Types of Colleges
Colleges come in many different sizes, formats, personalities and offerings. Whether you’re looking for something close to home or across the country, a small community or a large campus with lots of diversity, or maybe you’re focused on a school that really fits your budget – there is a school out there for you. Explore your options and see which type of school could be a great next step for your future.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs)
Public colleges that train in local, high-demand fields such as cosmetology, computer information technology and early childhood education.
TCAT examples
Degrees
Technical CertificateHousing
No on-campus housing offeredAffordability
Can be tuition-free if you are a Tennessee resident thanks to Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs.
Community College
Public colleges that offer training in high-demand fields or degrees in broad, general education topics.
Community College examples
Degrees
Technical Certificate or Associate DegreeHousing
No on-campus housing offeredAffordability
Can be tuition-free if you are a Tennessee resident thanks to Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs.
Community colleges outside of Tennessee may charge students a higher out-of-state tuition until they are considered residents of that state.
Four-Year Institutions
Public or private colleges with degrees based in general education, but also allow students to dig deeper into specific subjects and expertise, known as majors.
Four-Year College examples
Degrees
Bachelor's Degree or Associate DegreeHousing
Most schools offer on-campus housing and may even require students to live on campus for a period of time.Affordability
Costs can vary widely by college based on tuition rates and available financial aid options.
Public: Most public schools offer a reduced tuition rate for students who are residents of the state.
Private: Private colleges offer one standard tuition rate, regardless of whether the student is a resident of the state. Private schools may offer more financial aid options and scholarship opportunities.
No matter what type of college you decide to attend, you will want to research your financial aid options. Find out more about what's available to you.
how to pay for school
Tailor Your School
Every school has its own unique personality, community and strengths. But there are also specific types of colleges – both public and private options – that offer their own kinds of unique experiences for students:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Though students of any race can attend these schools, the student body is largely African-American because the schools were originally created when schools were still largely segregated. Today, students look to the nation's 101 HBCUs for many reasons, including the unique resources and diverse community they provide to students of color.
Schools include: Fisk University, Alabama A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University
Liberal Arts Colleges
These schools prioritize smaller class sizes, allowing students to get to know each other and their professors more, and offer a wider range of subjects and fields than other schools.
Schools include: Sewanee, Maryville College, Lipscomb University, Rhodes University
Religiously Affiliated Colleges
These schools are aligned with a specific religious denomination. They may require students to take a religion course or attend religious services.
Schools include: Union University, University of Notre Dame, Trevecca Nazarene University, Texas Christian University
For-Profit Colleges
These schools are run in order to create revenue for the owner of the institution. They typically offer more online classes than other schools, but have higher tuition costs and lower job placement rates.
Schools include: Lincoln Tech, University of Phoenix, Strayer University, DeVry University
Interested in finding a school that checks all your boxes? Check out this guide to navigate the process of narrowing down your choices and finding your perfect fit.
Learn More