The educational system in the United States has more than 4,000 institutions of higher education in a variety of fields. You can get a college degree at all of them.
The only difference between them is the size and number of students. Essentially, a university is made up of several colleges. Such a single college may include several majors in that field of study. In America it is common to refer to any university as a college, even if it is not considered one.
Types of Colleges in the United States
To understand what type of institution you are talking about in any particular situation, you need to know what credentials you will receive from a graduate. The programs taught by U.S. high schools and colleges are divided into:
- High school programs similar to the British Six-form Colleges and Tutorial Colleges. They are required for teenagers who plan to attend college. Graduates receive a document of complete secondary education and the right to enter baccalaureate programs.
- Two-year professional programs at community colleges, which may also be called junior college or city college. Graduates receive an Associate Degree and the right to work in a junior occupation.
- Four-year programs in colleges of higher education, which are independent educational institutions and are not part of any larger U.S. universities. Upon graduation, a graduate receives a bachelor’s degree.
The main advantages of applying to universities in the States:
- Prestige;
- A college degree is nationally recognized in all countries;
- There is a special course and professional direction in college for every occupation;
- Employers around the world give preference to workers who graduate from U.S. universities;
- It will not be difficult to find a job in your profession;
- chances to stay in the United States or move to Europe and find work there;
Costs of Education in U.S. Colleges
Community colleges in the USA provide basic part-time higher education. After 2 years of study at a community college students are awarded an Associate Degree. This degree can be conventionally called “Associate’s Diploma”, and this education itself can be equated to studying in “our” technical colleges. After such a 2-year education students can transfer to the third year of the university for Bachelor’s degree programs.
If you go to university immediately, then the period of study is 4 years. If you go to a community college first, the period of study does not change, but your tuition costs change
Your ability to transfer to a U.S. university is guaranteed by contracts between universities and U.S. community colleges. This transfer system is called the “transfer system,” and the transfer itself is backed by a “transfer guarantee.
U.S. College Costs: from $6,700
Admission to U.S. Colleges
U.S. colleges and universities set the dates when they begin and end their academic year, and this determines when applications to graduate schools end. Each academic year is usually divided into terms and trimesters. In most cases, you can begin your studies in August or January-February.
Respectively, colleges finish accepting applications from prospective students in January, February, or May.
Admission Requirements
To apply to U.S. colleges, applicants must provide a minimum package of documents, namely:
1. High School Diploma.
2. bank statement with a sum sufficient to cover all expenses for 1 year
3. English certificate at least at IELTS 5.5 / 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL level.
4. A copy of the first page of your passport.
Some colleges also request the following upon admission: a photograph, an essay of academic interests, and 1-2 recommendations from professors.
