Types of schools for post - secondary education in the United States

College:

An institution that offers education instruction beyond high school level in a two- or four-year program.

University:

An institution that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees and includes two or more degree-granting schools or colleges. It is composed of "schools" or "colleges."

Community College:

A two-year institution that offers vocational and academic programs. Most vocational programs. are completed after two years, while academic course work may be transferred to four-year institutions. Usually these are non-residential in nature

Liberal Arts College:

A four-year institution that emphasizes a broad program of undergraduate education as a requirement for graduation. The student will usually identify a major field of study for the junior and senior years.

Technological College:

An independent professional school that provides programs in specialized fields — engineering, for example. Sometimes these are called institutes of technology or polytechnic institutes.

Technical School:

A two-year institution that offers terminal occupational programs — secretarial, data rocessing, pilot's training, for example.

Nursing School:

Two types of nursing schools exist. Hospital schools of nursing offer R.N.degrees upon successful completion of training. At nursing schools affiliated with four-year colleges, the graduate receives both a B.S. degree and an R.N. degree.

Military Academy:

A four-year institution offering degrees in a variety of areas, from engineering to humanities, while preparing officers for military service. The application process to these institutions is unique from other application procedures and usually begins during the student's junior year.