Types of US Universities

Types of US Universities

Many people get confused by the different terminology but basically the terms Colleges, Universities, Institutes or even School are inter changeable for a degree-granting institution in the United States and colleges and institutes are in no way inferior to universities. Colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a university also offers graduate degrees.  
Within each college or university you will find schools, such as the school of arts and sciences or the school of business. Each school is responsible for the degree programs offered by the college or university in that area of study. 
There are four major post-high school institutions that offer further education in the US. They are as follows:

A UNIVERSITY is an institution of higher learning that usually maintains one or more four-year undergraduate programmes leading to a Bachelor's degree in the arts or sciences (BA or BSc). In addition, a university often has graduate programmes leading to Master degrees and Doctorates (Ph.D.'s).

State Universities

State universities are founded and subsidized by U.S. state governments (eg, Georgia, San Diego, or Michigan) to provide low-cost education to residents of that state. They may also be called public universities to distinguish them from private institutions. State universities tend to be very large, with enrolments of 20,000 or more students, and generally admit a wider range of students than private universities. State university tuition costs are generally lower than those of private universities.  
 Private Universities

Private institutions are funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees, research grants, and gifts from their alumni. Tuition fees tend to be higher at private universities than at state universities, but there is no distinction made between state and non-state residents. Colleges with a religious affiliation and single-sex colleges are private. In general, private universities have enrolments of fewer than 20,000 students, and private colleges may have 2,000 or fewer students on their campuses.

Campus Universities

Most US institutions have centralised campuses that is the hub of student life, where students study, live, work and socialise with one another. Large institutions sometimes have a decentralised or multi-campus system with numerous satellite campuses. In some cases, these satellites will focus on one aspect of study, for example having medical facilities at one location and undergraduate facilities at another. Campuses are made up of administrative offices, residence and dining halls, recreation space, classroom buildings and arts space clustered together. Institutions in rural environments and small towns are frequently very centralised, and in many cases the institution provides the focal point of local life. When discussing possibilities of different institutions it is necessary to consider the type of campus that your child would benefit from and the environment they prefer to live in. Don’t get fixated with the big locations like New York or California. The real offers are with lesser known locations which can provide excellent facilities and quality of Education.

A COLLEGE is again synonymous to "university", an institution of higher learning that offers undergraduate programmes, usually four years in duration, which lead to a BA or BSc.

A COMMUNITY, TECHNICAL OR TWO-YEAR COLLEGE is an institution of higher learning that offers programmes of up to two years duration leading to an Associate's degree in the arts or sciences (AA or AS) or to a technical degree. Credits earned at a community or junior college are usually transferable to a four-year institution. Students on a two-year programme prepare for semi-professional or technical employment. Community and junior colleges usually require a secondary school diploma or its equivalent.

International students often overlook the two-year or community colleges in the US. Community colleges are a great way to study in the US and should be taken into consideration as an option by your child. Entrance requirements are less competitive and admission is available up until the semester begins. Costs are more affordable and the size of classes smaller. Depending on the state, the reputation of some two-year colleges surpasses those of the four-year institutions. The two-year colleges in the US only offer an "Associate's Degree", usually considered to be the first half of a BA or BSc which is what students will get from a four-year institution. Since studying in the US at university level can be very expensive, many students choose to do their first two years of study at a two-year college, and then transfer their credits to a four-year institution for their last two years.

The Standard of Universities in the Intuition consortium

The 120 or so participants in the International Scholarship Consortium are all good accredited Universities. They represent a mixture of State Universities, Colleges and private Universities. To put them into context of the UK system might help. If you categorise the UK Universities into 4 bands: Band A being Oxbridge, B being Russell Group, C the Red Brick and D the old Polytechnics then if you applied a similar criteria to the US Universities then cross section equivalent would place our Universities in Bands B and C. The consortium is not Ivy League and does not set out to be. Securing a scholarship in an Ivy League or even the NESCAC schools like Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury and Williams is incredibly difficulty to do and probably only available to exceptionally high fliers.

Types of Degree in the US

A Liberal arts degree (liberal arts and sciences) is a unique feature of the U.S. higher education system. The American "liberal arts" philosophy requires students to take a variety of courses within their first two years of undergraduate study before concentrating in one academic area.  A U.S. undergraduate education is based  on providing a well-rounded academic education that develops the student's verbal, written, and reasoning skills. Students at a university with a strong liberal arts program, begin their degree study by taking classes in a wide variety of courses in the arts, humanities, languages, and the social and physical sciences. A "major" is the subject or area of studies in which a student concentrates. Usually undergraduates choose a major after the first two years of general courses in the arts and sciences. They take about 25 to 50 percent of their classes in the major area. Even those who do not follow a liberal arts program and instead plan to major in a specialized subject like engineering are usually required to take about 25 percent of their classes in humanities and social sciences to complement their studies. Similarly, a student who wants to complete a major in history is required to take some classes in mathematics and, possibly, the sciences.

To study Medicine or Law these are post graduate studies only. You can take a Pre Med or Pre law course as an undergraduate degree or a related topic and specialise on a Masters programme.

US University Academic Calendar

The academic year varies slightly for each university or college but normally runs from early September to the end of May. It may be divided into two terms of 18 weeks called semesters.  Alternatively, the university may have "quarters" or "trimesters," which are about 12 weeks in length. In addition, universities very often provide six- to eight-week summer terms. These are optional, and students attend if they wish to get through their degree faster, to decrease their course load during the regular terms, or to make up for courses not completed successfully during the regular academic year. There are at least two main holidays during the academic year: a two- to four-week break in the winter (December-January) and a one-week "spring break" sometime between early March and mid-April.

Required Examinations to Enter US University

Universities in the US typically require SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing) examination scores in order to apply. Therefore, it is important for you to take one (or both). There are testing dates throughout the year, with registration deadlines generally a month prior.

There are testing centres throughout the UK. Registering for the SAT through the CollegeBoard.com web site is swift and easy.

It is always worth familiarising yourself with the style of questions. Kaplan are a good source for preparing for this exam.

Keep in mind these tests examine your maths skills, and therefore it may be best to take them before you get rusty if you've given up the subject.

All applications will also have to be substantiated with “Transcripts” . This is an official list of all your secondary school courses, how many hours/week each one was and your grade in each. You can make the list yourself in English and have it notarised by an official.

Academic Degree Courses

Undergraduate Degrees

Accounting 
Aerospace Studies 
Africana Studies 
Agribusiness 
Agricultural Economics 
Agricultural Studies 
Agricultural Systems Management 
Alcohol and Drugs Studies 
American Sign Language and Deaf Studies 
American Studies 
Animal and Range Sciences 
Anthropology Studies 
Applied Science in Technology 
Architectural Studies 
Architecture 
Art 
Art Education (Secondary Education) 
Art Entrepreneurship 
Art History 
Arts and Education 
Asian Languages and Cultures 
Athletic Coaching /Training 
Biochemistry 
Biology 
Biotechnology 
Botany 
Broadcasting 
Business & Organization Management 
Business & the Arts 
Business Administration 
Business Education 
Business Software Applications 
Business, Language & Culture 
Business-International Political Economy 
Career and Technical Education 
Chemical Physics 
Chemistry 
Chemistry Education 
Child Development and Learning 
Choral Music Education 
Christian Ministry Studies 
Classics 
Coaching 
Communication 
Communication Education 
Comparative Literature 
Composite Music Education 
Computer Information Systems 
Computer Science 
Computer Technology Management 
Construction Management 
Corporate Communication 
Creative Writing 
Criminal Justice 
Critical Social Studies 
Crop and Weed Sciences 
Dance 
Dietetics 
Digital Design 
Early Childhood Education/Special Education 
Earth and Environmental Science 
Earth Science 
Economics 
Elementary Education 
English 
English Education 
Entrepreneurship 
Environmental Health 
Environmental Studies 
Equine Studies 
European Studies 
Exercise Science 
Fashion Design 
Finance 
Food Safety 
Food Science 
Forensic Accounting 
French language 
French and Francophone Studies 
General Agriculture 
General Studies 
Geography 
Geology 
Geoscience 
Graphic Design 
Greek 
Health Care 
Health Education 
Health Science 
History 
History Education 
Horticulture 
Hospitality and Tourism Management 
Human Performance and Fitness 
Human Resource Management 
Human Service Agency Management 
Information Technology 
Instructional Technology 
Instrumental Music Education 
Interior Design 
International Business 
International Political Economy 
International Relations 
International Studies 
Internet Applications 
Journalism 
Landscape Architecture 
Latin 
Latin American Studies 
Leadership Studies 
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Studies 
Library Media & Information Science 
Management 
Management Communication 
Management Information Systems 
Marine Biology 
Marine Environmental Science 
Marketing 
Mass Communication 
Mathematics 
Mathematics Education 
Mathematics-Physics 
Media and Society 
Microbiology 
Music 
Natural Resources Management 
Nursing 
Office Management 
Outdoor Recreation 
Performing Arts 
Philosophy 
Physical Education* 
Physics 
Political Economy 
Political Science 
Corporate Communication 
Media Communication 
Psychology 
Public Management 
Public Policy Studies 
Religious Studies 
Retail Merchandising 
Russian Language and Culture 
Science 
Science Composite 
Secondary Education 
Sign Language Interpreting 
Social Science 
Social Science Composite 
Social Work 
Sociology 
Soil Science 
Spanish 
Spanish and Hispanic Studies 
Spanish Education 
Speech Communication 
Sport and Recreation Studies 
Sport Management 
Sports & Fitness Management 
Sports Medicine 
Statistics 
Studio Art 
Teacher Certification 
Teaching English as a Second Language 
Teaching English Language Learners 
Technology Education 
Theatre 
Theatre Education 
Theatre Studies 
University Studies 
Urban Studies 
Women's Studies 
Writing 
Writing and Rhetoric 
Zoology

Engineering Programs

Engineering 
Mechanical Engineering 
Electrical Engineering 
Construction Engineering 
Computer Engineering 
Civil Engineering 
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 
Industrial Engineering

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre - Medicine 
Pre - Dentistry 
Pre - Veterinary 
Pre - Law 
Pre - Engineering 
Pre - Lab Technology 
Pre - Pharmacy 
Pre - Physical Thereapy 
Pre - Physics 
Pre - Wildlife Management 
Pre - Dietetics 
Pre - Chiropractic

 

 Finance and Funding

 

 Even with a Scholarship there is a financial commitment. One of the most important issues to consider is “What is the Real cost of a US University degree?”

When evaluating college costs, the first numbers people usually turn to are: tuition, room, and board. This is where InTuition offers Scholarship funding, on the bulk of the fees. But there are many indirect expenses that aren't always discussed and that you might not consider.

Fees

There are some fees required of all students and some that may have to be paid simply because of the major your child chooses. For example, science majors may have to pay a refundable lab breakage deposit of $50 to $100 per lab course. Assume that you'll get none of this amount refunded, since even the most careful student breaks a beaker occasionally. Some colleges may also have an optional student services fee, depending upon whether you choose to participate in certain activities.

Books and Supplies

Here again, this figure will vary according to the major. For example, science books can be extraordinarily expensive ($75 or more for some), and there could be ten or more books required for one English literature course. In addition, there may be lab workbooks, photocopied articles, and study guides that don't always get figured in. Estimate between $500 and $700 per year.

Room

This expense is dependent on whether you live in a dorm, off-campus apartment, group house, relative's home, etc. The dorm costs may also vary depending on whether the room is a single, double, triple, or quad bedroom. You won't know the actual amount until after you've been assigned a spot. For calculating purposes, use the average figure the college provides. Unfortunately, many colleges lump room and board charges together, which can be misleading, but the cost of dorm rooms or rent usually can be calculated accurately. The range is typically between $3,000 and $4,500 a year.

Board

If you live on campus, you may have options as to meal plans. Some schools require that all meals be eaten in the school dining centre. Others offer variable meal plans, where you sign up for any number of meals per week. What's best? You may not need three meals a day, seven days a week. So if you can, choose the plan that meets your needs. Remember, the school's estimated board cost will include only meal plans, not snacks or socializing.

Transportation and Travel

For a student living on campus, the transportation or commuting amount is probably zero, unless you have a car. If a car is involved, there are parking fees, insurance payments, and gas, oil, and maintenance costs.

You will also need to budget for flights back home or even for you to fly out to visit. We are an agent for STA Travel and can offer competitive quotes, see our Travel section.

Personal Expenses

Living expenses are highest in big cities. Personal expenses include incidental expenditures such as laundry as well as entertainment. Generally the cost of living is a lot lower in the States than in the UK and Ireland.

Health Insurance

We have negotiated a deal with a Health Care Insurance provider who run a policy designed specifically for International students attending a US University.

Funding

Currently neither the UK or Irish Government extend their Student Loan scheme to students studying overseas. So you need to be able to fund the fees on a semester basis. As a UK resident you are only able to apply for a US loan if you have an American as a co-signer on the loan. As parents, encourage your child to believe that funding an education abroad is an attainable process.

The university that you finally choose will require evidence of financial support before issuing a formal letter of admission, or before the forms needed to obtain a visa can be issued. This support includes tuition fees and cost of living expenses. Generally, a bank-verified financial-guarantee letter is required, signed by an endorser with his or her accompanying address. This should be included with the general application in order to expedite the process.

If you do take out a loan from a finance company, always read all the information carefully in the contract and keep in mind that you have to pay everything back to the provider. Look also carefully at the interest rate, which can make the repay amount much bigger. The amount you will receive depends on things like the lengths, level and field of your study.

Why Study for a degree in the US?

It is important to consider the value of a degree from a US University? It begs the question “What have the Romans ever done for us?” Aside from the unequivocal benefits of a better funded University, with facilities most Universities in Britain only dream of, the higher Professor Student ratio, the welfare system, the Sports opportunities, the experience of living overseas and last but not least there are the long term benefits in the job market.

There are two key factors here, one is more pastoral, instilling a self confidence developing a global outlook on life. The other is how do future employers view an American degree. Even if most British employers may not understand what an American degree is worth, they would be impressed by someone who had something different on their CV – it makes you stand out, especially if you were given a scholarship to get there!”

Furthermore, gaining an International Scholarship will make your CV stand out in a crowded job market.

When the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) surveyed 230 major UK recruiters one in six employers specifically indicated completing a full degree overseas made the candidate more employable, whereas one in three employers valued any level of international study experience.

-Moreover, 65% of employers favoured applicants with overseas work experience.

-While studying abroad, students gain not only knowledge of another culture but also transferable skills and a broader worldview.

-Further, international students in the US have the opportunity to gain work experience or complete an internship, whilst or after studying.

-As an international student in the US, you can work 20 hours/week on campus during term time, 40 hours/week during holidays and for up to a year after graduation (on the Optional Practical Training scheme, similar to the UK International Graduates Scheme).

-As of this academic year, students in the sciences and engineering can work for up to two years. 
 
 

Academic Costume: Colors Associated With Fields