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Looking for the perfect college in your state? Check out a list of your state’s public state colleges, universities, and community colleges:
Alaska | Arizona | California | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Idaho | Iowa | Maine | Massachusetts | Nevada | New Hampshire | North Dakota | Rhode Island | South Dakota | Texas | Vermont | Wyoming
Online Colleges
Online for-profit college programs can be expensive. Through attending one of these colleges is an option, public schools may also offer degree programs 100% online.
Two-Year Colleges
Two-year colleges are generally the most affordable and specialize in getting you the education you need in only two years. If you want to enter the workforce soon, check out two-year colleges.
Public verse Private
Public colleges offer in-state and out-of-state tuition. Private colleges charge students the same rate no matter their residency. Most private schools are more expensive but not all.
Paying and Applying for College:
Remember that state schools have in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition. The difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state student tuition can be double or triple the cost of in-state tuition. Though each state’s requirements may differ, most states require you live in the state for at least a year. You can continue your research by visiting our how to apply for college page. Additionally, you can review our article highlighting how to pay for college.
If you have yet to do so, be sure to also take our free career test.
Online Colleges
You may want to consider whether attending school online is a good fit for you. You will need to be self-disciplined; remember, you are not required now to sit in a class every Tuesday at 10am. The content is the same, there is still an instructor, but it will be up to you to watch any lectures or read the course material. It will be up to you to submit your assignments on time. Many online programs will also require you to collaborate with peers. You’ll be using email, chat, phone, virtual conference calls, and online virtual rooms to do this.
Community Colleges and Trade Schools
Two-year colleges likely have relationships with 4-year colleges or universities in the state that will help transition their 2-year degree graduates to Bachelors’s Degree seekers. If you are unsure of what degree you are interested in or unsure of a career path, starting at your local community college may be a smart move. These colleges have academic advisors and career services to help you explore your options and interests as well.
Remember, 2-year colleges specialize in graduating students with a degree or certification in 2 years, so you will not be able to attain a bachelor’s from them. As mentioned, these schools can be dramatically cheaper to attend and if you qualify for the Pell Grant, that could cover your entire full-time tuition plus books.
Four Year Colleges
Some two-year colleges have started to become small four-year state colleges. The words “community college” may not be in the title of these schools anymore, but they are still basically a community college that now offers four-year degrees. These smaller state schools can be just as affordable as a community college and specialize in offering certificate programs as well.