My Child is in Middle School- When Should I Consider College?

About Four-year Colleges

Many students attend a four-year college after high school graduation. They earn a degree once they have completed a program of study. A four-year college usually offers a bachelor’s degree in the arts (e.g., English, history, drama) or sciences (e.g., biology, computer science, engineering). Some four-year colleges offer advanced degrees such as a master’s or other graduate degree.
About Two-year Colleges

A two-year community college or junior college awards an associate degree once a student has completed a two-year course of study. Some two-year colleges grant diplomas or certificates to students who have met course requirements and are ready to practice in their career fields.

You can start at a two-year college then transfer to a four-year college if you’re concerned about college costs (community or public junior colleges usually cost less than four-year colleges). A two-year college is also a good option if you want to boost your grades before going to a four-year college.

Public and Private Colleges: Know the Difference

A two-year or four-year college can either be public or private, a tiny fact that could have a big impact on the cost of your education!

A public college receives a lot of its funding from state or local government. So, it can charge students who live in that state less money to attend that school.

A private college receives less money from state and local governments, so it charges the same cost to students who live in or outside of the state. This cost is usually higher than the cost of attending a public college.

About Vocational or Technical Schools

Vocational or technical schools typically offer programs that are two years or less. These schools provide students with formal classes and hands-on experience related to their future career interests. Students may earn a diploma or a certificate, prepare for a licensing exam, or study to begin work as an apprentice or a journeyman in a skilled trade.

Click here for more information about these types of schools.