2-Year College

Students need a high school diploma or GED to get into a 2-year college.

Technical colleges or career schools offer programs that emphasize hands-on knowledge and skills that lead to specific jobs in technical and industrial occupations.What you can earn:

• Certificate (1 year or less)
• Diploma (2 years or less)
• Associate in Applied Science (2 years)
• Associate in Arts (2 years, some schools)

• Certificates (1 year or less)
• Diploma (2 years or less)
• Associate in Applied Science (2 years, some schools)
• Associate in Arts (2 years)
• Tip: If you decide to complete your first 2 years of your bachelors at a community college, you will want to ensure that the university you want to transfer to will accept those credits. For example: Minnesota State Schools and Riverland CC are in the same school system and accept earch others credits, but Michigian State may not. You will want to chat with admissions of your intended university for more information.

4-year college & university

Public & Private Universities offer a variety of degrees and programs. Public colleges and universities are funded by the state and often offer lower tuition rates and often provide an array of program offerings. Private colleges and universities rely on tuition and endowments instead of the state. They often have higher tuition rates but many offer generous financial aid. They often have fewer program offerings but offer specialized focus in specific fields. Many are private liberal arts colleges  which often emphasize broad knowledge in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities. They also often have smaller class sizes and unique communities.

What you can earn:

• Bachelor’s degree- Bachlors of Science or Bachlors of Arts
• Master’s degree (some schools)
• Doctorate degree (some schools)
• Professional degree (some schools)