more likely to count.
In New Jersey and New York, make sure the school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This is the highest level of accreditation for academic schools in these states.
Different Types of Degrees
Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degrees
I earned an associate degree from community college in two years. An associate degree can help you get a job because community colleges usually have connections with local businesses. You can also transfer your studies to another school to keep studying for a bachelor’s.
I’m working on my bachelor’s degree now—it takes a minimum of 4 years. A bachelor’s degree goes deeper into a subject and can open more job options.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Degrees
Right now, we’re both undergraduate students. That means we’re working on our first college degree. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are usually enough to find a good job that can bring financial stability.
If you want to keep studying after that, you can become a graduate student and earn a master’s degree or a doctorate. That’s like going even deeper into a subject. These degrees can help advance your career in some companies, but they also require many more years in school and in some industries are not necessary.
Accelerated and Online Degrees
There are schools that offer accelerated degree programs, which let you finish college faster than usual and are common in some industries like education and healthcare. For example, a bachelor’s degree that normally takes four years might be done in two if you take more classes each semester or study during the summer.
Online degrees let you go to college using a computer to watch lessons, do homework, and talk to your teachers online. It’s great for students who need flexibility because they have jobs or need to take care of their family and can’t travel often to a campus.
Not All Schools Offer Every Program
Not every college offers all degrees or teaches every subject. If you want to be an accountant or a teacher, you have to choose a school that offers those programs and that is known for connecting you with potential internships and jobs in those industries.
It’s important to know what you want to study or what you really don’t want to study (or at least have an idea), so you can pick the right college for you.
Other Paths to Find a Job or Advance Your Career
Some students prefer to focus on learning and practicing skills that lead to technical jobs.
Technical education teaches you certificates on how to do specific jobs using hands-on skills and tools. Some people choose technical education because they want to work in a specific job, like data analyst, radiology technician, or software testing. These programs often take just a few months to two years, and they don’t require an associate or bachelor’s degree.
You can acquire these certificates, start a job, and then continue advancing your career in college. Remember that these are different paths to achieving financial stability and economic mobility. Your decision now doesn’t mean that you will never receive a college degree. Many adults go to college in the evenings and weekends or enroll in an online degree while working full-time.
Now that you’ve learned about how colleges work in the U.S., it’s time to explore how your previous achievements help you in college.
Learn how your previous achievements help!
If you’d like more information, feel free to reach out to Kean University. (Kean and NJCU signed an agreement to merge the two universities by July 2026. More information here).
Questions Worth Asking
Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only. It does not provide advice on individual cases, nor should users expect it to expedite or influence the admissions process at any institution. The site does not reflect the official views or policies of Kean University.