Higher Education Institutions in the United States
Overview
Higher education is an optional stage of formal learning following secondary education. Higher education, also referred to as post-secondary education, third-stage, third-level, or tertiary education occurs most commonly at one of the 4,360 Title IV colleges or universities and similar institutions in the country. These may be public or private universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, or for-profit colleges.
History
The history of higher education in the United States begins with Harvard College and continues to the present time. For recent trends see the article on educational attainment.
Types of Institutions
There are various types of colleges or universities in the United States that offer higher education. Broadly, they can be classified into the following types:
Public Universities
Public universities are administered by the individual states and territories, usually as part of a state university system. Each state supports at least one state university and several support many more. Public universities generally offer a wide variety of programs and are traditionally larger than private institutions.
Private Universities
Private universities are privately funded and typically have higher tuition than public institutions. They are not administered by governments and are financed by private donations and tuition fees.
Liberal Arts Colleges
Liberal arts colleges in the United States are certain undergraduate institutions of higher education. These schools are American institutions of higher education which have traditionally emphasized interactive instruction.
Community Colleges
Community colleges in the United States are primarily two-year public institutions providing higher education and lower-level tertiary education, granting certificates, diplomas, and associate's degrees.
For-Profit Colleges
For-profit colleges are institutions of higher education owned and operated by private, profit-seeking businesses.
Admission Process
Admission to colleges and universities in the United States can be a complex process, and admission requirements vary greatly among them. The two major types of admission are "early decision" and "regular decision". Regular decision applications are due by January and students are notified of the decision in March.
Funding
Higher education in the United States is expensive, and the cost of tuition is rising. Many students finance their education through student loans, scholarships, or grants.
Accreditation
Accreditation in higher education is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of post-secondary educational institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met.
Challenges
The higher education system in the United States faces many challenges, including rising costs, access and equity issues, and questions about the value of a college degree.