Whether you’ve been accepted to a wide range of colleges and universities or are just starting the application process, you may wonder: “What college should I go to?”
Well, that’s up to you and your personal preferences! But one thing we can do to help ease your decision is to explain the basics, like what’s the difference between a community college and a junior college? College and university? And what is a liberal arts college? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Community College?
When you’re trying to decide what college is the best fit for you, you may look into community college. Typically, community colleges offer two-year programs that lead to associate degrees or professional certificates. Community colleges are often focused on providing affordable education and job training and preparing students who may want to transfer to a four-year institution.
Community colleges can be a great starting point if you want to pursue a trade, save money on gen ed requirements before transferring, or stay closer to home while in school. Many community colleges offer more flexible schedules to accommodate students who work while taking classes. Additionally, most community colleges are commuter schools, meaning they do not provide on-campus housing such as dorms (though exceptions exist).
What are junior colleges?
“Junior college” and “community college” mean the same thing. Junior college is an outdated term that has been replaced by “community college” in most areas. In fact, many two-year schools that once had “junior college” in their name have been renamed, and even the American Association of Junior Colleges changed its name to the American Association of Community Colleges in 1992.
What Is the Difference Between College and University?
The primary differences between colleges and universities are size, degree offerings, and their research or teaching focus. Many people use the names interchangeably, but in the United States, they are distinct! Which one is right for you? It depends on what you’re interested in studying, the campus culture you’re looking for, and more.
No matter what kind of college or university you pick, CORT Student Furniture Packages will help you furnish your off-campus space. Personalized student packages mean you can pick your dream school and pick the furnishings that fit your personality and needs!
What is a college?
Colleges primarily offer undergraduate programs and are more teaching-focused. While some research is typically done at colleges, it’s not usually the focus. Colleges tend to be smaller and offer more focused degree programs. If they have sports teams, they’re often smaller programs in lower divisions. Unlike community colleges, most four-year colleges have student housing. An example of a college is Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, which focuses on communication and the arts.
What is a liberal arts college?
Liberal arts schools, like traditional colleges, tend to have smaller class sizes and tighter focuses. They specifically focus on education in topics such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. Liberal arts colleges tend to differ in mindset from traditional colleges and focus on critical thinking skills, communications, and cross-disciplinary learning. An example of a liberal arts college is Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, known for its political science and economics programs.
What is a university?
Universities are typically larger institutions with a heavy emphasis on research. They offer a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and multiple colleges within the university with more specific focuses. Most universities have larger overall student populations and house research facilities and laboratories.
Universities typically have student housing, and some have higher-budget sports programs like Division I football teams. An example is Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama, which offers degree programs ranging from a Bachelor of Arts in journalism to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
How Do You Choose Housing at College or University?
At most colleges and universities, you’ll have the option to either live on-campus in a dorm or off-campus. Some schools may require you to live on-campus your freshman year – the purpose of this is for you to bond with your fellow students while building relationships and community. Not all institutions have this rule, however; some smaller schools may not have sufficient housing for every student, so freshmen are not required to live on-campus.
If you have the option to live off-campus, that means that you’re opting out of student housing and choosing to live somewhere that you select. This may be in an apartment or house that you share with fellow students. Some colleges and universities may offer housing services to help you find other students who are also searching for housing. Other schools may have a relationship with certain apartment communities where you are matched with other students. You may also have the opportunity to find housing independently of your school, which you will likely need to furnish yourself.
College or University, CORT Has Your Off-Campus Furniture Covered
Comparing your college options can be a big undertaking. But once you pick your dream school, it’s time to think about logistics, like where you’ll be living and how you’ll furnish your space.
CORT Furniture Rental is a great way to keep your off-campus apartment furnished with stylish, functional pieces. Pick your student furniture package or build a custom package either online or at your local CORT showroom. Then pick your delivery date, and leave the logistics to us! Our team will deliver and set up your furniture so you can focus on the critical things, like finding a parking spot on campus and studying for that organic chemistry exam. Check out CORT student packages today!
