how does a college education work

American Education and Higher Ed System: The US Higher Education System Explained

US colleges and universities offer life-changing opportunities for international students. Our definitive guide to higher education in the USA answers all your questions.

If you want to study abroad in America, understanding the US higher education system is vital. Whether you plan to get a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from one of the many universities in the USA, it is important to learn how it works.

Read on to make the most of your opportunity to pursue post-secondary education in the United States.

What Is the Structure of the US Higher Education System?

As an international student, you may be wondering how colleges and universities fit into the larger US higher education system. Students in America are required to go to school between the ages of six and 18 in what are called grades, which run from first through 12th. (There is also an earlier option, called kindergarten, for the year before first grade, but it is not mandatory in most US states.)

Primary, or elementary, education lasts until fifth grade, middle school or junior high school covers sixth through eighth grade, followed by secondary education in ninth through 12th grades. Secondary education can cover both college-preparatory curriculum or vocational training.

After 12th grade, students have two options for post-secondary education: vocational training (typically a year or two, designed for immediate employment in a trade) or higher education (typically a two-year associate’s degree or four-year bachelor’s degree in an academic program). 

For international students in British-style education systems, you may have had 13 years of education before entering post-secondary studies. Other countries may only have 11 years of pre-university level studies. Typically, for students enrolled in post-secondary education in the United States, US colleges and universities require 12 years of education.

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What Are the Different Types of Higher Education Institutions in the US?

College vs. university.

In many countries, post-secondary institutions are called universities. However, in the US, the words college and university are often used interchangeably . Some are even called institutes (e.g., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology). Within larger universities in the United States, there are different colleges or schools that represent different academic areas of study (e.g., College of Engineering, School of Business).

State Colleges and Private Colleges

Depending on where you are from, the best colleges or universities may be public or run by the national or regional/state government. But in the United States, the federal government does not manage any college or university. Instead, the governments of the individual 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other US territories have the authority to operate, fund, and (in some respects) control public colleges and universities within their boundaries. 

Alternatively, private colleges can operate on their own, without direct control from state or national governments. For instance, hundreds of private colleges in the US were founded by religious denominations or churches, such as the University of Dayton (affiliated with the Catholic church) and the University of the Pacific (a Methodist university). 

According the National Center of Education Statistics , in 2022 there were 5,916 post-secondary colleges and universities in the United States: 1,892 public, 1,754 private, and 2,270 for-profit. Among the top 20 US universities with the most international students (according to the 2022 Open Doors Fast Facts report ), 13 are public and seven are private. So, remember: quality is not determined by whether a college or university is public or private. 

Tech Colleges and Community Colleges

While most international students come to the United States for academic programs, some students enroll in technical or vocational colleges designed for job training, like flight school or air traffic control programs. 

Additionally, another option in American post-secondary education is community college. Community colleges offer low-cost education in local communities and provide workforce preparation or credits toward completing a bachelor’s degree. According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), there are almost “1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions and more than 12 million students” enrolled in these colleges. Approximately 100,000 international students currently attend community colleges in the United States.

What Are the Different Education Levels and Degree Types at US Colleges and Universities?

Undergraduate .

Undergraduate studies can start immediately after secondary school. There are two main options: a two-year associate’s degree and a four-year bachelor’s degree. 

Generally, associate’s degrees are granted at two-year US community colleges, while bachelor’s degrees are awarded from four-year colleges and universities. In both cases, students choose a focus for their academic studies called a major . In addition to courses in a major, students take required core curriculum or general education classes that develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Graduate studies are only available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree. In many countries, graduate studies are called post-graduate studies and can take up to five years or more. In the US, the term post-graduate studies can refer to work after a master’s degree program, including studies for a doctoral degree. 

International students who have finished bachelor’s degrees in their home countries, the United States, or third countries have two options for graduate studies in the United States: master’s and doctorate (or doctoral) degrees. 

Master’s degrees can require one to two years of study. In the final term of most master’s programs, students must complete a thesis (a large, well-documented essay) or a project before they will be awarded the master’s degree.

The length of doctorate programs will depend on two things: 

whether students must first complete a master’s degree in a related field, and

how long it takes to complete a dissertation

Generally, if you have finished a master’s degree and are then admitted to a doctoral program, the coursework will take two to three years. After finishing doctoral classes, you typically begin work on a dissertation or research paper/project that serves as the focus of your degree studies. With any paper or project, a faculty member will serve as a director or adviser.

In addition to these degree programs, international students may take various other continuing education or certification courses. Some are in addition to degree studies, while others may count toward meeting licensing requirements to work in certain fields. 

What Should I Know About Courses of Study and Choosing a Major?

The US education system is designed to teach life skills that will serve students well, no matter which career they choose after graduation. So, students enrolled in colleges or universities will take a variety of courses in order to get a degree. 

For many international students, taking courses outside their intended academic field of study is a foreign concept. But US colleges and universities value liberal arts classes in subjects like history, English literature, and foreign language as well as mathematics, social, and natural sciences. These courses are considered important foundations for critical thinking, logical thought, and communications skills.

Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

When starting college or university, international students should not expect to have more than half their total classes in their intended major. Majors represent what students are most interested in learning to prepare for a career in a related field of study or to go on to graduate school. 

Minors are other academic focus areas in addition to a major, and typically require half as many classes as a major.  

Concentrations are specializations within a given major that allow students to explore a more specific area of study. For example, at the University of South Carolina , the department of history offers regional concentrations (i.e., Latin America, Middle East/North Africa, etc.) as well as 13 different subject areas such as political history, history of slavery, or history of religion. 

BA vs BS vs BFA Degrees

When it comes to bachelor’s degrees in the United States , the three most common are BA (bachelor of arts), BS (bachelor of science), and BFA (bachelor of fine arts). BA degrees focus on liberal arts majors in humanities and social sciences, while BS degrees cover business, math, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and other tech fields. BFA degrees align with the creative arts, such as music or dance.

Accreditation

International students may wonder which US colleges and universities are government-approved. Remember, in America, there is no Ministry of Higher Education, and the federal government does not determine which colleges or universities may operate. 

In the US education system, there are six regional accreditation groups that enable nearly all public and private nonprofit colleges and universities to operate. (Most for-profit private colleges are accredited by national accrediting groups.) Within each institution, there may be several academic programs that also have a national program accreditor as well (e.g., ABET , which focuses on the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math — or STEM — programs). Program accreditations are signs of academic quality as well. 

To research the accreditations of the US colleges you are considering, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s online database . When in doubt, only choose accredited US colleges and universities for your academic studies.

As international students, you also will need to check that these universities and colleges are legally able to enroll students who want to study abroad in the USA. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all US colleges and universities to apply for certification (and recertification every two years) in order to issue the I-20 forms that international students use to apply for student visas . You can research certified colleges on the DHS website  or use the Shorelight School Match tool .

What Do I Need to Know About College Applications and Applying to University in the USA?

When applying to US colleges and universities, be ready for a fairly complex, lengthy, and sometimes confusing process. But with the right approach and appropriate guidance, you can find the right place that meets your needs. (Check out our How to Study in the USA article for all the specifics.) 

College Application Forms

While most colleges have their own application forms online, prospective undergraduate international students may also be able to use the Common Application to apply to one (or more) of nearly 900 US colleges and universities. If you are applying to Shorelight universities, you can use one online application to apply to multiple institutions for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Whichever form you use, be aware that each college sets its own application deadlines. Additionally, beyond an application form, each university or college will have its own required application checklist .

Standardized Tests

International student applicants will need to take at least one type of test to determine English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo, iTEP). SAT or ACT test scores may be required for undergraduate students, while graduate programs may need a GRE or GMAT score to submit an application. Ask in advance: a growing number of undergraduate colleges and graduate departments are now test-optional (including Shorelight universities) when it comes to SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT. 

Academic Records

For most colleges in the US education system, your academic records (translated into English) will be the most important piece of the evaluation process. For undergraduate applicants, that means submitting transcripts from every institution you have previously attended: your complete secondary school academic transcripts, external exams, and (for transfer students) any prior colleges or universities. For graduate applicants, it means submitting official copies of undergraduate (and any graduate) degree transcripts of coursework taken. 

Essay and Recommendations

More selective colleges and universities will require an essay (for undergraduate applicants) or statement of purpose (for graduate applicants) and letters of recommendation . Essay topics can be as broad as “What do you want to do with your life?” or as specific as “What event has had the biggest impact on you?” Letters of recommendation should be written by someone who has either taught you in a class and can speak to your academic abilities, or by an advisor who can provide a more well-rounded perspective on the kind of person you are.

Whichever path you choose, the college application process is not meant to be done alone. A dedicated college guidance counselor or advisor can assist you through the college admissions process.

How Do Transfer Credits Work?

If you have already done some undergraduate coursework, you may be considered a transfer student , and this can change application requirements for study in the US. 

Transfer students have a slightly different application process, especially with standardized test requirements and deadlines. Some colleges and universities may only take transfer undergraduate or graduate applicants for the fall term, while others let transfer students start in spring or even summer. 

The classes you have already taken may count toward your bachelor’s degree requirements. These are called transfer credits . Transfer programs at US colleges and universities are designed for students who have not taken more than two years of study and, at many colleges, no more than two years of course credit can be applied toward fulfilling degree requirements. 

How Is the Academic Year Set Up in the USA?

Semesters, trimesters, quarters.

In the American education system, the academic year typically begins in August or September. Depending on the university, the academic year may be divided into quarters, trimesters, or semesters, and will run until May or June. For colleges that follow semesters, the fall term runs from late August or early September to mid-December, and the spring semester runs from January through May.

When to Apply

For new international undergraduate students considering US colleges and universities, applications are generally accepted as early as a year before the academic term you wish to join. For example, if you want to start at the University of Illinois Chicago in late August 2023, you could have applied for admission as early as September 2022. 

While many selective universities in the USA have regular admissions application deadlines in January or February, some colleges also offer early decision or early action deadlines in November. These earlier deadlines give students the chance to get a decision as far in advance as possible, although it often requires a commitment to enroll if admitted. Other colleges have rolling admissions policies and will accept applications throughout the year for the next academic term (or year).

Typically, early decision or early action applicants find out if they are accepted within a month of the submission deadline. For January or February application deadlines, students will learn if they are admitted in March or early April. International students who apply to rolling admissions colleges, like many of the Shorelight partner universities, generally find out as early as a few days to three to four weeks. 

How to Enroll

After admission, you will be told what your next steps are to accept an offer from a college or university. Many American universities will set a deadline date for admitted students to send in their deposit (the amount varies by college) to hold their place for the next academic year.

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What is the Classroom Experience Like in the US?

The undergrad classroom.

In US colleges, class sizes can be as large as 400 students in an auditorium or as small as four students around a table. At larger state universities, you will likely find big class sizes in the first two years of study. At liberal arts colleges, smaller class sizes (10 to 20 students) are standard. Colleges and universities must list on their websites their average student-to-faculty ratio (i.e., how many students are on campus for every faculty member and the average class size), so you can easily get a sense of the class sizes at the colleges that interest you.

For instruction , professors and academic experts typically teach college classes. Teaching assistants (often graduate students working for a professor) may teach large lecture classes or smaller lab or discussion sections. In addition to teaching staff, you will have either an academic advisor or faculty advisor (once you declare an academic major) who will help you choose classes and make sure you are on track for graduation.

On the first day of each class at the beginning of an academic term, students receive a syllabus from the professor or instructor, which covers what students can expect during the course — all the scheduled quizzes, tests, papers, and final exam requirements. Additionally, the syllabus will list the required textbooks and the reading that must be done for each class meeting. In many classes, the syllabus will also break down what percentage of your course grade comes from papers, quizzes, tests, group projects, mid-term and final exams, and even classroom participation. (That’s right — in many courses your grade is impacted by your involvement in discussions!)

Campus Jobs and Co-ops

Once you are settled, you may want to explore the opportunity to work on campus. Legally, as F-1 student visa holders, if there are jobs on campus available for international students, you can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. 

As you progress into your academic major, there may be internships , co-ops, or other work options off campus in jobs related to your program. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and be sure to bring this topic up with your academic/faculty advisor and also with your international student advisor, as there are immigration regulations that you will need to be familiar with and permission you will need to receive before working off campus. Many of these internships or co-ops may also offer credits toward your degree studies.

The Grad Student Experience

For graduate students, similar classroom and work rules apply for both master’s degree and doctorate coursework. Graduate students will have a required master’s thesis/project or doctoral dissertation at the end of a graduate program. These could take anywhere from a few months for a master’s thesis to two or more years for a dissertation.

What Is the Grading System at US Colleges and Universities?

Most US colleges use a combination of a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) scale and a letter grading system from A to F. Grades often look like: 

A = 4.0 Best

F = 0.0 Worst

Many American universities will also use different categories — A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F — and the +/- will have a different value on the 4.0 scale (e.g., A- = 3.7, B+ 3.3). Some universities offer classes with Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades, but these will not impact a student’s GPA. 

Students usually take between three and six classes each academic term, and each class is given a certain number of academic credits. As long as you pass a course (i.e., a D grade or better) you will get full credit for that course. 

Most university classes are worth between three and five credits. The number of credits per class varies by the hours of instruction each week. For example, if you have a course that meets a total of three hours a week over the course of a 16-week semester, that course will typically be worth three credit hours. If you have three hours of instruction plus an hour lab section each week, the course will likely be a four-credit class.

So, over one semester, let’s say you have five classes worth three credits each. If you pass each course, you will receive 15 credits. If, over eight semesters (or four academic years), you took that same number of credits each term and passed each class, you would have 120 credits and the end of your program. Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 to 133 credits, depending on the field of study.

How Successful Are International Students Studying in the USA?

More international students choose to study in the USA than in any other country. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) 2022 Open Doors Report , foreign students make up 4.7% of all college students in the US, and nearly one million students from overseas studied at American colleges and universities. 

For international students who complete degrees in the United States, roughly 60-65% choose to stay in the US for work opportunities. For F-1 student visa holders, that means one to three years of potential paid employment in your field of study, depending on your major. This work permission is called Optional Practical Training (OPT) . If you enroll in a STEM major, you can have three years of OPT for each degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) you complete in the United States. Of the million-plus international students in the United States in the 2018-19 academic year, more than 20% were in OPT.

A 2017 international student satisfaction survey from World Education Services revealed that 92% of current international students and 89% of recent alumni believe their US education was a good investment, and 85% of students and 88% of alumni feel positive about their career prospects.

US Education System Terms to Know: A US Colleges and Universities Glossary

Academic credits: the unit of measure for a student’s progress toward graduation. A typical university-level bachelor’s degree class is worth three credits. Normally, to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, students need to earn between 120 and 133 credits, which equals 40 to 44 classes.

Accreditation: six regional and dozens of program-specific groups, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, that permit colleges to operate as educational institutions.

Associate degree: the first academic degree possible after completing secondary school. This two-year degree program has an academic focus in one area with a number of other classes in the liberal arts. Associate degrees are normally completed at two-year community colleges.

Bachelor’s degree : typically a four-year degree completed at post-secondary colleges and universities.

College: a post-secondary institution in the United States. It can be a two-year institution for either academic or vocational studies or a four-year academic institution. Within universities, the academic divisions may be called colleges (e.g., College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, etc.).

Community college: a two-year post-secondary educational institution that primarily offers associate degree programs.

Doctoral degree: often called a PhD (doctor of philosophy) or EdD (doctor of education), this is the highest academic level of study offered in the United States. Doctoral programs are available to students who have either completed a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related subject. The length of the program depends on whether students already have a master’s before entry and the time it takes after completion of coursework to write a required dissertation (between one and four years).

GPA: the academic grade point average students receive from their various classes taken in college or university. Generally, students are graded in each course on a 4.0 scale (4 being high, 0 low). In the US education system, a 4.0 GPA equals an A, 3.0 is a B, 2.0 is a C, 1.0 is a D, and 0.0 is an F.

Graduate studies: academic programs that start after completing a four-year undergraduate degree and generally lead to master’s or doctorate degrees.

Liberal arts: areas of study covering humanities subjects like history, English literature, foreign language, mathematics, social studies, and natural sciences.

Liberal arts college: post-secondary institutions that focus primarily on academic programs in the humanities and social sciences.

Major: the primary focus of an undergraduate student’s degree studies. Majors are similar to the term “course of study” for international students. In US colleges and universities, the major represents anywhere from 33-50% of the total number of classes a student takes to graduate.

Master’s degree: normally a one- to two-year graduate study degree with an intensive focus in a particular academic subject. A master’s thesis or project is often required.

Quarter: An academic calendar variation that divides the year into four 10-week-long periods, with only three required (fall, winter, spring).

School: a US institution that educates students; often refers to places with K-12 learners. Within colleges and universities, “schools” can be considered a sub-division of a university’s academic areas (e.g., School of Engineering, School of Business). It can also be used as a slang term (e.g., “How many schools are you applying to?”).

Semester: a common measurement for an academic term. Typically, colleges and universities have two semesters (fall and spring) in a required academic year. Each semester is approximately 16 weeks long. Many universities also offer a summer semester for students who do not start in fall or for those who may want or need to take additional courses to accelerate or stay on track with their academic programs.

State university: a public four-year institution, funded in part by the state in which it is located. Public state universities tend to have large student body sizes.

Transfer credits: credits for students who have already completed some academic work at a different university that is then applied toward a degree program at a new university where the student is enrolled.

Trimester: an academic calendar that follows three terms – fall, winter, and spring. Each trimester is 12 to 13 weeks long.

Undergraduate studies: the first level of academic studies students take after completing secondary school. Undergraduate studies lead to either associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.

University: a four-year post-secondary educational institution. These institutions can offer all levels of post-secondary degrees (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate).

To learn more about the value of enrolling in a US college or university, get in touch with an education counselor today > 

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College 101: U.S. Colleges Explained

Updated: July 18, 2022

Published: February 11, 2020

Whether you’re a high school student looking to understand what college or university is all about, or you’re an international student looking to study abroad in the United States, American colleges can seem confusing. There are so many types of degrees, majors, and colleges to choose from. Plus, navigating course codes, credits, and financial aid can seem like you’re learning a whole new language. Just how does college work in the U.S. exactly? All the questions you have about college are answered here.

College is the next step of education after high school for most United States students. College is used interchangeably with the word university ( more on that here ). At United States colleges, there are several degree programs including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and PhDs.

Photo by  Tim Gouw  on  Unsplash

How does college work.

We know that the U.S. college system can be a bit confusing at times. With so many types of schools, ways to earn credits, and financial aid options, it’s no wonder that potential students end up scratching their heads from college websites.

Here’s our all inclusive list of how college works in the U.S.

Degrees and Credits

1. how many credits do i need for a bachelor’s degree.

For a bachelor’s degree, you need to complete 120 credits. Colleges also may have specific education requirements such as 1 math course, 1 English course, and 1 art course. Finally, each major has stipulations about how many credits of each type of course you may need.

2. What Level of Education Do You Need?

To find out what level of education you need, all you need to do is a bit of research. You may be able to get away with a bachelor’s degree now, but to reach your full career potential, a higher degree may be required.

3. What Are General Education Requirements?

General education requirements are what is required from your college or university in order to graduate. They are usually basic courses and you may have the flexibility to choose what you want to take within those gen ed requirements.

4. Bachelor’s of Arts vs. Bachelor’s of Science

A bachelor’s of arts requires more courses from humanities and arts departments, and bachelor’s of science will require more courses from science and math departments. To determine which is the best degree option for you, look at what field you are interested in, and what is commonly accepted or preferred when you will enter the workforce.

What is Dual Credit?

Dual credit is an option for students in high school in the United States to earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously. This can either happen at a high school, or at a local community college.

How Many Dual Credits Should You Take?

Too many dual credits that don’t ultimately work towards your degree will be a waste of time. Be smart about which dual credit classes you decide to take. Taking dual credits will save you from paying for college classes later on, but you may have to take introductory classes in college anyways. Also, before you get too excited signing up for several dual credits, check what is the maximum number of credits you are allowed to transfer into your college.

What’s the Difference Between AP and Dual Enrollment?

Advanced placement (AP) classes are classes for high school students meant to give them college credit after passing a test. At the end of the course, a student can take the test and depending on their score, they can get college credit for the class. The score is the credit, not the class. Students can take the test without taking any classes, but they might not pass.

Dual enrollment, on the other hand, is when high school students take college classes on college campuses during their junior or senior year of high school, and they earn dual credit at their high school.

When Transfer Credits Don’t Transfer

It isn’t uncommon for transfer students to complain that they have lost credit after their transfer. This can be due to the course not being advanced enough, or attempting to transfer duplicate courses. Check out what courses will apply to your new school before you transfer, to avoid loss of time and money.

Transfer Credit Without Losing Credit

You should check out transfer policies before enrollment, and make sure you are able to transfer a majority of your credits. Some colleges are more transfer-friendly than others. For example, some have a cap on the amount of credits they will receive.

Common Course Codes That Transfer

An easy way to check if your credits will transfer is to look at the 3-letter prefix and the numbers. Generally, business (BUS) will transfer to business, and communication (COM) will transfer to communication credits. There is not much wiggle room.

Commonly used number codes are more likely to transfer, such as 101, 201, 301, 100, 200, 300, etc. For example, Psych 101 is likely to transfer, while Graphic Arts 293 might not.

How to Transfer Community College Credits to University

Send your transcript to your new major advisor and ask them which credits will transfer. Sometimes the credits will transfer, but your past classes won’t substitute future classes. This is important to keep in mind when budgeting your time and money after the transfer.

Paying for College

Photo by  caleb minear  on  unsplash, financial aid explained.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is an application that all U.S. citizens and residents with a green card are eligible to apply for. The application includes questions regarding your income, and your guardians’ income(s), if you are a dependent. Students only receive student financial aid if they are deemed by the U.S. Department of Education to be in financial need. They will then determine whether to hand the student loans or grants. Grants are very difficult to obtain, and federal loans each have different interest levels. Students need to reapply for financial aid every year that they are in school.

The 529 Plan

The 529 plan allows you to pre-pay for college years early. This is often done by parents who want to lock in lower rates before their kids go to school.

Student Debt is a Killer

College sets you ahead in your life in many ways, but one of the ways it sets you far back is financially. The average student debt is $37,172 . There are ways to avoid student debt though, or to be smart about paying it off. Don’t let the fear of student loan debt hold you back from going to college, but make smart financial choices and don’t take the loans lightly.

Things to Consider About Student Loans

Before you apply for a student loan, investigate ways to save on tuition so you can take out less loans. For example, maybe transfer credit is available. If you plan on working part time, you may be able to take out less loans and pay some of your tuition upfront as well.

Calculate your ROI

Before you choose a school or a degree program, look at the school and program’s return on investment. Look at starting salaries for majors you might choose, and if that brand name school is really worth the extra tuition.

College is Expensive, Here’s How to Save

College is expensive, but there are some ways to make is less so. Take full-time credits each semester, as taking part-time can make you ineligible for financial aid. Try not to switch majors as you’ll end up taking extra classes, and take advantage of alternative credit such as dual credits in high school and work-study opportunities.

Choosing a Major

To find out what you should major in, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What kind of lifestyle do you want?

2. What career paths interest you?

3. What experience and knowledge do you need to support your dreams after graduation?

Why Majors Don’t Matter

While majors can help you get certain specific knowledge, a major usually doesn’t matter too much for undergraduate studies. It is more important what you do with your time in college.

The STEM Majors

STEM combines all of its parts (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) into one discipline to create a well-rounded field of study. STEM is much different than majoring in just one of those departments and can be much more challenging as well, as it offers a new way to learn and think.

A STEM major (as opposed to majoring in STEM), is to major in one of those four disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Within each of these majors, there may be some overlap but not as much as majoring in STEM itself.

Highest Paying Majors

Across the board, the consistently highest-paying majors are in engineering (mechanical, industrial, materials, aerospace, systems, electrical, nuclear, chemical, computer, and petroleum). Other high-paying majors are in business and political science.

Most Common Majors

1. Accounting: Accountants aren’t just good at finance and math. They also must be highly organized and self-disciplined.

2. Liberal Arts Music: If you love music, why not get a degree in it? There are plenty of music careers where you can pursue your passion.

3. Marketing: Graduates with marketing degrees are in high demand, and this is a great area of business to enter.

4. Communications: This major is not just for those going into journalism, it can be the perfect major for you if you are considering a career of any kind.

5. English: English majors are excellent at writing, love literature and language and have a broad range of careers waiting for them at graduation.

Choosing a College

Photo by  jasmine coro  on  unsplash, is this the best way for you to get an education.

Don’t just go to college because you think you should. Education comes in many forms, and college is only one of them. Do your research and find out if college is the best way to get you where you need to be.

What Every Dropout Should Know

Not going to college is a legitimate option, but know that you are taking a risk by dropping out of college. Remember that you can always go to college later in life, but it may be more difficult.

Should You Go to College?

This is a big question you should ask yourself before you enroll. Check out our full guide to find out if college is right for you.

How College Admission Works

Undergraduate college admissions are based on several factors: SAT scores, personal essays, high school grades/transcripts, and recommendation letters. Check deadlines far in advance to make sure you have enough time to take tests, ask for recommendation letters, and write your essays. Make sure to double check everything before you submit your application.

How Does College Accreditation Work?

What is accreditation .

Accreditation of higher education institutions is done by a private organization to ensure that the school meets acceptable levels of education quality.

The Involvement of the Department of Education

There is a U.S. law that states that any educational institution receiving financial aid must meet certain education quality criteria. This can often be proved through accreditation.

How Colleges and Universities Get Accredited

Getting accredited is optional and may take 1-2 years to show eligibility. Schools may show eligibility by submitting information on faculty, class syllabi, financial viability, graduation and degree requirements, and sample student work.

The Consequences of Attending a Non-Accredited School

When a student attends a non-accredited college or university, they may be ineligible for student aid, may not have credits transferred, other universities may not recognize the degree for further education, and a non-accredited degree may not be taken seriously by employers post-graduation.

How to Find out if an Online School is Accredited

Online schools should have accreditation information posted on their website. From there, you can look into the accreditation organization.

Accreditation Red Flags

Red flags for schools include having a similar name and logo to another university, few graduation requirements, promises completion in an unusually short time, and automatic acceptance.

Types of Colleges: The Basics

Photo by  michael marsh  on  unsplash, community college: truth and fiction.

Check your facts. Common misconceptions about community colleges are that it is a stepping stone to university (it’s not!), your credits will definitely transfer, and that it will help you decide what to do next.

Don’t Waste Money on Community College

Community college isn’t guaranteed to save you money. But if you’re smart about it, you may be able to save big by attending a community college for general credits, then transferring to a large public school for your major. However, as some credits may not transfer, you may not be saving in the end.

Public, Private, and For-Profit Colleges

Public colleges are state funded and owned, while private colleges are funded by another organization, such as a religious institution. Some colleges are for-profit. This may mean higher tuition rates and sometimes credits may not transfer to other colleges.

Four-Year and Two-Year Colleges

Four-year colleges offer bachelor’s degrees and include liberal arts colleges and universities. Two-year colleges offer associate’s degrees and certificates and include community colleges, vocational, and technical schools.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Usually private, these colleges tend to focus on the arts and humanities, and are oftentimes smaller than universities.

Universities

Universities usually have a collection of smaller colleges and may offer graduate degree programs, and research programs as well.

Vocational, Technical, and Career Colleges

These kinds of colleges offer specialized training in a particular field and prepare students for entry into that field. Examples include healthcare management, medical assistance, food and beverage management, and office management.

Specialized Colleges

These are colleges that are for specific people or purposes and include:

• Arts Colleges
• Single-Sex Colleges
• Religiously Affiliated Colleges
• Specialized Mission Colleges

Your College Degree Options

• Associates Degree: 2 years
• Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
• Graduate Degree: 1-4+ years
• Professional Degree: 3+ years
• Joint Degrees: Getting a bachelor’s degree that goes straight into a graduate degree
• Teacher Certification: 1 year

How Does Online College Work?

Photo by  dan dimmock  on  unsplash, what is online college like.

Online college is very similar to on-campus college. They both offer the same coursework, materials, assignments, tests and deadlines. The difference is that online students may watch video lectures instead of in-person lectures.

What Does an Online Classroom Look Like?

For a live classroom, students may use a platform where they log on and can listen live while other online students listen as well, and in-class students are in person. Online college platforms typically include a discussion section, lectures, grades, and groups sections.

Is Online College Hard?

Online college is the same as traditional college in terms of its coursework, assignments, exams, and deadlines. So the course content and requirements is the same level of difficulty. However, online students need to be much more self-motivated and accountable for their grades and participation.

If you are looking for a flexible, fully online, and accredited American university, check out our degree programs from University of the People (UoPeople). Not only is University of the People an accredited online school, but it is also tuition-free! Meaning you’ll get the most value for your education given that the only fees charged are for assessments to help the operation of UoPeople to continue. Degrees offered include associate’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields of Computer Science , Business , Education , and Health Sciences .

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up any confusion there was about U.S. colleges. How does college work? Now you know!

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Understanding the American Education System

The American education system offers a rich field of choices for international students. There is such an array of schools, programs and locations that the choices may overwhelm students, even those from the U.S. As you begin your school search, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the American education system. Understanding the system will help you narrow your choices and develop your education plan.

The Educational Structure

Primary and secondary school.

Prior to higher education, American students attend primary and secondary school for a combined total of 12 years. These years are referred to as the first through twelfth grades.

Around age six, U.S. children begin primary school, which is most commonly called “elementary school.” They attend five or six years and then go onto secondary school.

Secondary school consists of two programs: the first is “middle school” or “junior high school” and the second program is “high school.” A diploma or certificate is awarded upon graduation from high school. After graduating high school (12th grade), U.S. students may go on to college or university. College or university study is known as “higher education.”

Grading System

Just like American students, you will have to submit your academic transcripts as part of your application for admission to university or college. Academic transcripts are official copies of your academic work. In the U.S. this includes your “grades” and “grade point average” (GPA), which are measurements of your academic achievement. Courses are commonly graded using percentages, which are converted into letter grades.

The grading system and GPA in the U.S. can be confusing, especially for international students. The interpretation of grades has a lot of variation. For example, two students who attended different schools both submit their transcripts to the same university. They both have 3.5 GPAs, but one student attended an average high school, while the other attended a prestigious school that was academically challenging. The university might interpret their GPAs differently because the two schools have dramatically different standards.

Therefore, there are some crucial things to keep in mind:

• You should find out the U.S. equivalent of the last level of education you completed in your home country.
• Pay close attention to the admission requirements of each university and college, as well as individual degree programs, which may have different requirements than the university.
• Regularly meet with an educational advisor or guidance counselor to make sure you are meeting the requirements.

Your educational advisor or guidance counselor will be able to advise you on whether or not you must spend an extra year or two preparing for U.S. university admission. If an international student entered a U.S. university or college prior to being eligible to attend university in their own country, some countries’ governments and employers may not recognize the students’ U.S. education.

Academic Year

The school calendar usually begins in August or September and continues through May or June. The majority of new students begin in autumn, so it is a good idea for international students to also begin their U.S. university studies at this time. There is a lot of excitement at the beginning of the school year and students form many great friendships during this time, as they are all adjusting to a new phase of academic life. Additionally, many courses are designed for students to take them in sequence, starting in autumn and continuing through the year.

The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms called “semesters.” (Some schools use a three-term calendar known as the “trimester” system.) Still, others further divide the year into the quarter system of four terms, including an optional summer session. Basically, if you exclude the summer session, the academic year is either comprised of two semesters or three quarter terms.

The U.S. Higher Education System: Levels of Study

• First Level: Undergraduate

"The American system is much more open. In Hong Kong you just learn what the teacher writes on the board. In America, you discuss the issues and focus more on ideas."

Paolo Kwan from Hong Kong: Studying English and Business Administration at Sierra College in California

A student who is attending a college or university and has not earned a bachelor’s degree, is studying at the undergraduate level. It typically takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can either begin your studies in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at a community college or a four-year university or college.

Your first two years of study you will generally be required to take a wide variety of classes in different subjects, commonly known as prerequisite courses: literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. This is so you achieve a general knowledge, a foundation, of a variety of subjects prior to focusing on a specific field of study.

Many students choose to study at a community college in order to complete the first two years of prerequisite courses. They will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree and then transfer to a four-year university or college.

A “major” is the specific field of study in which your degree is focused. For example, if someone’s major is journalism, they will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. You will be required to take a certain number of courses in this field in order to meet the degree requirements of your major. You must choose your major at the beginning of your third year of school.

A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if you choose. It is extremely common for American students to switch majors at some point in their undergraduate studies. Often, students discover a different field that they excel in or enjoy. The American education system is very flexible. Keep in mind though that switching majors may result in more courses, which means more time and money.

• Second Level: Graduate in Pursuit of a Master’s Degree

Presently, a college or university graduate with a bachelor’s degree may want to seriously think about graduate study in order to enter certain professions or advance their career. This degree is usually mandatory for higher-level positions in library science, engineering, behavioral health and education.

Furthermore, international students from some countries are only permitted to study abroad at a graduate level. You should inquire about the credentials needed to get a job in your country before you apply to a postgraduate university in the USA.

A graduate program is usually a division of a university or college. To gain admission, you will need to take the GRE (graduate record examination). Certain master’s programs require specific tests, such as the LSAT for law school, the GRE or GMAT for business school, and the MCAT for medical school.

Graduate programs in pursuit of a master’s degree typically take one to two years to complete. For example, the MBA (master of business administration) is an extremely popular degree program that takes about two years. Other master’s programs, such as journalism, only take one year.

The majority of a master’s program is spent in classroom study and a graduate student must prepare a long research paper called a “master’s thesis” or complete a “master’s project.”

• Third Level: Graduate in Pursuit of a Doctorate Degree

Many graduate schools consider the attainment of a master’s degree the first step towards earning a PhD (doctorate). But at other schools, students may prepare directly for a doctorate without also earning a master’s degree. It may take three years or more to earn a PhD degree. For international students, it may take as long as five or six years.

For the first two years of the program most doctoral candidates enroll in classes and seminars. At least another year is spent conducting firsthand research and writing a thesis or dissertation. This paper must contain views, designs, or research that have not been previously published.

A doctoral dissertation is a discussion and summary of the current scholarship on a given topic. Most U.S. universities awarding doctorates also require their candidates to have a reading knowledge of two foreign languages, to spend a required length of time “in residence,” to pass a qualifying examination that officially admits candidates to the PhD program, and to pass an oral examination on the same topic as the dissertation.

Characteristics of the U.S. Higher Education System

Classroom Environment

Classes range from large lectures with several hundred students to smaller classes and seminars (discussion classes) with only a few students. The American university classroom atmosphere is very dynamic. You will be expected to share your opinion, argue your point, participate in class discussions and give presentations. International students find this one of the most surprising aspects of the American education system.

Each week professors usually assign textbook and other readings. You will be expected to keep up-to-date with the required readings and homework so you can participate in class discussions and understand the lectures. Certain degree programs also require students to spend time in the laboratory.

Professors issue grades for each student enrolled in the course. Grades are usually based upon:

• Each professor will have a unique set of class participation requirements, but students are expected to participate in class discussions, especially in seminar classes. This is often a very important factor in determining a student’s grade.
• A midterm examination is usually given during class time.
• One or more research or term papers , or laboratory reports must be submitted for evaluation.
• Possible short exams or quizzes are given. Sometimes professors will give an unannounced “pop quiz.” This doesn’t count heavily toward the grade, but is intended to inspire students to keep up with their assignments and attendance.
• A final examination will be held after the final class meeting.

Each course is worth a certain number of credits or credit hours. This number is roughly the same as the number of hours a student spends in class for that course each week. A course is typically worth three to five credits.

A full-time program at most schools is 12 or 15 credit hours (four or five courses per term) and a certain number of credits must be fulfilled in order to graduate. International students are expected to enroll in a full-time program during each term.

If a student enrolls at a new university before finishing a degree, generally most credits earned at the first school can be used to complete a degree at the new university. This means a student can transfer to another university and still graduate within a reasonable time.

Types of U.S. higher education

Xujie Zhao from China: Studying Computer Networking at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston

1. State College or University

A state school is supported and run by a state or local government. Each of the 50 U.S. states operates at least one state university and possibly several state colleges. Many of these public universities schools have the name of the state, or the actual word “State” in their names: for example, Washington State University and the University of Michigan.

2. Private College or University

These schools are privately run as opposed to being run by a branch of the government. Tuition will usually be higher than state schools. Often, private U.S. universities and colleges are smaller in size than state schools.

Religiously affiliated universities and colleges are private schools. Nearly all these schools welcome students of all religions and beliefs. Yet, there are a percentage of schools that prefer to admit students who hold similar religious beliefs as those in which the school was founded.

3. Community College

Community colleges are two-year colleges that award an associate’s degrees (transferable), as well as certifications. There are many types of associate degrees, but the most important distinguishing factor is whether or not the degree is transferable. Usually, there will be two primary degree tracks: one for academic transfer and the other prepares students to enter the workforce straightaway. University transfer degrees are generally associate of arts or associate of science. Not likely to be transferrable are the associate of applied science degrees and certificates of completion.

Community college graduates most commonly transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete their degree. Because they can transfer the credits they earned while attending community college, they can complete their bachelor’s degree program in two or more additional years. Many also offer ESL or intensive English language programs, which will prepare students for university-level courses.

If you do not plan to earn a higher degree than the associate’s, you should find out if an associate’s degree will qualify you for a job in your home country.

4. Institute of Technology

An institute of technology is a school that provides at least four years of study in science and technology. Some have graduate programs, while others offer short-term courses.

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How Does College Work? Everything You Need To Know (Helpful Guide)

Estimated reading time: 25 minutes

This is the number one guide to how college works! From types, Degrees, Majors, ROI, Pros & Cons, we’ve got you covered!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here .

As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You’ve come to the right place to learn everything you need to know about how college works.

From choosing between a college and university to understanding the different types of schools, degree levels, and majors, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll even dive into the pros and cons of going to college and explore the return on investment (ROI) of a college degree.

Follow these recommendations on how to navigate this guide and you’ll be well on your way to understanding everything you need to know about how college works.

Sections Covered In This Post

College vs. university, the different types of schools.

The Cost of College

Why Should I Go to College?

Pros and Cons of Going to College

What Is the Difference Between a School and a Department?

Majors in College

College ROI

Degree Levels

How do college years work, college credits.

When choosing between a college and a university, it’s important to think about what you want to achieve and what you’re interested in.

These terms are sometimes used in the same way, but they mean different things…

A college is usually smaller and more focused than a university. They usually offer undergraduate degrees and provide education in specific fields of study.

• They give associate and bachelor’s degrees, and sometimes also offer professional certifications.

UNIVERSITIES

A university is bigger than a college and has more programs to offer. It includes several colleges and schools and provides both undergraduate and graduate programs.

• They have a wide range of academic offerings, research facilities and graduate schools. They offer a variety of degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral.
• Universities tend to have a more comprehensive curriculum and are often known for their research and academic resources.

College: Focuses on undergraduate education. University: Offers a wider range of programs, including research opportunities and graduate schools.

There are different types of colleges to choose from when considering higher education:

• Ivy League schools are selective and prestigious, providing exceptional resources and opportunities for high-achieving students.
• Community colleges focus on two-year associate degree programs and vocational training, making higher education more affordable and accessible.
• Liberal/private colleges prioritize a well-rounded education, exposing students to diverse subjects and fostering critical thinking skills.
• Technical/vocational colleges offer hands-on training that focuses on practical skills for specific careers.

Knowing about these different types of colleges can help you choose the educational path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

How Much Does A 4-Year College Cost?

The cost of going to college varies depending on the school, program of study, and location.

In the United States, the average annual cost of going to a four-year public college or university is around $20,000 for in-state students and $35,000 for out-of-state students. The average annual cost of going to a private college or university is around $50,000.

However, these costs can differ a lot based on things like financial aid, scholarships, grants, housing, and other expenses. When deciding where to go to college, it’s important to research different schools and consider the full cost of attending.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here are some action items that may be helpful:

• Create a budget to determine how much you can afford to spend on college expenses, including tuition, housing, and other expenses.
• Research financial aid options , such as scholarships, grants, and loans, that can help you pay for college.
• Talk to academic advisors to determine which courses are required for your major and which courses are electives.
• Consider taking general education courses early on in your college career to get a better idea of what subjects interest you and what you might want to major in.
• Explore different housing options , such as traditional dorms, suite-style housing, apartment-style housing, or Greek housing, and consider factors such as cost, location, and lifestyle preferences.
• Attend career fairs and networking events to meet professionals in your desired field and learn about potential job opportunities.
• Join clubs, organizations, or sports teams to meet other students with similar interests and get involved in campus life.
• Develop time management skills to balance coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities.

These action items can help you prepare for and make the most of your college experience.

Why Should I Go To College?

When learning about how college works, one of the great ways is to focus on the positives … a.k.a. the benefits.

There are many benefits to getting a higher education degree. Here are a few:

1. BETTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Having a college degree can open up more job opportunities and increase your earning potential. Many employers require a college degree for certain positions, and having one can put you ahead of other candidates.

2. HIGHER EARNING POTENTIAL

While a college degree is not always necessary to make a great living, it can provide access to higher-paying salaried roles. In many industries, having a degree is becoming a standard requirement.

Pursuing a college education is a safe and practical option, providing a solid foundation for career advancement and financial stability.

3. PERSONAL GROWTH

College is not just about academics; it’s also a chance to learn and grow as a person. You’ll have the chance to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds, and gain independence.

4. NETWORKING

College is a great place to meet people who can help you in your future career. Professors, alumni, and fellow students can all offer valuable connections and advice.

5. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

College provides a structured environment for learning and development. You’ll be challenged academically and will have access to resources and support to help you succeed.

6. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Colleges often offer opportunities for community involvement and service. This can help you develop leadership skills, make a positive impact, and give back to your community.

Overall, getting a college degree can be a great investment in your future, offering personal and professional growth, new opportunities, and a sense of accomplishment.

• Career Advancement: In understanding how does college work, it’s important to think about how college can improve you. A college degree can help you find better jobs and earn more money. Some employers require a college degree for certain positions, so having one can give you an advantage over other candidates.
• Higher Earning Potential: Going to college can be a good investment in your future. You can get better jobs and earn more money with a college degree. However, you don’t always need a college degree to make a good living.
• Personal Growth: College is a great time to learn new things, meet new people, and become more independent.
• Networking: College is a good place to meet people who can help you in your career. Professors, alumni, and other students can give you advice and help you find job opportunities.
• Learning and Development: College is a place where you can learn a lot and get support to help you succeed.
• Community Involvement: Colleges often offer opportunities to give back to their community and develop leadership skills.
• Cost: College can be expensive, and you may have to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses.
• Debt: Many students have to take out loans to pay for college, which can take a long time to pay off.
• Time: College can take a lot of time and effort, and you may feel overwhelmed.
• Uncertainty: Getting a college degree doesn’t guarantee you a job, and you may have trouble finding a job in your field.
• Alternative Education Paths: Going to college isn’t the only way to get a good job. You can also go to vocational school or do an apprenticeship.

Overall, going to college can be a good choice for some people. It can help you learn new things, meet new people, and get better jobs. But it can also be expensive and take a lot of time and effort. So it’s important to think carefully about your goals and what you want to achieve before you decide whether or not to go to college.

What Is The Difference Between A School And A Department?

In the context of higher education, there is a distinction between a school and a department. So how does college work specifically in terms of organizational structure?

A school is a larger organizational unit within a college or university that encompasses multiple departments or academic disciplines.

It often represents a broader field of study, such as the School of Engineering, School of Business, or School of Arts and Sciences. A school typically consists of various departments, each focusing on a specific area of expertise or discipline.

Departments are more specialized and narrower in scope, focusing on a particular subject or academic field within the larger school.

For example, within the School of Business, there may be departments such as:

Departments are responsible for designing and delivering courses, conducting research, and providing academic support within their specific area of specialization.

Overall, schools provide a framework for organizing and administering multiple related disciplines, while departments focus on specific academic fields within those broader areas.

Majors In College

What major should i choose.

Choosing a major that’s right for you can feel overwhelming, but you can use the following factors to help you decide:

• Personal interest: Think about what subjects or fields excite you. Consider your hobbies, values, and areas of curiosity. Studying something you’re passionate about can make your academic and career pursuits more fulfilling.
• Career prospects: Look into the job market and employment trends related to different majors. Consider the demand, growth potential, and salary prospects for careers associated with each field of study. Balancing your interests with practicality can help ensure long-term financial stability.
• Work-life balance: Research how much time and stress different majors demand. Some fields may require longer hours or higher stress levels, while others offer more flexibility and better work-life integration. Consider how your desired major aligns with your desired lifestyle and values.
• Goal alignment: Think about your short-term and long-term goals when learning about how college works and if it’s right for you. How does each potential major align with your career aspirations, personal ambitions, and overall life goals? Evaluate whether a particular major can provide the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your objectives.
• Practical skills: Consider the practical skills and knowledge you’ll gain from each major. Look for programs that offer real-world applications, internships, hands-on experiences, or opportunities to develop transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Practical skills acquired during your studies can enhance your employability and adaptability in various domains.

Remember, this guide is just a starting point, and you can assign different importance to each factor based on your individual preferences and circumstances.

College ROI – What Is ROI?

You might be wondering during your search process, “What majors are worth studying?”

Let’s talk about R.O.I.

What is ROI?

College ROI, or Return on Investment , refers to the financial value and benefits gained from a college education in relation to the cost of obtaining that education.

It involves assessing the return, both monetary and non-monetary, that individuals can expect to receive over their lifetime as a result of their college degree.

• The ROI of college takes into account factors such as tuition expenses, potential scholarships or financial aid, future earnings, career advancement opportunities, and the overall value of the education received.

By evaluating the ROI of college, individuals can make informed decisions about their educational investment, weighing the potential financial and professional benefits against the costs involved.

It helps students and their families understand the long-term value and economic impact of pursuing higher education and assists in planning for a successful future.

WHAT IS A GOOD ROI FOR COLLEGE?

Getting a degree from college can be worth it if you consider your personal situation and things like what job you want, where you live, and what you want to achieve.

Here are some things to think about:

• You might make more money
• You could have more job options
• You may be able to get promoted more easily.

There’s no set rule for what makes a good ROI, but it’s a good idea to pick a college that gives you a good return on investment. That means you should be able to make a good salary when you start working and earn enough to make up for the cost of your degree.

Also, it’s a good idea to think about things that aren’t related to money, like how college can help you grow as a person, make connections, and learn new things that could be useful in your life.

Is A College Degree Still Worth The Investment?

It’s definitely an interesting topic and one that many people are interested in.

In understanding how college works we need to think about how it is an investment.

Nowadays, college can be quite expensive, and it’s no surprise that people are exploring other options, such as vocational training or entrepreneurship.

Still, earning a college degree can be incredibly valuable.

Studies consistently show that people with college degrees earn more money, have better job prospects, and experience less unemployment than those with only a high school diploma.

Plus, college provides opportunities for personal growth, critical thinking skills, and a better understanding of the world around us.

Of course, it’s important for students to carefully consider the investment of time and money involved in pursuing a college education.

It’s also important to explore alternative options that align with their personal and professional goals.

The world of higher education offers a variety of degree levels, each serving different purposes and opening doors to various opportunities.

Let’s explore the different types of college degrees to understand how college works:

• Associate’s Degree: An associate’s degree is typically earned from a community college or a two-year college program. It is often pursued to gain practical skills for entry-level positions or as a stepping stone toward further education.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is the most common undergraduate degree. It is typically earned after four years of full-time study at a college or university. It offers in-depth knowledge and specialization in a particular field. It also provides a broader educational experience and prepares students for a wide range of careers or graduate studies.
• Graduate Degree: Graduate degrees, such as master’s degrees and doctoral degrees , are pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree involves advanced study in a specific field. This provides specialized knowledge and expertise that can lead to career advancement or further research. Doctoral degrees, on the other hand, are the highest level of academic achievement. They require significant research and original contributions to a specific field.
• Certificates and Vocational Programs: In addition to traditional degree programs, colleges and vocational schools offer certificates and vocational programs. These programs focus on specific vocational skills and provide practical training for a particular trade or industry. They are often shorter in duration and can be a valuable pathway for those seeking specialized skills and quick entry into the workforce.

How To Choose The Right Degree

Choosing the right degree level depends on your career goals, personal interests, and time commitment. While higher degree levels generally offer more opportunities for advancement and specialization, it’s important to consider the specific requirements and expectations of your chosen field. Whether you opt for a two-year program, a four-year bachelor’s degree, or pursue advanced studies, each degree level provides a unique educational journey with its own set of benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Understanding the structure of college years can help students make the most of their academic journey. Here’s a breakdown of how college years typically work:

• Freshman Year: The first year of college is often referred to as freshman year. It serves as a transitional period for students entering college from high school. During this year, students become familiar with campus life, adjust to new academic expectations, and explore different areas of study. General education requirements are usually completed in the freshman year, allowing students to sample a variety of subjects before deciding on a major.
• Sophomore Year: By this time, students have gained some experience and are more accustomed to college life. They continue to take a mix of general education courses and begin to delve deeper into their chosen major or area of interest. Sophomore year is an opportunity to further explore academic and extracurricular pursuits, build relationships with professors, and consider potential internships or study abroad opportunities.
• Junior Year: At this stage, students typically have a clearer sense of their academic goals and have declared a major. Junior year focuses on more advanced coursework within the major, honing specialized skills, and delving into more complex subject matter. Students may also start considering potential career paths and networking opportunities, such as internships or research projects.
• Senior Year: The final year of college is senior year. During this time, students complete their remaining coursework and requirements for their major. Seniors often have the opportunity to engage in capstone projects, research, or internships that showcase their knowledge and skills.

HOW MANY CREDITS TO GRADUATE WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

So how doe s college credits work?

The number of credits required to graduate from college varies depending on the institution and the program of study. Typically, a bachelor’s degree requires 120-130 credits, which can be completed in four years of full-time study.

However, some programs may require more or fewer credits, and the time to complete a degree may vary depending on factors such as course load and transfer credits. It’s important to consult with academic advisors and program requirements to determine the specific credit requirements for your chosen degree.

DO COLLEGE CREDITS EXPIRE?

Whether or not college credits expire depends on the institution and program.

In most cases, college credits do not expire and can be used towards a degree at any time.

However, some institutions may have time limits on how long credits can be applied towards a degree or have specific policies on transfer credits.

It’s important to consult with academic advisors and program requirements to determine the specific policies and regulations for credit transfer and application.

WHAT ARE TRANSFER CREDITS?

Transfer credits are credits you earn at one college or university that can count toward a degree program at another school when transferred.

You can transfer credits from a community college to a four-year university, or from one four-year university to another.

The exact requirements for transferring credits may be different depending on the schools and the program you’re studying.

It’s important to talk to academic advisors and program requirements to figure out the specific policies and rules for credit transfer and application.

DO AP OR IB CREDITS TRANSFER?

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits can help you earn college credit before your freshman year. However, not all colleges accept these credits, and even if they do, they might only count toward certain requirements. To avoid any surprises, reach out to the college’s admissions office to check what credits they accept and how they apply towards your degree.

It might be tempting to take as many AP and IB courses as possible, but it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits, like the possibility of not passing the final exams (e.g., AP Exams) because only specific scores will be accepted.

If you’re not sure about AP or IB credits, another option is to take community college courses that can transfer to a four-year college or university. These courses are generally more widely accepted and can be a reliable way to earn transferable credits. Make sure to check with the college or university you plan to attend to know their specific policies and regulations for credit transfer and application.

College Housing

TYPES OF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY HOUSING

College housing, also known as dormitories or residence halls, is a popular choice for students looking for a convenient and immersive living experience during their college years.

There are several types of college housing options, including:

• Traditional Dorms : Traditional dorms are on-campus housing options that offer double or triple-occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms and common areas. They come equipped with basic furnishings, such as beds, desks, and closets, and may include meal plans and access to laundry facilities. Dorms are a great way to connect with other students and become more involved in campus life.
• Suite-Style Housing : Suite-style housing provides multiple rooms that share a common living area and bathroom. They are a good option for students who prefer more privacy and space than traditional dorms.
• Apartment-Style Housing : Apartment-style housing lets students experience independent living. They offer private bedrooms and bathrooms, a shared living space, and a kitchen. Apartment-style housing is a great option for students who want to live off-campus while still being close to campus and other students.

Additional College Housing

• Greek Housing : Greek housing includes fraternity and sorority houses, which are often located off-campus. They provide living arrangements for members of Greek organizations, offering a sense of community and fellowship. Greek housing is a good option for students who want to be part of a tight-knit group and take part in social events and activities. Traditional dorms are usually located on campus and offer double or triple-occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms and common areas. They often come equipped with basic furnishings, such as beds, desks, and closets, and may include meal plans and access to laundry facilities.

Overall, college housing can be a great way to immerse yourself in the college experience and make lifelong friends. However, it’s important to research different housing options and consider factors such as cost, location, and lifestyle preferences before making a decision.

IS IT WORTH IT LIVING ON CAMPUS?

Living on campus is a good way to enjoy college life, meet new people, and join campus activities. It also gives you easy access to classes, libraries, and other campus resources. However, it can be more costly than living off-campus, and some students may want more independence by living off-campus. Also, there is sometimes limited campus housing, noise, and limited space.

Ultimately, the choice to live on campus depends on what you want and your situation. Make sure to think about things like cost, location, lifestyle, and goals when deciding whether to live on or off campus during college.

College Semesters

HOW LONG IS A SEMESTER IN COLLEGE?

How does college semesters work?

A semester in college usually lasts for about 16 weeks, which is one academic term. Most academic years have two semesters, with a summer break in the middle.

However, the length and structure of semesters can vary depending on the school and program of study.

Some colleges have a quarter system or a trimester system instead of a two-semester system.

To figure out the exact semester structure and duration for your degree, you should talk to academic advisors and check program requirements.

HOW MANY SEMESTERS IN COLLEGE?

The number of semesters in college depends on the program of study and the school.

A typical bachelor’s degree in the United States takes four years to finish, with two semesters per year. This means most undergraduate students will finish eight semesters of coursework before graduating.

However, some programs might have more or fewer semesters, and the time it takes to complete a degree can vary depending on factors like course load and transfer credits.

College Classes Or Courses?

WHAT IS A COLLEGE CLASS CALLED?

A college class is usually called a course or a class. Courses are usually grouped by subject and level of difficulty and can be done in different formats, like lectures, seminars, or labs.

Courses are worth a certain number of credits, which track progress toward a degree. Most college courses are worth three to four credits, and students usually take between 12 and 18 credits per semester.

COLLEGE GENERAL ED CLASSES

General education classes, also called gen ed classes, cover a wide range of subjects and are required for most undergraduate degree programs. They’re designed to give students a well-rounded education and introduce them to different academic disciplines.

Gen ed courses usually cover topics like math, science, social sciences, humanities, and communications. They’re often taken during the first two years of college and are required for graduation.

WHAT ARE ELECTIVES?

Electives are courses that students choose based on their interests and academic goals. They’re usually not required for graduation but can give students a chance to explore new subjects or deepen their knowledge in a specific area.

Electives can be chosen from a wide range of subjects, like art, music, psychology, philosophy, or business. They can also include internships, research projects, or study abroad programs.

Electives can be a great way to personalize your college experience and explore new interests. However, you should talk to academic advisors and check program requirements to make sure electives fit your degree requirements and goals.

Now You Know How College Works

Scroll down for helpful action items!

College is a time of growth and exploration, offering opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that can shape your personal and professional life. By understanding how college works, you can make informed decisions about your educational investment and plan for a successful future. Remember, college is a journey, and each step along the way is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover your potential. With the right mindset and preparation, college can be a transformative and rewarding experience that sets you up for a fulfilling future. Good luck on your journey!

Overall, college is a time of growth and exploration. It offers opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that can shape your personal and professional life. By understanding how college works, you can make informed decisions about your educational investment and plan for a successful future. Remember, college is a journey, and each step along the way is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover your potential.

As you embark on your college journey, it’s important to keep in mind the different factors that can impact your experience and success. Consider your personal goals and interests, research different schools and programs, and explore diverse opportunities for growth and learning. With the right mindset and preparation, college can be a transformative and rewarding experience that sets you up for a fulfilling future. Good luck on your journey!

Helpful Take-Aways:

• Find out what you are interested in, what jobs are available, what will help you balance work and life, what will help you reach your goals, and what practical skills you need to decide which major is right for you.
• Think about your personal situation, such as where you want to work, where you want to live, and what you want to achieve, to decide if getting a college degree is worth the investment.
• Understand the different types of college degrees and their levels, such as associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate degrees, certificates, and vocational programs.
• Know how college years are structured, such as freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, and senior year.
• Understand college credits, such as how many credits you need to get a bachelor’s degree, whether college credits expire, and what transfer credits are.
• Know the different types of college housing, such as traditional dorms, suite-style housing, apartment-style housing, and Greek housing.
• Understand how college semesters work, such as how long each semester lasts and how many semesters there are.
• Know the costs of going to a four-year college, such as tuition, housing, and other expenses, and look into financial aid options.
• Prepare for college by attending career fairs and networking events, joining clubs or organizations, developing time management skills, and taking general education courses early on in your college career.

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How Does College Work? University in the United States Explained

Are you headed to college soon are you confused about how it works read on to learn everything you need to know about how college works.

Perhaps you’re heading to college or planning on taking a hiatus from work to continue or further your studies. Are you an international student looking to get into college in America? If that’s the case, you’ll be joining many others!

But, maybe you’re asking yourself: how does college work? Is there a difference between college and university?

The journey can be exciting, but overwhelming. For example, the college admissions process can certainly be daunting, especially if you’re not sure you can get into university, or you’re unsure about the requirements. 

We’re here to demystify the entire process and make it a little easier to understand. We know it’s confusing! But keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

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How Does the American School System Work?

Essentially, once you’ve passed through primary, or elementary school, you’ll move into middle or junior high, which covers grades 6 through 8. Following this is secondary tuition, which covers grades 9 to 12. The American education system covers both vocational tuition and a college-prep curriculum.

The expectation is that you will attend a college so they gear everything towards that. For example, students will take the SATs , which score an academic baseline and determines their overall knowledge base, which helps them get into college or university. 

The goal is first and foremost graduation. Following that, schools make sure your prospects outside of school are good. This standard works across the entire United States, and the expectation is that you have 12 years of education. 

For international students, this may pose a problem, since some countries only mandate 11, but there are foundation courses you can take to get you where you need to be before  applying to a US higher education system like a university or college .

And yes, there is a difference!

Related Read : 10+ Types of Colleges and the Admission Requirements by College Type

What Is the Difference Between College and University?

There’s a difference between what the rest of the world calls universities, but the US often uses the words university and college interchangeably. Some places are even referred to as institutes. Typically, however, a university will refer to a larger group of institutions, offering undergraduate programs and graduate programs. 

Because a university typically comprises multiple divisions or areas of study, it may have its own colleges. In this context, colleges are the same as divisions inside a university. For example, Harvard University has various colleges (or schools) like:

• Harvard Business School
• Harvard College
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine
• Harvard Graduate School of Design 
• Harvard Divinity School

Universities will often have a more diverse curriculum and you’ll often have the option of working in research facilities and enjoying sports centers. These kinds of institutions are the ones that international students will look at, but it’s not always a necessity. You don’t always need to attend a university, especially if your career of choice is more vocational and doesn’t require extensive and advanced abilities, like engineering or doctoral work.

If this is not something you’re interested in, then it may help to apply at places like:

• Community colleges 
• Vocational or professional Schools
• Liberal arts colleges

Degrees programs at vocational or community schools typically take around 2 years to complete, after which you’ll get an associate degree, a professional certification, or a certificate. Some vocational schools may offer focused subjects like nursing and teaching.

From there, you can choose to attend a university in the US  to complete your degree, and even follow it up with a Master’s or Ph.D. This is achievable even if you attend community college to start, which is something many people seem to shun. 

What Is a Community College?

Community colleges offer discounted, quality education, as well as the chance to transfer to a university since it helps you build the foundation of your course. Community colleges do also come with various advantages. For example: 

• They let students who are unsure of their future studies (inexpensively)
• They offer flexible transfer preparation
• They offer associate’s degrees and certifications
• They offer non-degree programs

Remember that not everyone is interested in pursuing a degree, though community colleges do certainly make it easier. But they’re worth considering for the simple fact that you offer certifications and qualifications that can get you in the door.

Non-degree programs could be anything from extensive remedial and developmental education, as well as GED coursework. Overall, community colleges are more flexible than universities, and when they’re well funded (because the state funds them), then they can be an excellent choice for education.

Let’s discuss how to transfer if you’re interested in getting your start in community college but ultimately want to complete a full degree.

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Transferring From Community College to a Four-Year College

Many people use community college as a stepping stone to a four-year degree. It’s a viable and potentially cheaper option, and it lets you explore your options a bit more than university does. There are some things you should know first: 

• Make sure your credits count
• Sign up for a transfer program
• Get help with resources
• Check the minimum grade requirement 
• Check if the college has an ongoing transfer relationship with the university

The most important thing you need to do is ensure that the credits you’re earning from your classes will actually count in the four-year course you’re looking at. Not doing this could cost you time and money. Next is the transfer program. Some colleges have these, and they can be exceptionally useful.

Essentially, the two-year transfer program should include the same courses that you’d expect to see in your first two years at the university. This not only helps gear you up for success but makes the transition smooth and painless.

Here are a few basic transfer facts to help iron out questions (before we move on to how to actually get into college):

• If your credits and courses transfer, you’ll start as a junior (not a freshman)
• You may need to retake courses if you don’t get the credits
• When you graduate, the four-year college will be the only one on your degree

The College Admissions Process

It’s important to remember you’ll need to apply for your university or college of choice well before the semester starts. They typically accept applications as early as a year before your chosen academic term. For example, you may have to apply as early as September 2022 if you want to start in late August 2023, though this depends on the university.

While many top universities in the United States have typical application deadlines in January or February, certain colleges also have an early decision or early action deadlines in November or December. These earlier deadlines mean students can receive a decision as soon as possible, though they frequently require a commitment to enroll if accepted.

Other institutions have rolling admissions rules, which means they will take applications for the following academic term or throughout the year. Applicants that apply for early decision deadlines may find out within a month if they’ve been accepted or not. For example, if you apply in January, you could find out by late February or early March, though this depends on the volume of applications the school receives. 

International students who apply to colleges with rolling admissions should expect to hear anywhere from a few days to three or four weeks. 

Related Read : 7 Important Questions to Ask College Admissions Before Making a Choice

Applying for College and University

When you understand where you want to go and what you want to study, you’ll need to look at actually applying. This can be a daunting experience, and it can certainly feel overwhelming. However, if you’ve worked with the right guidance and have all your information together, the process should be a breeze. 

Remember that the credits you earned in high school matter, as they determine where you can apply. Let’s look at what exactly these are, especially if you’re an international student.

What Are Credits?

Credits are one of the most common ways for high school students to determine and show that they have satisfied academic requirements. After successfully completing and passing a course or a compulsory educational program, the student will earn credits. These go into formal records, and there are options for earning credits above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Credits in the United States are frequently based on the Carnegie unit, which equals 120 hours of classroom instruction (one hour of instruction a day, five days a week, for 24 weeks). That being said, credit-bearing courses can differ significantly across the country. Some states have their own requirements, which you can  look up here . 

Universities and colleges also use credits, and each subject and school will have its own base minimum you need to achieve in order to graduate every year. Most schools, however, require a 120-133 credit score in order to get your bachelor’s.

Application Forms

While it’s standard for most colleges to have their own application forms, it’s possible for prospective international students to use the Common Application form to apply to one (or more) of the nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the US. 

Regardless of which form you use, keep in mind that each college has its unique application deadlines. Besides an application form, each university or college will have its own set of requirements.

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Most American students will sit for the SATs or ACTs, which help determine their overall academic score, while graduate programs may ask for a GRE or GMAT score to apply. International students will be required to take at least one sort of English proficiency test. These could be anything from:

• PTE Academic

International students will also need to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores, though most colleges won’t be too concerned if you don’t do as well as Americans on these tests. That doesn’t mean you can fail them, as you still need to be within the desired ranges, there just may be less pressure.

Academic Records

Your academic records (translated into English) will be the most crucial aspect of the evaluation process for most colleges in the US education system. For undergrad applications, this could involve submitting and summing up your entire academic career. Things you should expect to submit are:

• Academic transcripts
• External tests
• Any former colleges or universities

You’ll need to submit official copies of your transcripts, both from high school and any courses you took.

Essays and Recommendations

An essay (for undergraduate candidates) or a statement of purpose (for graduate applications), as well as letters of recommendation, will be required by more selective colleges and universities. Topics for essays might range from:

• Personal essays about goals
• Greatest role models
• Hypothetical questions 

Someone who has taught you should prepare letters of reference or recommendation. This can also be someone who somehow speaks to your academic ability. An advisor can also give a more holistic view of who you are, so it is handy to work with a guidance counselor or advisor.

Related Read : When to Apply for Scholarships? How to Find the Best Time (w/ Tips!)

How Does College Work? Education Levels and Degree Types

Each university or college will offer its own styles of courses and study, but the ultimate goal is the same. Within that, there are different classifications for the level of education you’ll receive. If you work with something you enjoy, you’re more likely to be  successful in your college efforts ! We’ll start at the bottom and work up to what’s possible to achieve.

Undergraduate 

These kinds of studies can start immediately after secondary or high school. Within that, there are two primary options. The first is the two-year associate’s degree, and the second is the four-year bachelor’s degree.

Remember, the associate’s degrees come from community or vocational colleges, while bachelor’s can be awarded by universities and other four-year institutions. No matter the location or case, students will choose a focus for their studies, which is called a major. 

Besides this, students will be expected to take other required core subjects or general classes to enrich and develop their critical thinking and communication skills.

Graduate students, or grad students, are those who have earned their bachelor’s degrees. In many other countries, this can take up to 5 years to earn, sometimes more. In the US, anything that follows a four-year degree will be referred to as a master’s. This can often take 2-3 years to finish, though many schools offer a fast-track program. It’s important to note that these can be grueling. 

This kind of study allows you to dive into the meat of your subject and can be more career or academic-focused. For example, someone can get their masters in philosophy, which is geared toward academia. Others may opt for their master’s in marine biology, which would give them a specialty and more career prospects.

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Post-Graduate

The US has a system that refers to post-graduate studies as anything that happens after a master’s degree, which includes studies for a doctorate. The actual length of the doctorate will depend on two key things: 

• Has the student finished a masters in a related field?
• How long will it take them to finish their dissertation?

Typically, this process also takes 2-3 years. There will first be classes, followed by a dissertation or extensive research paper, that will act as the culmination of your focus. You’ll have a faculty member as an advisor and work closely with them to achieve your goals. 

Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

We touched on what a major is when we were talking about under-grad studies, but we didn’t go into extensive detail. They’re an important part of the university process and form the foundation of your degree. That being said, most schools will not allow you to have over 50% of your classes in  your university major . 

These represent what you’re interested in, but there are other subjects that must come into play in order for you to graduate with a well-rounded skill-set. 

This is where college minors come into play. These are areas of academic focus that enhance your soft skills (usually) and can help you understand your coursework better. 

Concentrations are further specializations writing a specific major, which means you have more options for the area of study. For example, you could have your major in history, but have a concentration on Latin America, North Africa, and even niche subjects like the history of religion or politics.

Related Read : A Student’s Guide to Promoting Gender Equality in Education

The Different Degrees

The three most prevalent bachelor’s degree types in the US are the BA, BS, and BFA. Bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of fine arts, respectively. There are others you can investigate, but we  touched on that here .

Bachelor of Arts

A bachelor of arts, or a BA, is typically a four-year degree that covers general education requirements, then typically after two years, allows you to choose a focus of interest. It is one of the most common undergrad programs, but there’s a reason many people pursue it. 

A BA degree can help you with:

• Critical thinking skills
• Communication skills
• Foundations for humanities-based studies
• Developing a well-rounded education

Typically, you’ll graduate with a bachelor of arts with a major in psychology, or geography, for example. The options are plentiful and they can be exceptionally useful for getting into a career that doesn’t require niche skills, but still needs a university degree.

These are some careers you could pursue with a BA:

• Marketing and sales
• Public relations
• Business leadership

This is just the tip of the iceberg, and reportedly, people who study for a BA actually end up  making over 40% more  than those with no qualifications.

Bachelor of Science 

A bachelor of science differs from a BA in a few ways. Both the core of the degree and the upper-division coursework achieve a far more focused dive into a specific discipline. These disciplines could be:

• Engineering

Anyone looking to pursue a BS should understand that their program will involve rigorous studies, specialized courses, and offer a combination of technology, maths, and engineering topics. If you want to apply for a job in one of these fields, or your aim is to earn a Ph.D. in science or engineering, then you may want to choose a BS as your degree.

Related Read : What Is a Good GPA in College? Is My Grade Point Average Too Low?

Bachelor of Fine Arts

A bachelor of fine arts is another undergraduate degree that specializes in the study of the fine, visual, or performing arts. These could be anything from painting to music, drama, and sculpture. 

This kind of degree will have a practical element, typically with studio time, lectures, and discussion classes. You’ll still need to choose an area of specialty, but your options are broad. These are just a few examples:

• Game design
• Architecture
• Illustration
• Visual effects
• Fashion design

This is also usually a four-year degree, though it may take more or less time based on the amount of studio time required. Once you’ve finished a degree like this, you can pursue a post-grad option, which could open you up to teaching and lecturing positions. These would again require a combination of practical and theoretical studies.

Paying for College

When looking at actually paying for college , you have a few options at your disposal. While the best thing to do is pay for it upfront, this is not always possible. Keep in mind that as an international student, you may not have access to these kinds of resources, so plan ahead. These are a few of the different routes you can take:

• Financial aid
• The 529 plan
• Scholarships
• Student Loans

Financial aid is available to those with a green card, but only if the US Department of Education  deems you to need it. If they approve, they will either offer a grant or a loan, though grants can be difficult to get. You will need to reapply every year if you’re planning on studying with financial aid. 

The 529 plan is a scheme where you can pre-pay for college, though this is typically done by parents who want to lock in a lower rate. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit, academic, or extra-curricular performance, and they will typically come with a requirement that you play for the school or use your talents in exchange for the scholarship. 

Student loans are the other option, but they can seriously set you back financially. Before applying for a loan, see if there are other ways to save on tuition so you can take out fewer loans. For example, you may have access to transfer credit, or if you work part-time, you can take out smaller loans and pay your tuition upfront. 

Always look at the school’s return on investment. Is it worth investing your time and money in it? Will it make a significant difference in your career? The answer is usually yes, but every person is different, and that’s why we recommend doing your research (you’re already well on your way!) and making the choice that suits you and your career best.

It’s possible that night school may be a better option for you, or a credit-based high school course. The choice is yours!

Related Read : How to Choose a College: 7 Considerations for Finding the Right University

Secure Your Future and Further Your Mind

We know it’s a lot to consider, but the best way to go about the process is to start with what you have in your pocket. Got all the credits? Planned for payment? Do you know what your majors will be? These are just a few of the things you need to work out in order to answer the question we posed at the beginning. 

How does college work? Hopefully, you have a better understanding of it now, and are geared up and excited to tackle the world of higher education. The professional world often needs qualifications, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

To learn more about how college works, check out these articles to read next:

• How to Prepare for College: 13 Tips for Freshman Success at University
• Should I Go to College? Here Are 10 Benefits of University Education
• Glossary of College Terms: 25+ Important University Words to Understand
• How to Make Friends in College: 10+ Easy Ways to Meet People at Uni
• 15+ Best Study Tips: Top Advice & Effective Ways to Study Better
• Ultimate College Packing List: Things to Take to University
• 25+ Best Gifts for College Students
• 40+ College Student Discounts in Tech, Fashion & Beyond!
• 50+ Best Education Quotes & Inspirational Sayings About Learning
• 15 Books to Read Before College for High School Students and Graduates

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Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options

Find the right college for you.

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

If you ever find yourself lost in the sea of abbreviations for degrees, you're not alone. This quick guide is here to clear the air regarding the types of degrees available to you and what each one means.

Guide to College Degrees, Professional Studies & Certifications

Associate degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

AS degrees are generally more narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts.

Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch).

Because bachelor’s degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many job opportunities and increase your potential income.

Some institutions offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. This is a type of dual degree in which a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study. In the end, students earn two bachelor’s degrees, usually a BA and a BS.

An example of this is Columbia University’s 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years.

Some colleges also let you earn a teacher certification by combining bachelor's degree study with state certification requirements. State requirements vary, but these programs usually feature professional education courses, including student teaching.

Graduate Degree

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The two most common are master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS). Other examples include master of fine arts (MFA) and master of business administration (MBA). A graduate degree is like an extension of a bachelor’s degree whereby a student further enriches their knowledge of their field and narrows their f ocus of study .

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

Professional Degree

Students earn professional degrees to become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law. The M.D. degree is an example. Professional programs generally require a college degree before you start them and then at least three years of study to complete.

Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree

The doctorate and professional degrees are the highest levels of education one can attain. They signify mastery of a subject and often come with the coveted title “doctor.” Although the two are similar, there are some important differences.

A doctorate or doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree focused on scholarly development. The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Despite the name, a PhD covers many disciplines, not just philosophy.

A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. There are many types of professional degrees. Some examples are: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), and doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and juris doctor (JD) and doctor of juridical science (SJD) in the field of law.

A graduate degree does not need to precede a doctorate or professional degree. Often, students will go straight into a doctorate or professional program following their bachelor’s, however some programs will require a master’s degree to gain entry. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Many doctoral students work either full-time or part-time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a bachelor of arts (BA) at Harvard and a master of music (MM) or master of arts (MA) at Berklee.

Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate. For example, the University of Southern California offers a program leading to doctor of pharmacy and master of public health degrees.

How do academic degrees go in order?

There are four types of degrees. In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

How many degrees are there in college?

Most community colleges offer only two-year associate degrees, while most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s, graduate, and doctorate or professional degrees. Some four-year colleges may also have associate degree programs.

How many years do you have to be in college to achieve certain degrees?

Though it will vary between academic disciplines, associate degrees usually take two years to achieve, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctorate or professional degrees can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What is an eight-year degree?

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects. Students in these programs often must defend a dissertation while already working a professional job.

What are the four years of college called?

The first four years of college are the undergraduate years, and a student studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate. The four years refer to the total accumulated credit hours; a student may take fewer or more than four years to attain their undergraduate degree.

What does a graduate degree mean?

A graduate degree or master’s degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor’s degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain.

What do you call a master's student?

A master's student is called a graduate student or “grad student” for short. A student still studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student or “undergrad student.”

How many years is a master's degree?

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree, although it may require some extra credit hours.

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Table of Contents

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An extensive body of research has argued that obtaining a college diploma is a good deal for graduates on almost any measure – from higher earnings to lower unemployment rates. By the same token, those without a college degree can find their upward mobility in the job market limited by a lack of educational credentials: This survey finds that one-third of Americans who lack a four-year college degree report that they have declined to apply for a job they felt they were qualified for, because that job required a bachelor’s degree.

But despite the potential benefits and opportunities available to college graduates – and the potential challenges faced by those who lack a college diploma – Americans have somewhat mixed attitudes about the effectiveness of traditional four-year colleges and other higher education institutions. On a personal level, many college graduates describe their own educational experience as having a generally positive impact on their personal and professional development. Roughly six-in-ten (62%) college graduates with two- or four-year degrees think their degree was very useful for helping them grow personally and intellectually, while roughly half think it was very useful for opening up job opportunities (53%) or for providing them with useful job-related skills and knowledge (49%).

Yet even as many college graduates view their own educational experience in positive terms, the public as a whole – including a substantial share of college graduates – expresses reservations about the extent to which various higher education institutions prepare students for the workforce more generally. Just 16% of Americans think that a four-year degree prepares students very well for a well-paying job in today’s economy, and 51% say this type of degree prepares students “somewhat well” for the workplace. Some 12% think that a two-year associate degree prepares students very well (46% say somewhat well), and 26% feel that certification programs in a professional, technical, or vocational field prepare students very well (52% say somewhat well).

The purpose of college: Americans view workforce-relevant skills and knowledge as more important than personal and intellectual growth

Americans’ views of what a college education should be tend to prioritize specific, workplace-related skills and knowledge rather than general intellectual development and personal growth. Half of Americans say that the main purpose of college should be to teach specific skills and knowledge that can be used in the workplace, while 35% think its main purpose should be to help students grow and develop personally and intellectually and 13% volunteer that these objectives are equally important. The public’s views on this issue have shifted slightly in favor of skills development since the last time Pew Research Center asked this question in 2011. At that point, 47% said main purpose of college should be to teach specific skills and knowledge and 39% said it should be to promote personal and intellectual growth.

Americans who have engaged in additional schooling beyond a bachelor’s degree are especially likely to say that the main purpose of college should be personal and intellectual growth, rather than the acquisition of specific skills and knowledge. Some 47% of those with a postgraduate or professional degree think the main purpose of college should be personal and intellectual growth, while 35% think it should be teaching workplace-relevant skills.

In contrast, those with limited college experience (or no college experience at all) are more likely to prioritize the development of specific skills over general intellectual improvement. For instance, 56% of Americans with a high school diploma or less say college should be primarily a place to develop specific work-oriented knowledge and skills, while just 31% see it primarily as a place for personal and intellectual growth.

There is also a partisan element to these views, with Republicans and Democrats expressing highly differing opinions on the purpose of college. Democrats (including Democratic-leaning independents) are about evenly split on which of these objectives is more important: 42% say colleges should prioritize personal and intellectual growth, while 43% say they should prioritize the development of workforce-relevant skills. But among Republicans and Republican leaners, 58% say that the main purpose of college should be teach specific skills – while just 28% feel that the main purpose should be general personal and intellectual growth.

These partisan differences hold true even after accounting for differences in educational attainment. Democrats and Democratic leaners with high levels of educational attainment are more likely to prioritize personal and intellectual growth relative to Democrats and Democratic leaners with lower levels of educational attainment.

But Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents at all educational levels are more likely than Republicans and Republican-leaning independents with similar levels of education to believe that personal and intellectual growth should be the main purpose of college.

Along with Democrats and those who have progressed beyond a bachelor’s degree, younger adults (those ages 18 to 29) are more likely than older adults to feel that personal and intellectual growth should be the primary purpose of college: some 43% of 18- to 29-year olds feel this way, compared with roughly one-third of those in older age groups.

In addition, Americans who themselves work in the education field tend to place a greater emphasis on personal and intellectual growth as the primary purpose of college: 46% believe that this should be the main purpose of a college degree, while 35% believe that college should mainly be a place to develop specific skills and knowledge (19% of those who work in the education industry consider them equally important).

Most college graduates regard their college experience as very useful for intellectual growth; views are more mixed when it comes to job opportunities and marketable skills

When asked to assess certain aspects of their own educational experience, about six-in-ten (62%) college graduates (including those who graduated from a two-year degree program) feel that their time in college was very useful in helping them grow personally and intellectually. About half say their college experience was very useful in helping them access job opportunities (53%) or in helping them develop skills and knowledge they could use in the workplace (49%).

The further people have progressed in their college career, the more likely they are to consider their experience very useful. Those with a postgraduate or professional degree are more likely to say that their college education was very useful in each of these respects compared with four-year degree holders, who are in turn more likely than those with a two-year associate degree to say that their education was very useful across each of these measures. For example, while two-thirds of those with a postgraduate or professional degree say their college education was very useful in opening doors to job opportunities, 56% of those with a four-year degree, and an even smaller share (40%) among those with a two-year degree, say the same. And while 57% of those with more than a bachelor’s degree say college was very useful in helping them develop marketable skills, about half or a smaller share among those with a four- or two-year degree hold this view (49% and 43%, respectively).

When it comes to helping them grow professionally and intellectually, majorities of those with a postgraduate or professional degree (77%) and those with a bachelor’s degree (64%) say college was very useful, compared with 46% of those with a two-year college degree.

Americans have mixed views about the extent to which college prepares students for a well-paying job in today’s economy

When asked a broader set of questions about the impact of college more generally, the public expresses somewhat mixed views about the extent to which a college education prepares students for success in the workforce.

Two-thirds of Americans (67%) think that a traditional four-year degree prepares students for a well-paying job in today’s economy at least somewhat well, but just 16% think it prepares them very well, and 29% think it does not prepare them well. A somewhat smaller share of Americans (58%) think that a two-year community college degree prepares students for a well-paying job either very (12%) or somewhat (46%) well, while 38% think that these programs do not prepare students well.

Interestingly, Americans with a four-year college degree are generally no more positive – or negative – than those with less education about the relationship between a four-year degree and a well-paying job: 13% of those with a bachelor’s degree or more education say a four-year degree prepares people very well, as do 11% of those with a two-year associate degree, 12% of those with some college experience but no degree, and 17% of those with a high school diploma. Among those who did not complete high school, however, 40% believe that a four-year college degree does a very good job of preparing people for a well-paying job.

When it comes to assessments of a two-year college degree, about one-in-six (16%) Americans who hold this type of degree say it prepares workers very well for a well-paying job. This is considerably larger than the share of those with at least a bachelor’s degree (7%) who say a two-year degree prepares people very well, but not necessarily more positive than the views of those with less education.

Blacks and Hispanics are more likely than whites to say four- and two-year degrees prepare people very well for a job in today’s economy. For example, about three-in-ten (29%) Hispanics and about a quarter (24%) of blacks say this about a four-year degree, compared with 12% of whites. And while about one-in-five blacks and Hispanics (18% each) say a two-year associate degree prepares people very well, one-in-ten whites share this view.

These findings are consistent with previous Pew Research Center surveys that found that black and Latino parents view college as more essential for their children’s success than do white parents.

A substantially larger share of the public has positive attitudes towards certification programs in a professional, technical or vocational field in the context of workforce development. Some 78% of Americans think that these programs prepare students well for a job in today’s economy, including 26% who think they prepare students very well. Just roughly one-in-five (19%) think they do not prepare students well. It is important to note, however, that respondents were not asked about the effectiveness of certification programs instead of a college education.

Positive assessments of certificate programs as a way to prepare workers for jobs in today’s economy are particularly widespread among those who did not complete high school; 44% in this group say these types of programs prepare people very well, compared with about a quarter (27%) of those with a high school diploma and a similar share of those with some college, but no degree (22%), a two-year degree (28%), or a four-year degree or more education (22%). Certificate programs are also particularly well-regarded among Hispanics, 39% of whom say they prepare people very well for a good job in today’s economy. About a quarter of blacks (25%) and whites (23%) say the same.

One-third of Americans without a bachelor’s degree have elected to not apply for a job they felt they were qualified for because it required a four-year degree

Recent research has argued that there is a “ credentials gap ” in today’s workforce, as employers increasingly require a bachelor’s degree for positions that did not demand this level of schooling in the past. And the survey finds that 33% of Americans who do not have a four-year college degree report that they have declined to apply for a job they felt they were qualified for, because it required a bachelor’s degree.

Americans who have engaged in some type of formal education beyond high school (short of obtaining a bachelor’s degree) are particularly likely to believe they’ve been adversely affected by credentialing requirements as they work their way up the educational ladder. Some 25% of Americans with a high school diploma or less and no additional schooling beyond that have not applied for a job because of a bachelor’s degree requirement. But that figure rises to 34% among those with a high school diploma plus additional vocational schooling, to 38% among those with some college experience but no degree, and to 44% among those with a two-year associate degree. Put somewhat differently, as people receive additional formal education without actually obtaining a bachelor’s degree, they may develop relevant skills without the on-paper credentials to match.

In addition, adults younger than 50 are much more likely than older adults to have refrained from applying to a job they felt they were qualified for because they didn’t meet the formal educational requirements. About four-in-ten non-college graduates ages 18 to 29 (41%) and ages 30 to 49 (44%) say this has happened, compared with 31% of those ages 50 to 64 and just 12% of those 65 and older.

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Admit-a-bull // official admissions blog, why a college education is important.

By Joe Emerson | Last Updated: Jul 15, 2022

Defining why a college education is important involves more than just identifying the superficial benefits of more career opportunities. At a deeper level, college is where you will map a path through life that can take you to places you never expected to go.

The beauty of postsecondary education is that college can yield tangible and intangible benefits for you that in turn benefit others – even if school doesn’t awaken your sleeping Pablo Picasso, Stephen Hawking, or Bill Gates.

Tangible Benefits of a College Education

It’s well established that a college education delivers measurable material benefits. If you were to rattle off the list of reasons you’re attending school, chances are these are the first ones you’ll mention.

College Education and Wages

A handful of money definitely qualifies as a tangible benefit, and research has matched levels of education to payroll expectations and the ability to find a job:

• In 2015, bachelor’s degree holders earned 64 percent more than those with a high school diploma.
• Bachelor’s degree recipients can expect to earn about $1 million more over a lifetime than a person who doesn’t go to college.
• A postsecondary education is expected to be required for about two-thirds of available jobs by 2020.

A recent study broke the higher education benefits down even further, finding among other things, that a bachelor’s degree now means the holder will earn 84 percent more than someone with no postsecondary education. The report went even further, projecting lifetime earnings based on virtually all education levels:

• Lifetime wages of a high school dropout – $973,000
• Lifetime wages of a high school graduate – $1.3 million
• Lifetime wages of someone with some college but no degree – $1.5 million
• Lifetime wages of an associate degree holder – $1.7 million
• Lifetime wages of a bachelor’s degree holder – $2.3 million
• Lifetime wages of a master’s degree holder – $2.7 million
• Lifetime wages of a person with a doctorate – $3.3 million
• Lifetime wages of a professional degree holder –$3.6 million

Based on U.S. Census Bureau data , the usual median weekly earnings in 2017 for people of varying education levels was:

• Doctoral degree holder’s median weekly earnings – $1,743
• Professional degree holder’s median weekly earnings – $1,836
• Master’s degree holder’s median weekly earnings – $1,401
• Bachelor’s degree holder’s median weekly earnings – $1,173
• Associate degree holder’s median weekly earnings – $836
• Person with some college (no degree) median weekly earnings – $774
• High school diploma (only) holder’s median weekly earnings – $712
• Person without high school diploma median weekly earnings – $520

The unemployment rates in 2017 for people in those education categories was 1.5 percent for doctoral degree holders, 1.5 percent for professional degree holders, 2.2 percent for master’s degree holders, 2.5 percent for bachelor’s degree holders, 3.4 percent for associate degree holders, 4 percent for people with some college, 4.6 percent for people with a high school diploma, and 6.5 percent for people without a high school diploma.

Better Jobs Equal Better Benefits, Perks

A college education also usually translates to great benefits and perks as well:

• Typical white-collar benefits: health insurance, eyecare insurance, vacation and other paid time off, dental insurance, maternity/paternity leave, pension plan, 401(k)
• Potential white-collar perks: transportation and parking reimbursement and/or company car, free food and beverages, flexible schedules and freedom to work from home (or elsewhere), concierge services, golden parachutes (high-dollar severance packages)

For Some, College Is the First Real Adventure

College takes you out of familiar surroundings and presents new challenges. But college doesn’t only pave the way for intangible experiences. Adapting to new faces in a fresh place is just the start. The education process can mean internships, overseas travel, exciting research opportunities, and exploration of multiple career paths, all of which can lead to some very tangible results when you start working.

And academic success opens doors to careers where, quite literally in some cases, even the sky and moon aren’t the limits. Think aerospace engineering.

Connections that Can Last a Lifetime

The thousands of people you meet, study with, and work alongside in college will range from peers to mentors, along with power players in your chosen field and others. These are connections you will make note of and potentially use to advance yourself and your ideas.

And as far as relationships go, the only romantic label as common as “high school sweetheart” is “college sweetheart.”

Intangible Benefits of a College Education

A college education can open doors for your career and your own personal growth. For example, college helps develop many important skills, such as self-awareness, global-mindedness, critical thinking, and more.

People by Nature Desire Knowledge

That is a paraphrase of a premise that the Greek philosopher Aristotle states in his Metaphysics . It is affirmed by the connection of head and heart when the study of history helps you forecast the future, when math adds up to real-life solutions, and when the development of skills allows you to produce a masterpiece worthy of the Library of Congress, Metropolitan Museum of Art, or U.S. Patent Office.

In Pursuit of Critical Thinking

Results are in on colleges and critical thinking. During one recent study , researchers began with the notion that everyone wants colleges to teach critical-thinking skills and that the challenge routinely is accepted. Here’s a key finding: Data show that a student who begins college with critical thinking skills in the 50 th percentile can expect to be in the 72 nd percentile after four years.

Critical thinking is, according to the Foundation for Critical Thinking , “that mode of thinking — about any subject, content, or problem — in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it.” Developing that skill yields endless opportunities to enrich your life both personally and professionally.

College Advances Self-Realization

A college education, if pursued honestly and earnestly, gives you the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career and your passions. The degree also can bring hard-to-match personal satisfaction. A huge part of ensuring that self-realization process is finding a school that is right for you , where you’ll feel safe and comfortable enough to let yourself grow and explore.

Our USF admissions advisors are happy to answer your questions about the USF admissions process, so contact us online or by phone at 813-974-3350 .

About Joe Emerson

Joe Emerson spent 30 years as a magazine and newspaper reporter, editor and copyeditor who turned to freelancing after 20 years with The Tampa Tribune, which closed in 2016 after 125 years of serving the Tampa Bay area. Writing and delivering valuable information remain his passion.

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How Important Is a College Degree Compared to Experience?

• Soren Kaplan

Is getting a college degree outdated?

The converging trends of a competitive labor market, ballooning university tuitions, new online learning alternatives, and fast-changing job roles has created a tipping point in the perceived value of college degrees. The percentage of jobs requiring a college degree fell from 51% in 2017 to 44% percent in 2021. And according to Gallup, the percentage of U.S. adults ages 18 to 29 who view college education as “very important” dropped from 74% to 41% in just six years. What does this mean for you?

• In today’s fast-changing world, a university degree isn’t the only road to success. In fact, data shows that only 25% of college graduates would choose to pursue the same educational path if they could do it again.
• On top of that, 41% say they would instead get a certificate that would instantly qualify them for an in-demand job.
• Whether you’re considering college, about to graduate, or already have your degree, many more options exist for finding success than ever before.
• Just be sure to give yourself practical experiences. That’s the key to continuous learning, and which can open the door to your next opportunity.

Twenty-one-year-old Eyal Bloom had almost zero business experience and only a high-school diploma. Nothing on her résumé said she could lead a remote project team with members in the United States, India, and Africa. But by applying what she learned leading a small unit when in the military, Eyal has done just that in her role at San Francisco-based startup Praxie.com.

• Soren Kaplan is a co-founder of Praxie.com , author of Experiential Intelligence , and an affiliate at the Center for Effective Organizations at USC’s Marshall School of Business.

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Everything you need to know about studying in the US

Want to study abroad in the us learn about the us college system and how to apply for university in the us as an international student, .css-76pyzs{margin-right:0.25rem;} ,, grace mccabe.

Key Points 

What kinds of universities are there in the us .

• How do you apply to study in the US? 

Is it possible to transfer credits from a university in my home country to a US university? 

• English language requirements for US universities 
• How much does it cost to study in the US? 
• What scholarships are available for international students in the US? 

How do I apply for a student visa for the US? 

As an international student in the us, can i work during my studies , what can i do after i graduate in the us , are there any special health insurance rules for international students , what does the term "major" mean in us universities , what is gpa .

The US is home to more than 4,000 higher education institutions, including eight of the top 10 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.  

Its size and global reputation has made the US the number one study-abroad destination in the world for international students, with the biggest numbers moving from China, India, Saudi Arabia and Canada for their studies. The most popular subjects for international students in the US are business and management, engineering, maths, computer science and the social sciences. 

Get free support to study in the United States

But with thousands of universities, huge differences in the style and the cost of institutions plus a rigorous college application process, many prospective international students find the idea of applying to study in the US overwhelming. 

If that sounds like you, use this guide to help demystify the process of applying to university in the US.  

There is a broad range of types of higher education institutions in the US, with something to suit every student’s interests. Before you begin, one thing to note about the US: the words “college” and “university” tend to be used interchangeably. 

The most prestigious collective of colleges, the Ivy League , includes Harvard University , Brown University , Cornell University , Dartmouth College , Columbia University , Yale University , Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania . Together, these eight schools received more than 300,000 applicants for the Class of 2021, and the average acceptance rate was 6.1 per cent. 

US colleges can be either privately or publicly funded. Most of the well-known institutions in the US, such as Harvard University , Stanford University and Yale University , are private non-profit institutions that will have higher tuition fees, but usually more financial aid opportunities to go along with the added costs. 

Another type of institution is the liberal arts college. Examples include Pomona College in California and Amherst College in Massachusetts. These schools offer a broad education in arts and sciences subjects that are designed to give undergraduates academic range as well as depth. 

Then there are the historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs , such as Howard University and Spelman College , which have majority black and ethnic minority student populations. These institutions were originally established to provide higher education to the African American community where it was previously denied. 

In every state, there is at least one government-funded public college, which tends to have lower tuition fees for students who reside in that state. Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, technical colleges or city colleges, are similar to state colleges but primarily offer shorter courses leading to qualifications such as diplomas and associate degrees. Community colleges often have very strong links to four-year institutions and can be a good entry into prestigious four-year degree programmes. 

Additionally, each US state has one or two systems of public universities that are governed by a system-wide governing body but have multiple affiliated campuses. Each of these different locations is considered an individual university in its own right. One such example is the University of California system, which includes the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Los Angeles . 

Beyond the highest-ranked and well-known schools, there is a huge array of quality colleges in the US with different values, goals, teaching styles and costs. You can use the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2022 to compare colleges on everything from engagement, interaction with teachers and overall student satisfaction. 

Most undergraduate programmes in the US are four years long and often include studying multiple subjects before specialising in the second half of your degree. Subjects you study alongside your specialisation are known as minors, and your specialisation is your major, or special concentration. 

Extracurricular activities – including social societies such as sororities and fraternities , clubs and some of the world’s best university-level sports teams – are a central part of university social life on US campuses. They’re a good way for students to make friends with common interests. 

How do you apply to study in the US?  

The US is perhaps the most rigorous country in the world when it comes to college application criteria. American universities will consider your academic record over the last four years of your schooling, as well as your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership positions and your personal characteristics when you apply. 

There are three kinds of applications you can make to a US university: early decision, common application and the regular application. Some early decision applications can also go through the common application. 

Early decision application deadlines are usually about 10 months before your course starts. Applying via the early decision route can increase the likelihood winning acceptance for some universities. However, it’s important to be aware that some colleges have agreements that state that if you win a place via an early decision application, you must attend that college and you must withdraw or halt all your other college applications. In some cases, US colleges will want you to also withdraw any applications to universities outside the US if they accept you on early decision, so be sure to check in with your college of choice on the details before applying through this route. 

The Common Application (Common App), meanwhile, is a centralised process for more than 900 US universities, which means you can apply to multiple colleges through one online account. Common applications open on 1 August. 

For all other universities, you can apply to them directly. The application deadline is often in January – seven months before you intend to start university – although the latest deadlines are in March. 

Many US universities will expect you to sit a standardised test like the SAT or the ACT for undergraduates , or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for postgraduates. 

You should aim to complete these exams a year before you want to start university, usually in the month of August. 

Admission requirements vary depending on the university. However, your submission will almost always require an application fee ($43 on average), a completed application form, a personal essay, references, a transcript of grades and academic achievements, standardised test results and financial statements. 

Depending on which kind of university and course you are looking at, you may need to declare your major when applying, which means that you need to have an idea of the subject you wish to concentrate on in the final two years of your course. In most cases, you can switch majors if you discover a new passion for a subject once at university, but it’s useful to have in mind at the application stage some idea of the route you are most likely to follow. 

If you are put on the wait list of a college, this means the university liked your application but has chosen to make offers to other candidates first. The likelihood of moving from the wait list to a definite offer from your chosen college depends on several factors. These include how many students with offers choose to confirm their place, how the school wishes to balance the different chosen majors in its freshmen class, and how strong your application is compared with those of other applicants. In some cases, you are more likely to get off the wait list of a college if you have listed it as your first choice. 

Watch: How to apply to university in the US 

Yes, it's possible to transfer credits from your previous school in your home country to one in the US. This process is called credit transfer, and it lets you get credit for the courses you've already taken so that you don't have to start from the beginning at your new university. 

But whether you can transfer credits depends on a few things. Each US institute has its own rules for credit transfer, and they'll look at things like the similarity of your previous courses to the ones they offer and how well you did in those courses. Some of your credits might count, while others might not. 

To start the credit transfer process, you'll need to give the US university your official transcript. This will allow them to see a record of all the classes you've taken and the grades you earned. 

The US university will then review your transcript and decide which of your credits can transfer over. If your old classes are similar to what your new university offers, they might accept them, and you won't have to retake those classes. 

Keep in mind that not all of your credits might transfer, and some might only count as elective credits. That means they won't necessarily fulfil specific requirements for your degree, but they can still count toward your total credits needed to graduate. 

It's important to talk to the admissions team or academic advisors at your chosen US university. They can explain their policies and help you figure out which of your credits can transfer, so you can make the most of your previous hard work and start on the right track.

Do I need to take a language test to study in the US? 

Most universities in the US require international applicants to take a test to demonstrate their competence in English as a second language, such as the TOEFL or the IELTS academic. 

Many US institutions are now accepting English language tests adapted to be taken from home, including the TOEFL Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator. Many US colleges are also accepting the Duolingo English test, which can also be taken from home. 

You can use this guide to find out the average scores for English language tests for Ivy League schools as a good benchmark, but most universities will have their specific requirements and list of accepted tests on their websites. If not, contact the international office of your college to check. 

How much does it cost to study in the US?  

Given the great diversity of universities in the US, there is also a huge variation in cost and typically tuition fees for international students are higher than those for domestic students. 

US tuition fees range from $5,000 to $50,000 (£4,074-£40,746) per year. On average, students graduate with $132,860 (£101,505) worth of debt. 

But before you faint at these numbers and rule out studying in the US altogether, it’s crucial to know that there’s a difference between what’s known as the “sticker price” (the costs advertised on university websites) and the amount that students actually end up paying once all sources of funding have been considered.  

It’s worth remembering that about 85 per cent of full-time undergraduate students at four-year public universities and 89 per cent at private non-profit universities benefit from some type of financial aid. Although the most prestigious US universities tend to have the highest sticker price, these colleges also tend to have the widest range of funding opportunities. 

Accommodation options are varied for students at US universities. You’ll probably be able to choose from on-campus residential buildings, fraternity and sorority houses or private renting. Many financial aid opportunities and scholarships will consider accommodation needs alongside help with tuition costs, but it’s important to have a clear financial plan in mind to see you through four or more years of study. 

And don’t forget cost of lifestyle. This will depend on where you study and your own personal preferences, but it is another factor you must consider realistically to avoid any financial troubles later on. 

Many universities guarantee on-campus paid employment for students while they study, and international students with M-1 and F-1 visas are allowed to work in such roles. Many shops, cinemas and museums in the US will also offer discounts to students. 

Best public universities in the US   A guide to student bank accounts in the US   Nine things every student should know about studying in the United States   A day in the life of a US university student  

What scholarships or financial aid are available for international students in the US?  

Several high-ranking universities in the US operate a “needs-blind” admission policy, meaning the financial background of candidates is disregarded during the admission process, and the university promises to financially support students so every successful applicant can attend. 

Financial aid comes in many forms: scholarships, grants, assistantships and work-study schemes, and many of these options will be open to international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania sets aside $6 million each year to fund graduates from outside the US and in neighbouring Canada and Mexico. 

Funding information is available on each university’s website. Often, applications for funding and financial aid are made as part of your general college application, so it’s important to do your research early to avoid missing any opportunities. 

There are also a few well-known government-funded US scholarship programmes for international students, for example, including the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program. 

There are three types of visas for international students in the US : F-1 for academic studies; J-1 for practical training not available in your home country; and M-1 for vocational studies. 

To study at a US college, you need to apply for the F-1 visa. Once accepted at a US college approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350. After that, you’ll receive the Form I-20 and register within SEVIS. 

Once you’ve completed these steps, you can apply for your visa at a US embassy or consulate – find your nearest one here . The fee to apply for your visa is $160, often with an additional small administration fee, depending on where you’re applying from. 

You’ll also have to complete an additional form (DS-160), provide a photo and book an appointment at the US consulate of your home country for an interview. Bring your passport and copies of all your documents with you to the interview. At the interview, you must show proof that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the US, and that you have strong ties to your home country through family connections, assets, bank accounts or some other means. 

As an incoming student, you can apply for your visa up to 120 days before your course begins, but you can only enter the US on your student visa a maximum of 30 days before your start date. 

As an international student with an F1 visa , you can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during semester breaks. You'll need permission from the international student office to work on campus and they will have a list of available positions throughout the year. 

For off-campus work, there are two types of training: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT allows you to work off-campus during and after your studies for up to 12 months. CPT lets you work off-campus while you study and is authorised by your university. 

If you're not on OPT or CPT, most F1 visa students can't work off-campus, but you can volunteer up to 20 hours per week during the semester in certain educational environments. 

Just make sure to follow the rules and explore on-campus and authorised off-campus work opportunities through your student services office.

If you want to stay in the US after studying, there are options. 

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international students on F-1 visas to remain in the country if employed in their field of study. F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT after completing their first academic year. OPT can be done both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are allowed to work only 12 months in total. 

Graduates with science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees may extend their OPT by 24 months and stay for just over two years to work in these fields. You must apply for OPT before completing your studies. 

Top US institutions have a track record of excellence in the eyes of esteemed US employers, including Wall Street, technology and media companies. Colleges are also fertile ground for networking; obtaining internships and work experience in the US market may help you gain employment later on. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in academia, the US can be a great place to start. You can browse academic openings in the US on THE Unijobs.  

Health insurance is essential for international students studying in the US because the country doesn't have a universal healthcare system. Medical expenses can be really expensive, so having insurance can help cover the costs and keep you protected. Some universities offer health insurance plans specifically for students, but if not, you can find other options to get the coverage you need. 

Health insurance plans can vary in cost depending on where you study and what kind of cover you want. It's important to compare different plans to find one that fits your budget and covers the medical services you might need. Some plans pay for your medical bills directly, while others may need you to pay upfront and will reimburse you later. 

To find the right insurance plan , think about how much you can afford to pay for insurance and what kind of medical care you might need. Some plans may cover sports injuries or have extra cover which you may need to consider if you are involved in sports or active hobbies. Once you figure out what you need, you can compare different plans and choose the one that suits you best. 

Having health insurance can give you peace of mind during your time in the US. It ensures that you'll have access to medical care if you get sick or injured, and it can save you from unexpected high medical expenses. So, make sure to get the right health insurance plan to stay protected while studying abroad.

In US universities, a major is your main academic focus or the subject you specialise in during your studies. It's the area of study that you choose to become an expert in. For example, if you love computers, you might major in computer science, or if you're interested in animals, you could major in biology. 

Picking a major is an important decision because it shapes the classes you take and the knowledge you gain throughout your university experience. The courses you choose within your major will teach you everything you need to know about that subject and help prepare you for future career paths or further studies. 

GPA, which stands for Grade Point Average, is a way to measure how well you're doing academically in high school and university. It's a score that shows how good your grades are overall. In the US, GPA is usually calculated on a scale of 0 to 4. Getting an A usually means you get four points, while an F gives you zero points. 

Your GPA is important if you're thinking about going to university, especially in the US. Universities often look at your GPA when deciding whether to offer you a place. Having a good GPA can increase your chances of getting into your dream university. But don't worry, there's no single "good" GPA for all universities. Each school may have different expectations but aiming for a GPA of 3 or higher is generally a good idea. 

Remember that there are two types of GPA: unweighted and weighted. Unweighted GPA is based on your regular grades, while weighted GPA takes into account harder classes you may have taken. This means if you challenge yourself with advanced courses, you can boost your GPA even higher. 

Improving your GPA is possible if you feel your grades could be better. You can ask your teachers for help, change your study habits, or take more challenging classes. Remember, GPA isn't the only thing that matters. Universities also consider your extracurricular activities and personal achievements. 

GPA can also come into play when applying for scholarships and even jobs in the future. 

Please note all costs and conversion rates were correct at the time of publication. These may vary over time. 

Q. How many higher education institutions are there in the US, and how many of them are among the top 10 universities in the world? 

A. There are over 4,000 higher education institutions in the US, and eight of them are ranked in the top 10 worldwide. 

Q. Which countries are the biggest sources of international students studying in the US? 

A. The biggest numbers of international students in the US come from China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. 

Q. What are the most popular subjects for international students studying in the US? 

A. The most popular subjects for international students in the US, based on current data, are business and management, engineering, maths, computer science, and social sciences. 

Q. Why do many prospective international students find the idea of applying to study in the US overwhelming? 

A. With a high number of universities to choose from, differences in institution style and cost, along with a thorough application process, applying to study in the US can be overwhelming for many prospective international students. 

Q. What are the different types of universities in the US? 

A. The US has a broad range of higher education institutions, including Ivy League colleges, private and public universities, liberal arts colleges, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), community colleges, and state university systems. 

Q. Which universities are part of the Ivy League? 

A. Harvard, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Columbia, Yale, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania are part of the Ivy League. 

Q. Are US colleges publicly or privately funded, and how does this affect tuition fees and financial aid opportunities? 

A. US colleges can be privately or publicly funded. Private colleges generally have higher tuition fees, but more financial aid opportunities compared to public colleges. 

Q. What are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and what is their historical significance? 

A. HBCUs, such as Howard University and Spelman College , were established to provide higher education to the African American community, where it was previously denied. 

Q. What are community colleges, and how do they differ from state colleges and four-year institutions? 

A. Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, primarily offer shorter courses leading to diplomas and associate degrees, with strong links to four-year institutions for further education. 

Q. How do you apply to study in the US, and what are the three types of applications available? 

A. To apply to study in the US, you can choose from early decision, common application, or regular application processes.

Q. What are the English language proficiency tests required for international students to study in the US? 

A. Most US universities require international students to take tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test to demonstrate English proficiency. Each university will have a certain score they require, and you can find that in the individual admissions details. 

Q. How much does it cost to study in the US, and how do tuition fees and financial aid options vary? 

A. Tuition fees in the US range from $5,000 to $50,000 per year, with international students usually paying higher fees, but many universities offer financial aid to help with costs. 

Q. What are the accommodation options for students at US universities? 

A. Accommodation options for US university students include on-campus residential buildings, fraternity/sorority houses, private renting, and financial aid may cover accommodation costs.

Q. What scholarships are available for international students in the US, and are there any government-funded scholarship programmes? 

A. US universities offer various scholarships, grants, and work-study programmes for international students, and government-funded options include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program. 

Q. What are the types of student visas available for international students in the US, and what are the application requirements? 

A. International students can apply for F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas, depending on their academic or vocational studies, with specific application requirements and procedures. 

Q. What can international students do after they graduate in the US? Are there options for staying and working in the country after completing their studies? 

A. After graduation, international students can apply for an extended work visa, also known as an Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in their field of study, and graduates with certain degrees may extend OPT for an extended period. The US offers employment opportunities and networking for further career advancement. 

Q. What are the admission requirements for US universities? 

A. Admission requirements for US universities vary, but they typically consider academic records, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT), letters of recommendation, personal statements, extracurricular activities, and sometimes interviews. 

Q. How do I apply to universities in the US? 

A. You can apply to US universities through various application methods, including early decision, common application, or direct applications to specific institutions. Each university will have its application process on its website. 

Q. What standardized tests are required for US university admissions (e.g., SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS)? 

A. Standardised tests commonly required for US university admissions include the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programmes and the TOEFL or IELTS for international students to demonstrate English proficiency. 

Q. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for international students? 

A. Yes, many US universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid options for international students to help with tuition costs. You can check each university's website for specific scholarships and opportunities. 

Q. How long does it typically take to complete a degree programme in the US? 

A. Undergraduate programmes in the US typically take four years to complete, while graduate programmes, such as master's degrees, can take one to two years. Doctoral programmes may take several years to finish. 

Q. Can I transfer credits from a university in my home country to a US university? 

A. Yes, some US universities accept transfer credits from international institutions. The evaluation process varies by university, and you should check with the specific institution to see how your credits can be transferred. 

Q. How do I obtain a student visa to study in the US? 

A. To obtain a student visa, you need to be accepted by a US university approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After acceptance, you'll receive a Form I-20 and apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. 

Q. Are there any specific health insurance requirements for international students? 

A. Many US universities require international students to have health insurance coverage while studying in the country. Some institutions offer health insurance plans for students, but you can also purchase private insurance that meets the university's requirements. 

Q. Can I work while studying as an international student in the US? Are there opportunities for work-study programs to help with expenses? Are there opportunities for international students to work on-campus? How can I find part-time job opportunities off-campus as an international student? 

A. International students on F-1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Some universities offer work-study programmes, and off-campus work opportunities may be available, but there are regulations to follow. You should consult your university's international student office for guidance. 

Q. What is a major? 

A. In a US university, a major refers to a student's primary area of academic focus. It is the subject or field in which a student completes the majority of coursework to earn their degree. 

Q. What is a GPA? 

A. GPA stands for Grade Point Average, a numerical representation of a student's academic performance. It is calculated based on the grades earned in coursework and provides an indication of a student's overall academic standing. 

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How a College Degree Improves Employment and Earnings

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A college degree prepares graduates intellectually and socially to experience adulthood and meet the challenges of starting a career.  

College graduates reap the benefits of their hard work by being exposed to new and exciting job opportunities, better paying careers, and higher-skilled careers which, according to research , can lead to greater happiness and stability in life. Continue reading to learn what makes earning a college degree worthwhile.  

Benefits of Having a College Degree

Knowing how a college degree can enrich a person’s life is an important step in the higher education journey. Completing a post-secondary degree, whether it’s a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D., is the most common route people take to careers with higher or specialized skills requirements and increased earning potential. A student’s life can also be enriched by studying courses that they’re passionate about, making networking connections, and using the knowledge they gain to make an impact in the industry they work in.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , people with bachelor’s degrees earn about 65% more per week than those with just a high school diploma. Also, unemployment among high school graduates is almost twice as high as that of individuals with a college degree. Earning potential for college graduates varies based on industry, and students pursuing their degree benefit from learning which fields are in high demand and pay the best salaries. 

In addition to increased earning potential, college graduates can qualify for employer-sponsored health insurance for themselves and their families, retirement and investment plans, travel opportunities, and other types of compensation beyond wages and salary.  

The benefits of earning a degree also extend to future generations because families of college graduates are better off economically and socially. In addition, children of college graduates are more likely to pursue higher education, so a college education can also be an investment into the future of your family. 

Because a college education offers students the ability to learn a wide range of skills, graduates are able to explore a variety of career opportunities and job prospects, which may result in improved job security in the long term.   

College Degree and Employment

In addition to the statistics from the BLS, a 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics found that individuals with a college degree enjoy better employment prospects and greater annual earnings compared to those with lesser levels of education. The 2022 data, compared against 2010 results, shows that employment rates among 25- to 34-year-olds were higher in 2021 only for those with a bachelor’s or higher degree; 84% vs. 86%.   

For 25- to 34-year-olds working full-time and year-round, greater levels of educational attainment continue to be associated with higher median earnings, with this pattern holding true every year from 2010 through 2020. Employment doesn’t always equate to success, but a college degree offers individuals a competitive advantage in the workforce and provides greater benefits for those who have completed their postsecondary education. 

While there are a limited number of fields where work experience may be more relevant than a college degree, including in the tech industry, employment opportunities within these areas are often limited. A college degree is the best option for professionals interested in taking on leadership roles, earning a higher salary, and for those who want to achieve their career goals more quickly.  

Earnings with a College Degree

The average salary in 2023 for college graduates is $55,260, according to a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey. In addition, research shows that adults with at least a bachelor’s degree experience the lowest levels of poverty. Of adults reported to be at or below the poverty line in 2019, 26% had less than a high school diploma, 35% had a high school degree or equivalent GED, 26% had some college or associate degree, and only 14% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Those with bachelor’s degrees or higher represented the smallest group of those living in poverty. 

 Examples of salaries for professionals with and without a college degree include:   

• Medical assistant : $36,580 (average annual salary without a degree) vs. $39,118 (average annual salary with at least a bachelor’s degree).
• Computer support specialist : $88,916 (average annual salary without a degree) vs. $107,255 (average annual salary with at least a bachelor’s degree).  
• Software developer : $40,750 (average annual salary without a degree) vs. $76,000 (average annual salary with at least a bachelor’s degree).
• Medical secretary: $27,070 (average annual salary without a degree) vs. $34,330 (average annual salary with at least a bachelor’s degree). 
• Community health worker : $36,940 (average annual salary without a degree) vs. $46,590 (average annual salary with at least a bachelor’s degree). 

Earning a College Degree

Whether an individual is completing coursework from an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program, graduating from college isn’t easy and requires discipline and dedication, in addition to time and money. Depending on the type of degree an individual works to complete and the school they attend, it’s common for students to take anywhere from two to seven years to complete required coursework. In traditional college and university settings, an associate degree typically takes about two years to complete, a bachelor’s takes around four years, and a master’s takes two to three years.

Whether an individual is completing coursework from an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program, graduating from college isn’t easy and requires discipline and dedication, in addition to time and money. Depending on the type of degree an individual works to complete and the school they attend, it’s common for students to take anywhere from two to seven years to complete required coursework. In traditional college and university settings, an associate degree typically takes about two years to complete, a bachelor’s takes around four years, and a master’s takes two to three years. 

Online universities like WGU offer excellent opportunities for students looking to earn an affordable, accredited, and career-aligned degree while still working or taking care of family. WGU offers career-aligned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in—IT, teaching, business, and healthcare—designed to help working professionals fit an online university education into their busy lives.  

As a pioneer of competency-based education (CBE), WGU offers courses that have no set log-in times and are designed with input from industry experts to teach students the real-world skills they need to thrive in their industry. You can even accelerate through any material you already know to earn your degree faster and for less money. Explore WGU’s wide variety of degree programs and get started on the path to the career that’s right for you. 

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From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you’ll have to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees prepare you for different career paths. For example, you can’t become a psychologist with just a bachelor’s degree — you’d need a master’s or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can’t become an engineer without at least a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases, and the unemployment rate decreases. That’s one more reason it’s important to understand the different types of degrees.

What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order, from lowest ranking to highest:

• Associate degree (undergraduate)
• Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate)
• Master’s degree (graduate)
• Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master’s. The phrase “terminal degree” refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Associate Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-2 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 60

Most associate degrees prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor’s program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

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What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal , or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for salary information on other popular associate degree jobs.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences fields often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you’re planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• Early Childhood Education
• Graphic Design
• Healthcare Management
• Information Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Pre-Nursing
• Social Work

Bachelor’s Degree

• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor’s degree prepares you for many career paths. You’ll generally spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree at a college or university. You’ll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor’s degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as that of an in-person degree.

You’ll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Featured Bachelor’s Programs

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. The table below introduces some popular jobs with a bachelor’s degree.

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees

You can earn a bachelor’s degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees you’ll see include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor’s Degrees

• Civil Engineering
• Communication
• Computer Programming
• Health Informatics
• Health Sciences
• Human Resources
• Mathematics
• Organizational Psychology
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Master’s Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master’s degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you’ll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master’s degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master’s programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor’s-to-master’s program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time.

Most master’s programs require a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master’s programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

Featured Master’s Programs

What can you do with a master’s degree.

With a master’s degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master’s degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master’s degree jobs below.

Types of Master’s Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master’s degrees you can earn:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master’s degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master’s Degrees

• Creative Writing
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Healthcare Administration
• Library and Information Science
• Network Security
• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

• Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
• Typical Number of Credits: Varies

A doctorate represents the highest degree you can get in academia. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can get.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — by far one of the most common types of doctorates — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you’ll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master’s degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor’s degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

Featured Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you’ll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common you can get:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Educational Leadership
• Human Services
• Legal Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor’s degrees as undergraduate degrees and master’s and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees.

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor’s level, you could earn a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of science (BS), or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor’s degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business require you to hold a bachelor’s degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you’ll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master’s and bachelor’s degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master’s degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it’s a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master’s degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master’s degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master’s degree to your bachelor’s through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor’s-to-master’s program. In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you’ll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master’s degree.

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How College Contributes to Workforce Success

Most employers view liberal education as essential for workforce preparation

April 1, 2021

The economic benefits of a college degree are clear: no matter their major, people with a college degree are more likely to be employed and earn higher salaries over the course of their careers than people without a degree. But how do colleges and universities prepare students for workforce success? And what skills and experiences do employers think matter the most?

Since 2007, the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has published a series of employer surveys on higher education. The new report released this month, How College Contributes to Workforce Success: Employer Views on What Matters Most , presents findings from a wide-ranging survey of 496 executives and hiring managers. The survey was conducted in partnership with Hanover Research.

Authored by AAC&U Vice President Ashley Finley, the report explores employer views of what constitutes workforce preparedness, the educational outcomes and experiences employers value most when making hiring decisions, and employers’ perceptions of recent graduates’ ability to succeed in entry-level positions and in later promotion and career advancement. Overall, most employers view liberal education as essential to workforce success, but fewer believe that graduates are prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Employers Are Confident about Higher Education and the Value of a College Degree

• Two-thirds (67 percent) of respondents have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education, and almost nine in ten (87 percent) believe that getting a college degree or credential is “definitely” or “probably” worth the investment of time and money (see figure 1).
• Responses show that employers think a college education should provide both breadth and depth of learning and prepare future employees to think for themselves, adapt to problems, and have the technical knowledge necessary for their new roles.

Figure 1. Employer Confidence in Higher Education

Employers View Several Skills, Mindsets, and Attitudes as Important for Success

• At least nine in ten employers viewed fourteen skills as “very important” or “somewhat important,” especially teamwork, critical thinking, data analysis and interpretation, applying learning in real-world settings, and digital literacy (see figure 2).
• More than half of employers saw a variety of mindsets and attitudes as “very important,” including drive/work ethic (65 percent), the ability to take initiative, self-confidence (63 percent), persistence (62 percent), and self-awareness (55 percent).

Figure 2. Employer Views on the Skills Most Important to Workplace Success

Employers Appreciate Applied Learning Experiences Like Internships or Community Engagement

• Nearly half (49 percent) of employers say they are “much more likely” to consider hiring candidates who have had an internship or apprenticeship, with another 41 percent saying they are “somewhat” more likely to consider hiring such candidates.
• Employers are also somewhat or much more likely to consider hiring candidates who had experiences in community settings with people from diverse backgrounds or cultures (47 and 41 percent, respectively), participated in a work-study program or other form of employment during college (46 and 44 percent), or had a portfolio of work showcasing skills and integrating college experiences (44 and 45 percent).

ePortfolios Can Help Graduates Explain the Value of their College Learning

• Nearly nine in ten employers find college graduates to be at least “somewhat effective” (47 percent) or “very effective” (40 percent) in communicating the skills and knowledge they gained in college.
• ePortfolios can help college students communicate the skills they developed and the experiences they had during their time in college. More employers find ePortfolios “very helpful” in evaluating a candidate compared to those who find transcripts helpful (48 percent compared to 38 percent).

Less than Half of Employers Are ‘Very Satisfied’ with Graduates’ Preparation for the Workplace

• While nearly nine in ten employers (87 percent) report that they are at least “somewhat satisfied” with the ability of recent college graduates to apply the skills and knowledge learned in college to complex problems in the workplace, just under half (49 percent) are “very satisfied.”
• Just 62 percent of employers believe that most or all college graduates possess the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in entry-level positions, and fewer (55 percent) believe they possess the knowledge and skills required for advancement and promotion.
• Less than half of employers think college graduates are “very well prepared” in the same skills they view as the most important for success, including the ability to work effectively in teams (48 percent), critical thinking skills (39 percent), the ability to analyze and interpret data (41 percent), and the application of knowledge and skills in real-world settings (39 percent).

Younger and Highly Educated Employers See More Value in Liberal Education

• Younger employers and employers with higher levels of educational attainment have more favorable perceptions of both the value of the college degree and graduates’ preparedness for workforce success (see figure 2).
• However, employers under forty and those with postgraduate education were also the most likely groups to have “very little” confidence in higher education.
• “One possible explanation may be that employers under the age of forty are the oldest millennials,” Finley writes. “Members of this generation, the most highly educated in US history, may be expected to value the college degree, but they also came of age during a financial crisis that produced widespread skepticism in public institutions.”

Figure 2. Differences in Views by Age and Educational Attainment

More From Forbes

There’s even more evidence that a college degree is worth it.

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Boston, MA - May 23: Clara Maffei (left) hugs Riley Edwards after receiving her diploma at the ... [+] commencement of the class of 2024 at UMass Boston. (Photo by Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The debate about whether going to college is worth it ought to be over.

College is worth it.

A college degree pays off better than any investment most of us will ever have the chance to make. And that’s just the financial side of the equation. The more valuable rewards of a college education aren’t found in actual bank accounts.

Despite this, college skepticism still runs strong, fueled in part by those in line to profit from the alternatives they are happy to sell. Even though the evidence in favor of college is convincing, it somehow does not get nearly as much attention as the manufactured skepticism. As the quote, likely misattributed to Mark Twain, says, “A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can get its boots on.” Especially, I would add, where profit and the lie are traveling together.

To help tamp down this skepticism and to set the record straight, it’s important to amplify the data showing the robust returns of a college degree. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of college-affirming research to share.

A recent example came earlier this month from the Economic Policy Institute, written by Katherine deCourcy and Elise Gould.

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Their research shows that young workers with a college degree have already economically recovered from the disruption and displacement caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, they say bluntly, “The labor market for young college graduates today is stronger than it was before the pandemic and has been for quite some time.”

The numbers are indeed strong, the paper finds. “As of March 2024, 65.2% of young college graduates are ‘employed only’ (not enrolled in further schooling), while only 10.0% are “idled” (not enrolled and not employed, which includes the unemployed). The share of young graduates who are ‘employed only’ has been above its pre-pandemic level (64.3% in February 2020) in every month since February 2023.”

For clarity, “idled” does not mean struggling to find work. It can mean that. But, as the paper authors say, idled can also include those who are not working in order to start families or have disabilities that are keeping them from payrolls. So, the 10% figure is soft. But even at full value, among workers between 21 and 24 years old with only a four-year college degree and not in school, the ratio of employed to idled is a lopsided 65-to-10.

EPI data show that the underemployment rate for this cohort — 21 to 24 with a four-year degree only — is just 5.4%.

This mirrors the most recent federal data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on employment showing a healthy, resilient, and historically strong employment environment. The overall national unemployment rate is just 3.9%. For those with a “bachelor’s degree and higher,” the unemployment rate is a microscopic 2.2%. For comparison, for those with a high school diploma only, without any college education, the unemployment rate is nearly double, at 4%, and sits just above the national average.

The EPI work also shows that young college-educated workers experienced actual wage growth — took home more money, even when adjusted for inflation and cost-of-living.

But mostly, the EPI report highlights the very quick economic recovery that college graduates have experienced, post-pandemic — employment and wages have rebounded faster and further than in any recent period of recovery. EPI finds that the historic rate of recuperation for college graduates, and others, was the result of active federal policy.

“These findings highlight the tremendous role that large fiscal relief and recovery packages, including expanded unemployment insurance coverage and aid to state and local governments, had on healing the labor market after the pandemic recession. Unlike previous business cycles, young workers were not left behind by policy,” the report reads.

Though the strong labor market and salary rewards were likely the result of targeted policies, the underlying case remains — in nearly every economic condition, a college degree pays off. Getting that important parchment from a credible nonprofit or public school puts more money in your paycheck and makes it more likely that you will get one.

For the people who will actually look at the evidence, the EPI report is strong, but not alone. The jury is back on this question. A college degree is well worth the cost, the effort, and the time it takes to get it.

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Education Is the Key to Better Jobs

Subscribe to the economic studies bulletin, michael greenstone , michael greenstone nonresident senior fellow - economic studies , the hamilton project adam looney , and adam looney nonresident senior fellow - economic studies michael greenstone and adam looney, the hamilton project mgaalthp michael greenstone and adam looney, the hamilton project.

September 17, 2012

Few issues are more critical than putting Americans back to work. With the economy adding private-sector jobs for the last 30 consecutive months and the unemployment rate continuing to tick down, another concern has begun to dominate the discussion. Is it enough to find a job, or should we be more focused on the quality of that job? For those Americans who have been displaced in the workforce, what are their prospects of finding comparable employment in the 21st century, post-recession economy? After all, having a job—any job—does not guarantee a wage that will support a family. How, then, can we foster an economy that produces quality, high-paying jobs?

There may be a range of perspectives on the best way to move our economy forward, but one element essential to any answer is education. It may seem intuitive that more educated people earn more, yet the extent to which this is true is striking. A picture is often worth a thousand words, and the graph below illustrates this point.

The horizontal axis measures income while the vertical axis breaks up the income level by education level. As we move to the right toward higher incomes, we see that college graduates make up a bigger and bigger chunk of those earners. A few numbers help to underscore this. Those with only a high school diploma accounted for 39 percent of those who made between $20,000 and $30,000, but just 8 percent of those earning more than $100,000. In contrast, college graduates only accounted for 18 percent of the $20,000-to-$30,000 group and 75 percent of people earning more than $100,000, despite the population of these two educational demographic groups being roughly equal.

The message is clear—more education opens the gateway to better, higher-paying jobs. To put this into perspective, consider this:

• An individual with only a high school diploma is twice as likely to make under $40,000 per year than someone with a college degree.
• In contrast, an individual with a college degree is nearly nine times more likely to make over $100,000 than someone with only a high school diploma and 13 times more likely to make more than $200,000 per year.

On September 27th, The Hamilton Project will host an event focusing on the value of education, and opportunities to promote attainment and achievement in our K-12 system. We will release a series of economic facts about K-12 education in addition to three new discussion papers by outside authors— “Staying in School: A Proposal to Raise High School Graduation Rates,” “Learning from the Successes and Failures of Charter Schools,” and “Harnessing Technology to Improve K-12 Education.” Focusing on the new papers, three panels of distinguished experts will explore the value of stricter and better-enforced attendance laws, in coordination with other programs, to increase the high school graduation rate; the use of new evidence to demonstrate how targeted charter school methods could be successfully applied in public schools; and a new approach to evaluating education technologies to help speed the development of valuable new products.

The new Hamilton Project papers will be available on September 27th at 9:00 AM ET. For more information or to register for the event, click here .

Michael Greenstone  is the director of The Hamilton Project and  Adam Looney is its policy director. For more about the Project, visit www.hamiltonproject.org .

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Understanding University Endowments

University endowments today, types of endowments.

• Limitations

The Bottom Line

• Trust & Estate Planning

How Do University Endowments Work?

University endowments are comprised of money or other financial assets that are donated to academic institutions. They have a specific legal structure that is intended to indefinitely perpetuate a pool of investments for a specific purpose. University endowments work by act as a self-sustaining source of funding by intentionally not paying out the entire fund balance.

Key Takeaways

• University endowment funds are an important source of revenue for many higher education institutions.
• Endowment funds support the teaching, research, and public service missions of colleges and universities.
• In addition to a general university endowment fund, institutions may also maintain a number of restricted endowments that are intended to fund specific areas within the institution, including professorships, scholarships, and fellowships.
• Sometimes, colleges and universities pool together many individual endowments into a single investment fund which allows for a consistent investment approach; in this way, a university endowment may resemble a mutual fund.

Charitable donations are the primary source of funds for endowments. Endowment funds support the teaching, research, and public service missions of colleges and universities.

Typically, endowment funds follow a fairly strict set of long-term guidelines that dictate the asset allocation that will yield the targeted return without taking on too much risk.

In the case of endowment funds for academic institutions, the income generated is intended to finance a portion of the operating or capital requirements of the institution. In addition to a general university endowment fund, institutions may also maintain a number of restricted endowments that are intended to fund specific areas within the institution, including professorships, scholarships, and fellowships.

Sometimes, colleges and universities pool together many individual endowments into a single investment fund which allows for a consistent investment approach. In this way, a university endowment may resemble a mutual fund.

Some endowment funds have guidelines stating how much of each year's investment income can be spent. For many universities, this amount is approximately 5% of the endowment's total asset value. Some elite institutions, such as Harvard, have endowments that are worth billions of dollars, so this 5% amount can end up equaling a large sum of money. In the context of the U.S. higher educational system, the presence of endowment funds are often integral to the financial health of educational institutions.

History of University Endowments

In general, an endowment is a donation of money or property to a non-profit organization, which uses the resulting investment income for a specific purpose. An endowment can also refer to the total of a non-profit institution's investable assets which is meant to be used for operations or programs that are consistent with the wishes of the donor. Most endowments are designed to keep the principal amount intact while using the investment income for charitable efforts.

The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius established the first recorded endowed professorships in Athens in A.D. 176. He created one endowed professorship for each of the major schools of philosophy at that time. Later, more educational endowments were created at different schools throughout the Roman empire.

The practice of endowing professorships officially began in the modern European university system in England in approximately 1502. The Countess of Richmond (and grandmother to the future King Henry VIII, Lady Margaret Beaufort, created the first endowed professorships in divinity at Oxford and Cambridge University. Then later, in approximately 1550, King Henry VIII also established endowed professorships at both universities in five different subjects: divinity, civil law, Hebrew, Greek, and physic.

In the modern era, endowment donors can sometimes restrict how the schools spend this money with an investment policy statement (ISP). For example, donors can decide to use a portion of an endowment's scheduled income on a merit-based or need-based scholarship. Another standard restrictive use of an endowment's income is to provide funding for endowed professorships.

Other than these restrictions, universities can use the rest of the allotted spending amount as standard income. Decisions about whether it should be spent on hiring professors, upgrading/repairing facilities, or funding more scholarships are typically left up to school administrators. An endowment's investment income can also significantly lower tuition costs for students.

For example, if a university's endowment yields a total of $150 million and has a 5% spending limit, this would provide $7.5 million of available income. If the university had originally budgeted $5.5 million in endowment funds, this would mean that the excess $2 million could be used to pay other debts/expenses; ultimately, the savings could be passed on to institution's enrolled students. 

However, because universities depend on investment returns for supplementary income, there could be trouble if the investments do not yield a suitable amount of returns. Therefore, most endowments are run by professionals to ensure the investments made are in line with the aforementioned policy allocation.

Endowments and Taxes

It's important to note that most private nonprofit colleges and universities are exempt from taxes due to their status as 501(c)(3) organizations. However, as stipulated in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, there is an excise tax of 1.4%

on endowment income at universities with at least 500 tuition-paying students and net assets of at least $500,000 per student. As the $500,000 is not adjusted for inflation, the cutoff number is essentially lowered over time.

There are four different types of endowments: unrestricted, term, quasi and restricted. 

• Term endowments usually stipulate that only after a period of time or a certain event can the principal be expended.
• Unrestricted endowments are assets that can be spent, saved, invested, and distributed at the discretion of the institution receiving the gift.
• A quasi-endowment is a donation by an individual or institution, given with the intent of having that fund serve a specific purpose. The principal is typically retained while the earnings are expended or distributed per specifications of the donor. These endowments are usually started by the institutions that benefit from them via internal transfers or by using unrestricted endowments already given to the institution.
• Restricted endowments have their principal held in perpetuity, while the earnings from the invested assets are expended per the donor’s specification.

Except in a few circumstances, the terms of these endowments cannot be violated. Drawing down the corpus of the endowment to pay debts or operating expenses is known as "invading" or "endowment invasion." However, there are some instances where it may be legally allowed. If an institution is near bankruptcy or has declared bankruptcy–but still has assets in endowments–a court can issue a  doctrine of cy-près  that allows the institution to use those assets toward better financial health (permitting they are still honoring the wishes of the donor as closely as possible).

Criticisms of Endowments

Harvard University and other elite higher educational institutions have, at times, come under criticism for the size of their endowments. Critics have questioned the utility of large, multi-billion-dollar endowments, likening it to hoarding, especially as tuition costs began rising at the end of the 20th century.

Large endowments had been thought of as rainy-day funds for educational institutions, but during the 2008 recession, many endowments cut their payouts. Researchers have looked closely at the incentives behind this behavior and found that there has been a trend toward an overemphasis on the health of an endowment rather than the institution as a whole.  

It’s not unusual for student activists to look with a critical eye at where their colleges and universities invest their endowments. In 1977, Hampshire College divested from South African investments in protest of apartheid, a move that a large number of educational institutions in the United States followed.

Advocating for divestment from industries and countries that students find morally compromising is still common among student activists; more recently, the act of divestment has evolved and become a more efficient and effective practice.

Limitations of University Endowments

The criticism of endowments do bring light to some of the limitations of university endowments. For example, the way university endowments work is to accumulate funds based on donor restrictions. These restrictions limit the flexibility of institutions in responding to evolving needs or unforeseen emergencies, as the funds are earmarked for designated purposes. There are legal and accounting implications to following these rules.

Endowments are susceptible to market volatility since the funds are invested. Therefore, they can go up and down in value. Though endowments are expected to not necessarily decrease in value, they can if investments go awry. Universities must also be mindful of excessive spending, as it is possible (and allowable) to spend down an endowment. You'll note this in some figures below related to Harvard's 2022 and 2023 endowment values.

On a related note, endowment spending faces the risk of erosion due to inflation if investment returns do not outpace inflation rates over time. A core premise in finance is that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future because you can generate income and growth from the dollar today. With an endowment, universities simply sit on much of the cash, meaning they lose purchasing power when investment growth does not keep up with inflation.

Do All Universities Have Endowments?

While many private colleges and universities have substantial endowments, most public universities have very small endowments or none at all. Instead, these receive funding from state governments, which is not available to private institutions.

Which University Has the Largest Endowment?

Harvard University has the largest endowment of any university . At the end of 2022, Harvard's endowment stood at $50.9 billion. Harvard's endowment then slightly decreased in 2023, ending the year at $50.7 billion.

What Do University Endowments Fund?

Depending on the university's charter and investment policy statement, the endowment can fund several different aspects of operations. Endowments commonly support teaching, research, student scholarships, maintenance and construction, and public service, among others.

Endowments are funds or assets donated to universities (or other institutions) to provide ongoing financial support. These assets are typically invested, and the returns are used to fulfill the organization's mission or support specific programs in perpetuity. However, there's usually limitations to endowments, and they may be a little controversial.

Harvard University. " Endowment ."

Cornell University. " Endowed Chairs: A Meeting of Minds and Means ."

Encyclopedia Britannica. " Margaret Beaufort ."

Cambridge University Library. " Regius Professorships ."

IRS. " Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - EO Provision ."

American Economic Association. " How University Endowments Respond to Financial Market Shocks: Evidence and Implications ."

Hampshire College. " Chapter 6: Divestment ."

Academia.edu. " Understanding College and University Endowments ."

Harvard. " Financial Report Fiscal Year 2023 ."

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• Work-Study Explained: How it Works (A Simple Guide)

The term “work-study” can seem self-explanatory: It’s a program designed to help people obtain employment while in college. Because so many students struggle to afford basic necessities, these part-time gigs are a helpful source of income. Simple enough, right?

Unfortunately, this straightforward concept can get complicated quickly . Dig into the details of work-study opportunities, and you’ll encounter a world of forms and intersecting bureaucracies. 

Which applications do you need to complete? Who runs the program, your school, or the government? Does a private student loan affect your eligibility?  If you qualify for work-study, are you guaranteed a gig? Does your paycheck go towards tuition, or directly into your pocket?

Every year, thousands of students grapple with the federal work-study system, navigating its demands successfully. With a little help, you can do the same, seizing a great opportunity to offset the costs of being in college. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the federal work-study program . We’ll explain how it’s funded and intended to function, showing how it actually helps students make ends meet. From there, we’ll get into the details of applying for work-study and actually getting a gig. Once you’re done with this article, you’ll be able to decide if work-study is right for you.

• Work-Study Basics: What It Is and What It Does

The Federal Work-Study program (sometimes called the FWS) is designed to help college students find part-time work and offset education expenses. The program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education and represents one form of financial aid that the government makes available to students who need help with college expenses. 

While the program relies on federal funding, participating schools play a large role in allocating money to their students and administering work-study opportunities. Currently, about 3,400 colleges, universities, and professional schools participate in the work-study program to some extent. 

The administrative technicalities of work-study differ somewhat from school to school, and extensive regulations govern the program. But the fundamentals of the program can be summed up in relatively simple terms:

• The Department of Education provides money to schools participating in work-study programs. The amount given to each school reflects the financial needs of the student body and the number of work-study jobs available. 
• Schools determine which students should receive work-study as part of their broader financial aid package (which also includes loans and grants). If students are awarded work-study, the school designates the maximum amount that they can earn through the program.
• Students find designated work-study jobs on campus or in the local community. Once hired, students begin earning the amount of money specified in their work-study award. These jobs include a diverse set of roles, but they are all part-time positions that students can balance with their studies. 

This system may seem a lot like applying for any part-time job, and it is in many respects. But the work-study program is distinct from other employment opportunities because of the role of federal funding . For each work-study job, the federal government chips in a portion of the student’s payment , while the school pays the rest. In some cases, the government foots most (or all) of the bill. 

That means that schools have a big incentive to hire work-study students for a variety of positions across campus. They can help their students make ends meet through solid part-time gigs — and pay a lot less for the labor.

For students, the benefits are significant as well . Many work-study positions are interesting, fun, or fulfilling, and they’re designed to be flexible enough to accommodate your studies. Moreover, these jobs are designated for work-study students specifically, so the pool of competition is much smaller. 

Most importantly, work-study can be an excellent way to bolster your resume while earning the cash you need to afford student life. As you look towards life after graduation, who wouldn’t want less debt and more work experience?  

• Who Is Eligible for Work-study, and How Do I Apply?

Work-study opportunities are available to a wide array of students on many educational paths. Ultimately, schools decide which of their students will be offered work-study awards, and how much they’ll be able to earn. To be considered for work-study, you must meet these basic eligibility criteria. 

• You must be a current undergraduate, graduate, or professional student (students enrolled in vocational programs qualify as professional students).
• You must be enrolled part-time or full-time in a degree-seeking program.
• You must be accepted or currently enrolled in a school that participates in the Federal Work-Study Program.
• You must demonstrate a need for financial assistance in affording the costs of college and associated expenses.

To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid , better known as the FAFSA . This extensive document gives schools a sense of your financial resources. Once you complete it, you’ll need to send it to the schools to which you are applying (or the one you currently attend). 

To apply for work-study specifically, you’ll need to indicate your interest on the FAFSA. There is a specific question about work-study (question 31 at the time of this writing), and you’ll need to select “Yes” for schools to consider you for a work-study award. 

• If I’m Awarded Work-study, Am I Guaranteed a Job?

In effect, a work-study grant is really a green light to hunt for opportunities. Your school is committing to give you a certain amount of funds if you are hired for a work-study position. Unfortunately, that “if” can make all the difference.

A work-study grant does not guarantee that you will be hired for a work-study job. You will still need to find an appropriate opportunity, apply for it, and get hired (the next section covers this process specifically). Only once you’re hired will the work-study money start to flow in your direction. 

Don’t get discouraged, however. After all, schools want their students to utilize work-study awards: If work-study funds go unused, these institutions are leaving federal money on the table, and key jobs around campus go unfilled. Accordingly, colleges generally strive to help students find suitable opportunities, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.

It’s also worth noting that you are not obligated to accept a work-study position just because your school awards you work-study funding . If you find another form of employment that seems more promising, you can ignore the work-study option entirely. 

• How Do I Find and Apply for Work-study Jobs?

If you’re awarded work-study, your school will provide instructions pertaining to searching for and obtaining a suitable position. In some instances , this process will entail logging into a digital platform on which work-study jobs are listed. In many cases, you can apply for jobs directly within the platform. 

Other institutions post all available positions publicly, and it’s incumbent upon students to reach out about job openings. However they choose to do it, schools are in charge of specific job listings and assignments, not the federal government.

At most schools, this system is administered by a department intended to help students find employment (whether in a work-study capacity or not). It could be part of your school’s financial aid office, or nestled under another umbrella, such as the “career services department.” If you’re struggling to find a solid work-study job, reach out to them to see if they can aid in your search. 

Whatever the process at your school, it will be helpful to have an updated resume on hand . Even if a resume isn’t explicitly required, you’ll impress by providing one. 

• What Kinds of Work-study Jobs are Available?

Many students are surprised to learn just how numerous and varied work-study positions can be. Indeed, while each institution determines its own approach to work-study, most colleges offer a mix of service, administrative, research, and teaching roles. 

As one might expect, the qualifications necessary for work-study jobs can differ significantly . Some jobs require a great attitude, but no particular aptitude. Other demands specific skills and experience and, therefore, may be tied to a student’s past academic performance. 

Here are some popular and/or desirable work-study roles performed by students on their respective campuses. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should provide a good sense of the opportunities available:

• Teaching and tutoring roles: Teaching assistants and tutors are often work-study recipients. They usually earn these positions by excelling in the subjects they teach to others.
• Research roles: From the lab to the library, many students earn money by helping faculty complete research projects. Again, these students earn their spots through academic excellence.
• Admissions and student life roles: Want to lead campus tours for prospective students? How about leading orientation groups for freshman or serving as a resident assistant (RA)? Work-study students often perform these gigs.
• Administrative roles: From managing paperwork and correspondence to handling incoming calls, every department needs a work-study student to handle business.
• Other services: Maybe you’re the tech-savvy type destined for I.T. services or an athlete who’d feel at home checking IDs at the gym. In many such roles, work-study students keep colleges running. 

If these options don’t speak to you, you can also look off-campus for work-study fulfillment . At most colleges, a portion of work-study funding is reserved for jobs in the local community, usually at public agencies or nonprofits dedicated to public service. 

• How Do I Get Paid for Work-study, and How Much Can I Make?

According to the Department of Education regulations , students employed in work-study jobs cannot make less than the federal minimum wage ($7.25 at the time of this writing). Additionally, in places where the state or local laws mandate a higher minimum wage, work-study pay must satisfy those laws. While all undergraduates are paid on an hourly basis, some graduate-level work-study positions may be salaried.

Schools are usually accountable for paying students and must do so at least once a month. If a student works in an off-campus position, however, they are paid by their employer instead. In most instances, students receive payment for their hours via check or direct deposit , though students can request that their earnings be debited directly to their student account. 

These earnings can be substantial: In one recent study , students earned an average of $2,649 per year in their work-study jobs. However, you can’t earn more than the total work-study grant awarded by your school.  

You should keep this in mind as you search for a work-study role. You’ll need to find a job in which the hours and hourly rate won’t surpass your total award. If you can earn a maximum of $1,500 for the academic year, for example, you might look for a gig requiring just a few hours per week. 

• Do I Have to Apply for Work-study Again Every Year?

Federal work-study opportunities are part of the broader range of student aid provided by the U.S. government. To stay eligible for these benefits, you must complete the FAFSA every year and submit it to your school. Thankfully, the FAFSA website doesn’t make you start from scratch: With the “Renewal” option, much of the info from the year before carries over.

Your school will then review your financial circumstances, determining whether you still qualify for work-study. Because funding varies annually, you may not be offered the same work-study grant as you were the year before, even if your financial needs haven’t changed. Accordingly, experts recommend submitting the FAFSA early to maximize your chances of a work-study grant. 

Once granted work-study, you’ll need to navigate your school’s process for obtaining a specific position. If you love your work-study position and want to keep it next year, let your supervisor know. They may be able to coordinate with you and save the position for you.

• Are There Other Kinds of Work-study Programs?

So far, we’ve discussed federal work-study programs, which utilize funds from the U.S. Department of Education. But certain students may benefit from a slightly different category of employment opportunity: state work-study programs.  

These programs function much like federal work-study, but they’re funded by state legislatures instead. Eligibility criteria and funding levels differ, and some states don’t have their own work-study programs at all. 

However, some basic rules generally apply: These opportunities are usually open only to residents attending schools in their home states. Both public and private institutions can participate in state work-study programs, and these institutions generally determine which students will be offered work-study as part of their financial aid packages. 

In short, the federal government may not be your only shot at a work-study opportunity. Research your own state’s approach , because you may need to complete an additional application to be eligible for state work-study positions. 

• Offsetting Expenses: As a Student — and Beyond

After reading through this guide, you should have a basic understanding of how work-study operates. More importantly, we hope you’ve gained some sense of whether a work-study position might be advantageous to you.  

As we’ve noted throughout this article, work-study jobs differ tremendously, compensating at different levels, and demanding various skills. But they share some key advantages for students, such as a limited pool of eligible applicants and the flexibility to accommodate class schedules. If you hope to depart college with a degree and some valuable work experience, a work-study position may be the perfect solution.

That being said, work-study roles are hardly the only form of viable employment available to students . If you’re ineligible for work-study or can’t find a position that suits your preferences, there are plenty of other part-time jobs to consider. Plus, as the gig economy presents new opportunities, you have more ways than ever to make ends meet.

Even once you graduate, you may need to get creative about managing expenses while launching your career. For many young professionals, it can be tough to pay down student loans on an entry-level salary. But whether you’re still in school or repaying your loans right now, you don’t have to tackle these issues alone. At CollegeFinance.com , we’ve got the insights and straightforward advice you need to make smart money decisions — before, during, or after college.

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Here’s What Students With Learning Disabilities Need To Know Before Enrolling In Community College

Who we talked to for this article

How do you learn best, what kind of support do community colleges give, how do i access these services, how do faculty know what i need.

If you’re a high school senior with a learning disability — or if you’ve struggled in school despite trying your best — you might benefit from specialized academic support when you’re in college. The same can be true for adults returning to school after years away.

Once a student transitions to higher ed, getting that support requires initiative. And summer's a perfect time to start planning ahead.

Because of the federal Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act , K-12 schools are required to provide students with special needs with the support they need to succeed. Often, parents or caregivers serve as the students’ advocates.

But “once the student gets to college, a lot of [that support] is self-initiated, and a lot of it is self-controlled,” said Christopher Elquizabal, a dean at Cerritos College who oversees services for students with disabilities. Elquizabal began his higher ed journey at Fullerton College, where he received services for his learning disabilities and gained academic confidence. From there, he went on to earn degrees at Cal State Long Beach, Harvard, and USC.

To help prospective community college students with learning disabilities take the next step, LAist spoke with local experts about what resources are available and how students can access them.

• Christopher Elquizabal , dean of student accessibility and wellness services, Cerritos College
• Grace Hernandez , dean of student services, East Los Angeles College
• George Marcopulos , lead learning disabilities specialist, Santa Monica College

Learning disabilities affect how people process information — how its received or transmitted through the brain.

Santa Monica College says it plainly :

Often people assume that students with learning disabilities are unmotivated and unintelligent. Many question whether these students can succeed in college. In reality, students with learning disabilities are not intellectually limited nor are they unmotivated.

Instead, experts say students need the right support and interventions.

George Marcopulos, lead learning disabilities specialist at Santa Monica College, said he encourages students to “become the expert in [their] own learning difference,” and to pay attention to what does and doesn’t work for them.

Traditional instructional methods are often inadequate for students with disabilities, Marcopulos added, so it’s not uncommon for them to have “bad memories” of school. This, in part, is why some prospective students — especially those who’ve been away for years — hesitate to enroll.

Click on the links below for their contact information:

• California Community Colleges 
• California State University System 
• University of California

“But I think there’s a joy of learning that you sometimes recognize when you’re older,” he added. Plus, at community college, “you have the benefit of going at your own pace, maybe you only want to take one or two classes and start off slow” — there’s no wrong way, he said.

Grace Hernandez, dean of student services at East Los Angeles College, echoed his point. Whether you’ve been in the workforce for years or recently graduated from high school, she said, “don't let anybody tell you that you are not college material.” Students learn in different ways, she underscored, and it’s a school’s responsibility to help them access the material.

For students making the transition from high school to college, “the biggest shift” might be for parents and caretakers, said Elquizabal. In high school, parents or caregivers usually keep track of their children’s academic progress and related services. In college, those rights and responsibilities transfer to the student.

At Cerritos College, Elquizabal has found that some students “don't know how to have those conversations, because they've never talked about their disability.”

“And so, we often have to start the conversation with the student about the nature of their disability and what that looks like at the college level, what accommodations [they can] have access to,” he said. To set up students for success, Elquizabal encourages parents and caregivers to make sure their children are knowledgeable about their learning disabilities, and that they practice leading conversations about what services work best for them. In K-12, students might have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan , which require regular meetings between educators and a student’s parents or caregivers. As students prepare for postsecondary, they can use those meetings as an opportunity to practice advocating for themselves.

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1975

• Guarantees a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
• Covers children with disabilities from birth until high school graduation or age 21. 
• Requires development of an individualized education plan (IEP) for certain disabled students, with input from school staff and parents, that identifies the specific services the student receives.

SECTION 504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 1973

• Provides civil rights protections for people with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding, including employment, social services, public K-12 schools and post-secondary schools whose students receive federal financial aid.
• Requires postsecondary schools to provide  educational auxiliary aids  and services to students with a disability who need such aids to effectively participate. 
• Guarantees disabled students an equal opportunity to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990

• Title II prohibits state and local governments, including public K-12 and postsecondary schools, from discriminating on the basis of disability.
• Title III prohibits private colleges and universities from discriminating on the basis of disability. 
• Requires postsecondary schools to provide educational auxiliary aids and services to disabled students to guarantee equal access.

Sources: 

• Disability Rights California:  Rights of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
• ADA National Network:  Disability Rights Laws in Public Primary and Secondary Education: How Do They Relate?
• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights:  Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities

Depending on their disability, students might qualify for certain accommodations to ensure they're able to access the material:

• additional time on exams
• permission to take exams in a proctoring center, instead of in class 
• audio versions of textbooks 
• access to a word processor during exams 
• specialized tutors 
• note takers
• priority registration 

Priority registration can help students in different ways, Marcopulos explained. For instance, students who need additional time to complete exams can use priority registration to make sure their class schedules are arranged in a way that allows them to “take advantage of extra exam time and be able to get to their next class.”

To confirm the existence of a disability, colleges will ask students to provide documentation. This can include an IEP or 504 Plan, or a letter from a licensed clinical psychologist or educational psychologist.

If a student has not been diagnosed, said Elquizabal, his office will still meet with them. In some cases, students might be able to access interim, short-term services.

Some schools, including Santa Monica College and East Los Angeles College, offer on-campus learning disability assessments.

“To do this privately, it would cost upwards of $2,500, and it’s free at the community college — if you’re an enrolled student taking academic classes,” Marcopulos said. The assessment, he added, takes six to eight hours.

Many students “have never been identified before,” he said, “so we rely on teachers and counselors and other school personnel to refer students [who] are having a difficult time.”

Historically, Elquizabal said, students used to share their letter of accommodation directly with their faculty. “We don't do that anymore,” he said. “You don’t want to have students negotiating with faculty members for accommodations, because of the power dynamic.”

Instead, professors receive information about a student’s accommodation through an online system that’s managed by his office. This is also how things are done at Santa Monica College and at all campuses in the Los Angeles Community College District, including East Los Angeles College.

Also, students might not need an accommodation in every class they’re taking, so the letters are only sent to professors who teach courses where the accommodation is needed.

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What Is a 529 Plan?

By Joseph Hurley . Edited by: Savingforcollege.com Editorial Team Reviewed by Joe Messinger | Updated June 5, 2024

By Joseph Hurley . Edited by: Savingforcollege.com Editorial Team

Reviewed by Joe Messinger | Updated June 5, 2024

A 529 plan is an investment account that offers tax-free withdrawals and other benefits when used to pay for qualified education expenses. You can use a 529 plan to pay for college, K-12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, and even student loan repayments. Any leftover funds can be used in different ways, including funding a Roth IRA.

Types of 529 Plans

There are two primary 529 plans: education savings plans and prepaid tuition plans.

Education Saving Plans

Also known as 529 college savings plans, these are tax-advantaged investment accounts designed for education savings. They work much like a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA by investing your after-tax contributions in mutual funds or similar investments. 529 plans offer several investment options from which to choose. The 529 plan account will go up or down in value based on the performance of the investment options. You can see how each 529 plan’s investment options are performing by reviewing our quarterly 529 plan performance rankings .

Prepaid Tuition Plans

These plans let you pre-pay all or part of the costs of an in-state public college education. You may also convert them for use at private and out-of-state colleges. The Private College 529 Plan is a separate prepaid plan for private colleges sponsored by more than 250 private colleges.

Educational institutions can offer a prepaid tuition plan but not a college savings plan. The first education savings plan was a prepaid tuition plan: the Michigan Education Trust (MET) was created in 1986. More than a decade later, Section 529 was added to the Internal Revenue Code, authorizing tax-free status for qualified tuition programs . Today, over 100 different 529 plans are available to suit various education savings needs.

Tax Advantages of 529 Plans

529 plans offer federal tax benefits and may offer state tax benefits depending on the state where the account owner or person contributing to the plan lives.

Federal Tax Benefits

There are two primary federal tax benefits associated with 529 plans:

• Earnings in your account accumulate tax free. In other words, no income taxes are due on earnings as long as the money stays in your account.
• You will not have to pay federal income taxes on withdrawals as long as the money is used to pay for qualified education expenses. In most cases, these withdrawals will also be exempt from state income taxes as well.

Note that similar to a Roth IRA, contributions to a 529 plan are not deductible from federal income taxes. 

Some families use 529 plans as an estate planning vehicle since contributions are considered completed gifts to the beneficiary. Up to $17,000 per donor, per beneficiary, qualifies for the annual gift tax exclusion in 2023. The exclusion increased to $18,000 for contributions in the 2024 tax year.

State Tax Benefits

Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for a state tax benefit. Over 30 states offer either state income tax deductions or state tax credits for 529 plan contributions. The tax benefit is typically available for residents who invest in their home state’s 529 plan, however, many states offer a tax benefit for contributions to any state’s 529 plan. These tax benefits make 529 plans more valuable for college savings than traditional savings or investment accounts.

How 529 Plans Work

There are a few steps to start with a 529 plan, beginning with choosing a 529 plan and opening an account.

1. Choosing a 529 Plan

Nearly every state has at least one 529 plan available, but you’re not limited to using your home state’s plan. Each 529 plan offers investment portfolios tailored to the account owner’s risk tolerance and time horizon. Your account may go up or down in value based on the performance of the investment option you select. Considering your investment objectives and comparing your options before investing is essential. 

 Other things to consider when selecting a 529  plan are:

• Any state tax benefits you may be eligible for and the value of those benefits
• Fees and expenses charged by a plan and how those compare to other plans 
• The performance history of the 529 plan. 

You can find research on all of the above on our 529 plan details pages . Or see our round-up of the best 529 plans based on our analysis and ratings.

2. Opening an Account and Designating a Beneficiary

Opening a college savings plan is easy. You can open a direct-sold 529 plan by completing an application on the plan’s website. Direct-sold plans generally offer lower fees than advisor-sold plans, but the account owner is responsible for selecting the investments. Advisor-sold 529 plans are only available through licensed financial advisors.

One of the advantages of 529 plans is that just about anyone can open one, regardless of income level. Parents, grandparents, friends, and even students themselves (if they are at least 18 years old) can open a 529 college savings plan to start a college fund. You can open an account and name a beneficiary who doesn’t even know about it until you want them to use the funds.

While anyone can open a 529 plan, each plan can only have one beneficiary at a time. A beneficiary can be anyone of any age who has a social security number or a Tax ID. You can change beneficiaries if one child doesn’t go to college, but another does, but you can’t simultaneously name multiple children as beneficiaries. You can also name yourself as the beneficiary of a 529 plan that you own. 

Once you’re ready, you can use Saving For College’s enroll now tool to open an account online. Just click on the “Enroll Now” button adjacent to the 529 plan’s listing. It will take you directly to the online application form for opening a 529 plan account.

A good place to start:

See the best 529 plans, personalized for you

3. Contributing to 529 Plans

Many states have no minimum amount required when contributing to your account. Other states have relatively low minimums, such as $25. 

You can also set up automatic contributions, which typically have minimums of at least $15 or $25 per contribution.

As far as maximum investments, there are no annual 529 plan contribution limits . But if you are making a significant contribution, be aware that contributions in excess of the annual gift tax exclusion ($17,000 in 2023 and $18,000 in 2024) will count against your lifetime estate and gift tax exemption (increased to $13.61 million in 2024). There is a way to make larger contributions at one time without impacting your lifetime exemption by “ superfunding ” a 529 plan.

Each state also has an aggregate contribution limit for 529 plans, which ranges from $235,000 to over $550,000. The price of attending an expensive college and graduate school program in the state, including textbooks and room and board, determines this amount. 

As a general rule of thumb, aiming to save about one-third of your projected future college costs is a good goal. This assumes you can cover the remaining two-thirds with current income, including scholarship funds and student loans .

4. Choosing a 529 Plan Investment Portfolio 

Once you’ve contributed funds to your 529 account, you must decide how to invest them . Typically, you have two options: 1) age-based and enrollment date portfolios or 2) static portfolios.

With age-based and enrollment-date portfolios, the asset allocation within the portfolio automatically adjusts over time based on the child’s age or the time remaining until their expected college enrollment. During the initial years, the portfolio tends to adopt a more aggressive stance, with a higher emphasis on stocks, which offer the potential for greater returns but also carry heightened risk. As the child approaches college age, these portfolios gradually transition away from riskier investments, such as equities (stocks), favoring more conservative options like bonds or money market funds. This strategic shift towards less risky holdings protects against volatility and market downturns when college expenses become imminent.

Static portfolios remain the same over the life of the plan unless the plan owner manually reallocates to other portfolios. These portfolios can be target risk portfolios, which focus on a defined level of risk or strategy, such as “aggressive growth” or “income,” or individual portfolios, which mirror a mutual fund, exchange-traded fund, or other investment.

5. Withdrawing Funds from 529 Plans to Pay for Qualified Expenses

You can use your education savings to pay for college costs at any eligible institution , including over 6,000 U.S. colleges and universities and over 400 international schools.  For example, you can be a New York resident, invest in a Virginia plan, and send your student to college in North Carolina . 

Once you’re ready to start taking withdrawals from a 529 plan, most plans allow you to distribute the payments directly to the account holder, the beneficiary, or the school. Some plans may allow you to pay directly from your 529 accounts to another third party, such as a landlord. 

Remember, you must check with your plan to learn more about how to take distributions from your account. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to report contributions to or withdrawals from your 529 plan on your annual tax returns .

The funds in a 529 plan are yours, and you can always withdraw them for any purpose. However, the earnings portion of a non-qualified distribution will be subject to ordinary income taxes and a 10% tax penalty, though there are exceptions .

Using a 529 Plan for Education Expenses

Qualified education expenses.

It’s important to understand that with a 529 plan, only qualified withdrawals are tax-free. You should only use your 529 plan to pay for qualified educational expenses . 529 plan withdrawals must happen in the same tax year as the expenses incurred. This means that if you’re paying for January expenses, you can’t withdraw funds in December of the previous year, even though it’s only weeks from when you need the money.

Qualified expenses for college include costs required for enrollment or attendance, such as:

• tuition and fees, 
• books and materials,
• room and board (for students enrolled at least half-time), 
• computers and related equipment, 
• internet access, and 
• special needs equipment for students attending a college, university, or other eligible post-secondary educational institutions. 

In recent years, the IRS has expanded the definition of qualified education expenses beyond traditional higher education costs, including K-12 tuition expenses and student loan repayments . There is a $10,000 annual limit on qualified K-12 withdrawals and a $10,000 lifetime limit on student loans. 529 plans can also be used to pay for qualified expenses at a trade or vocational school or for registered apprenticeship program expenses.

Not all states have adopted the expanded definition of qualified education expenses, but at least 30 states have . In states that haven’t adopted it, you may be subject to state taxes on the earnings portion of any 529 plan withdrawals to pay for K-12 education, student loan payments, and trade/vocational schooling.

Non-Qualified Withdrawals and their Penalties:

There are some education costs that you may believe are necessary, but the IRS does not consider qualified expenses. For example, a college must charge a student’s health insurance and transportation costs as part of a comprehensive tuition fee for them to be qualified expenses. Alternatively, the college must identify the fee as “required for enrollment or attendance.”

Other common expenses that are considered non-qualified include:

• Transportation and travel costs, such as gas and transit passes,
• College application and testing fees
• Extracurricular activities, such as club sports and fraternity or sorority activities

A common concern in the past has been what to do in case you don’t use all the money you’ve saved in a 529 account. This is now less of a potential drawback as the definition of qualified expenses has expanded, and parents have more options than ever on what to do with unused 529 funds .

Pros and Cons of 529 Plans

When evaluating if a 529 plan is the right option for you, there are pros and cons to 529 plans to consider.

Benefits of Investing in 529 Plans

• Minor impact on financial aid eligibility – When a dependent student or one of their parents owns a 529 plan account, there is a minimal impact on the student’s financial aid eligibility compared to other account types.
• Federal tax treatment of gifts – Contributions to a 529 plan qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion of $18,000 per year as of 2024.
• Earnings grow tax-deferred – Investments are not subject to taxes while in the account.
• Tax-free withdrawals – Qualified withdrawals are not subject to federal income tax and are typically excluded from state income tax.
• State tax incentives – More than 30 states allow tax deductions for contributions to 529 plans. In most states, anyone contributing to a 529 plan can claim a deduction. 
• Roth IRA rollovers for unused funds – For unused 529 funds, account owners can roll over up to $35,000 into a Roth IRA in the beneficiary’s name.

Potential Drawbacks of 529 Plans

• Must be qualified expenses – Any withdrawal from a 529 account not for qualified expenses is subject to income tax and a 10% penalty.
• Not all states offer deductions – While most states offer an income tax deduction for 529 contributions, some do not.
• No self-directed investments – You must invest 529 accounts in portfolio options offered by the 529 plan.
• Fees – All 529 plans have fees , though 529 account owners can find low-cost 529 plan options to limit the fees charged.
• Ownership rules – An account owner controls a 529 plan account, not the beneficiary.

529 plans offer a valuable tool for saving and investing in education expenses. Whether you’re planning for college, K-12 tuition, or apprenticeships, these plans provide tax advantages and flexibility. Selecting the right plan, opening an account, and contributing are relatively straightforward processes, so 529 plans are very attractive for many families looking to secure their loved ones’ educational future.

• What is a 529 plan?
• What are the benefits of a 529 plan?
• 529 gift and estate tax benefits
• How to pick the right portfolio for your 529 plan?
• Which is the best 529 plan?
• Does a 529 plan affect financial aid?
• Can I have 529 plans from multiple states?
• Can I use 529 plans outside of my state?
• What if I don’t use my 529?
• Can I use 529 plans for K-12 tuition?

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College Savings 101

• What if I don't use my 529?

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