← College/Career Exam Export Options Alphabetize Word-Def Delimiter Tab Comma Custom Def-Word Delimiter New Line Semicolon Custom Data Copy and paste the text below. It is read-only. Select All Why attend college? A college degree can open doors and provide many opportunities in life. Greater Knowledge A college education will increase your ability to understand developments in science and in society, think abstractly and critically, express thoughts clearly in speech and in writing, and make wise decisions. These skills are useful both on and off the job. Increased Job Opportunities Many jobs rely on new technology and already require more brainpower than muscle-power. In a person's working life, more and more jobs will require education beyond high school. A college education will increase the number and variety of jobs from which you can choose. A college degree is synonymous with higher income, a better standard of living, and a more satisfying job. More Money A person who attends college will ultimately earn more than one who does not. Greater Potential College can increase your knowledge and expand your potential to get a job. It also provides a greater knowledge of and appreciation for different ideas, philosophies, cultures, and people. Career Advancement Many companies now require a college education for any promotion to management positions. Even a two-year degree can be all that stands between you and the desired career change. Vocational, Technical, Business, and Trade Schools This type of school is to put you straight to work. Here, you learn a specific skill for the job, and then you go to work. Two-Year Community/Junior Colleges These schools can either be a springboard to a University or another path to go right to work. Four-Year Colleges/Universities This type of school requires graduating with at least a Bachelor's Degree. Professional Schools The type of school is to receive a Graduate Degree. Certificates and Diplomas working degree Associate Degree a degree granted by a two-year college on successful completion of the undergraduates course of studies Bachelor Degree An undergraduate degree which usually takes four years to earn and is awarded by a college or university. First Professional Degree awarded upon completion of programs of study that prepare individuals to work in certain professions such as law, medicine, or architecture. This is a graduate degree. Master's Degree a degree granted by a college or university after successful completion of at least one bachelor' s degree and successful completion of an additional two years of study Doctorate Degree highest level earned for education, the degree takes at least four additional years of specialized education after a Bachelor and requires writing a doctorate thesis paper. College Characteristics Type of school (i.e. public or private) Graduation and Retention Rates School and Class Size Admission Requirements Location (i.e. Suburban, Urban, Rural) Distance from Home Religious Affiliation Ethnic Composition Single Gender or Coed (i.e. women's/men's/coed) Curriculum and Programs Certificates, licenses, and degrees offered Quality of education Facilities (i.e. computer labs, libraries, restaurants, shops, and health clubs, etc.) Campus environment and security Housing and Transportation Social activities and clubs (i.e. special interest groups, activities, fraternities/sororities) Faculty Athletics (i.e. intramural and varsity sports) Cost Financial Aid Job Placement (i.e. internships, co-operative education programs, etc.) Other College Costs and Financial Aid ... Public Institutions Open Enrollment Has to accept everyone if they meet the admission requirement Receive large portions of their budgets from State or local government through tax dollars Generally lower tuition More scholarships Private Institutions Closed Enrollment Can accept only who they want Receive less financial support from State and local government Higher tuition Offer enough financial aid to make their schools affordable Scholarships First choice Do not have to be repaid Grants Based on financial need Do not have to be repaid Educational Loans LOANS LAST Have to be repaid Borrowed money with high interest Work-study programs Self-help aid Part-time employment to students who need financial aid