Types of Higher Education?

Types of Higher Education?

6th Grade Postsecondary Investigation #2

(Microsoft 2011a)

Pre-Test

1. What is the approximate number of U.S. colleges and universities?

2. What are common types of 2-year postsecondary institutions?

3. Name two websites that provide valuable postsecondary institution information.

Objectives

• Review the types of higher education– Vocational – Online– 2-Year Community College and Technical College– 4-Year College and Universities

• Types of higher education differences– Degrees Offered – Advantages – Costs

Review Last Lesson

1. The divorce rate for a college graduate is what percentage lower– 20%

2. Students report that going to college ________ their horizons– Broadens

3. Students report that going to college helps them ___________ their values and beliefs– Clarify

Higher Education

• Over 4,000: Two & Four-Year Colleges & Universities– Around 2,500 Four-Year Schools– Around 1,500 Two-Year Schools

• Should be a postsecondary institution fitting your – Career goals– Interests– Skills – Desired college experience

Type of Postsecondary Schools

• Vocational Schools– Usually between one to two years

• Online Colleges– Can be one year all the way to doctorate (up to 12 years)• Community and Technical Colleges• 2-year schools

• Universities and Private Colleges– 4-Year schools

Community Colleges: 2-Year School

• Associate Degree: leads straight high skill careers– Ex: Art, Physician Assistant, Psychology, Web Design

• Smaller classes: More professor contact• Cost: Significantly less than four-year schools– Commuter: Can live at home, may be easier transition

• Admitted: Most high school grads get admitted– Transfer Credits: Many classes are accepted at your 4-year

colleges of interest

Public 4-Year University

• Degrees: Business, Engineering, Design, Theater – Admitted: more difficult than 2-year school, varies

• Larger Classes: less access to faculty– More graduate assistant instructors than at other schools– Tends to have less discussion in classes

• Cost: Not as expensive as a private college • More activities: athletics, clubs, concerts, political

Community College vs. University

• Watch the Community College vs. University video• Write down the biggest benefits of a – Community College (Note: Technical colleges have some

of the same benefits)– University

Community College Benefits

1. Fewer students per class– Get more personalized instruction

2. Less expensive3. Transition is easier at a community college – Because you can live at home

4. Many credits can transfer to 4-year colleges5. Many 2-year degrees lead directly to good high skills careers

University Benefits

• Have university housing– More of a complete colleges experience

• A lot to do– Sports, clubs, many school events, concerts

• You can earn different types of degrees– Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PHD

• Learn to live on your – Get many life lessons

Group Discussion

• Identify two of the biggest benefits of a – Community College – University

Vocational Postsecondary Schools

• Private school: Focus on training for a specific career– Often connects students to employers after completion

• Examples of vocational schools– Aveda Institute: 1-year, Cosmetology, Massage, etc.– Dunwoody Technology: 2-year, Automotive, Computer– Minnesota School of Horseshoeing: 3 to 6 months

• Often does not require any or as many core classes– Ex: English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language

Technical College: 2-Year School

• Increasingly more overlap with community college– Smaller classes: More professor contact– Cost: Significantly less than four-year schools– Admitted: Most high school grads get admitted– Commuter: Can live at home, may be easier transition

• Associate Degree: leads straight high skill careers– Ex: Carpenter, Dental Hygienist, Web Designer, Chef

• Apprentice Program: offered for some degrees

Private 4-Year College

• Degrees: Biology, Dance, Philosophy, Spanish – Admitted: more difficult than 2-year school, varies

• Smaller Classes: more access to faculty– Few graduate assistant instructors than large university– Tends to have more discussion in classes

• Cost: Tends to be the most expensive type of college– Often provides some of the best financial aid programs

• Campus Life: highest % of students living on campus

Online College

• Degrees: Advertising, Nursing, Computer Programming – Admitted: more difficult than 2-year school, varies

• Convenience of learning at home– Can major in subject not offered at local colleges

• Quality of education continues to improve• Often costs less money

Explore Postsecondary Institutions

• Get info for colleges of interest • Refer to Minnesota College University document– Look up college websites

• Other websites to explore– univsource.com – www.a2zcolleges.com– Naviance – Iseek– College Board

(Microsoft 2011c)

Post-Test

1. What is the approximate number of U.S. colleges and universities?

2. What are common types of 2-year postsecondary institutions?

3. Name two websites that provide valuable postsecondary institution information.

Review

1. Approximate number of U.S. colleges and universities– 4,000

2. Common types of 2-year postsecondary institutions– Community and Technical Colleges

3. Two websites that provide valuable postsecondary institution information– univsource.com, www.a2zcolleges.com– Naviance , Iseek, College Board

References• Microsoft Office Images. (2011a). Snapshots of careers. Retrieved from

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/people-CM079001925.aspx#mt:0|• Microsoft Office Images. (2011b). Snapshots of college life. Retrieved from

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/people-CM079001925.aspx#mt:0|