Types of Colleges & Degrees

T​ypes of Colleges

Public Universities
  • Iowa has three: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa
  • Also called Regent Universities
  • Bachelor’s and advanced degrees
  • Funded by the state
  • Lower tuition and fees than private institutions
Private, Not-for-Profit Institutions
  • Often smaller, with lower student-to-faculty ratios
  • Bachelor’s and sometimes advanced degrees
  • Higher cost offset by grants and scholarships from endowments, in addition to federal and state aid
  • No direct state support
Private, For-Profit Institutions
  • Also called proprietary
  • Privately owned and operated to generate profit
  • Often offer technical and pre-professional programs
  • Might also offer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Community Colleges
  • Iowa has 15 community college districts
  • Lower tuition and fees than four-year institutions
  • Associate degrees, diplomas, vocational certificates, transfers to four-year institutions
  • Open admission—only requirement is high school or equivalency diploma
  • Funded by the state
Vocational & Technical Schools
  • Public or private
  • Many are for-profit
  • Prepare for a specific occupation or trade
  • Examples: IT, cosmetology, auto repair, paralegal

Types of Degrees

Registered Apprenticeships
  • Provide 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and at least 144 hours of related instruction
  • Most employers cover the cost of classroom education, and you earn a paycheck while you learn
  • Examples: Construction, plumbing, electrical, financial services, health care, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage prep
  • More information at earnandlearniowa.gov
Certificates and Diplomas
  • Particular skills for specific careers
  • Certificates generally take a year or less 
  • Diplomas generally take two years or less 
  • Examples: Paralegal, cosmetologist, welder, chef, certified nursing assistant
Associate Degrees
  • Usually earned in two years (sometimes less) at a community college or some career/technical/business colleges and four-year colleges
  • Some can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university
  • Examples: Dental hygienist, registered nurse, veterinary tech, auto mechanic
Bachelor’s Degrees
  • Typically take at least four years at any four-year college or university
  • Examples: Teacher, engineer, accountant, dietitian, social worker
Advanced Degrees
  • Follow bachelor’s degree
  • Can take several years, depending on the type
  • Examples: Dentist, lawyer, veterinarian, college professor, medical doctor

VIDEO: What Is College?