Two-year colleges and community colleges both offer students associate degrees and certifications.
While two-year colleges and community colleges offer similar educational programs, there are some differences between the two classifications. Decide on your specific career goals and research the many different kinds of programs offered by private two-year schools, community colleges and vocational schools. There may be significant price differences among the types, as well as among individual institutions, for achieving the same educational outcome.
Public Two-Year Schools
Public two-year colleges are also known as community colleges. These schools are part of the state's higher education school system and tend to be very affordable. Community colleges are an inexpensive way to complete many of the prerequisite classes required before taking more advanced classes at the third- and fourth-year levels. Community colleges offer associate degrees. In addition, public two-year schools often offer a range of vocational and licensing classes.
Private Two-Year Schools
Private two-year schools also offer classes and programs for getting an associate degree. These programs are designed to prepare students for a transfer to a four-year college after completing the associate degree. Although students can receive an associate degree at a community college, private two-year colleges tend to cater to students who are not ready for the demands of starting their higher education at a four-year school. Some private two-year schools offer student housing.
Vocational Schools
Typically, vocational schools classify themselves as two-year schools. While community colleges may offer vocational programs, community colleges are not considered vocational schools. Vocational schools offer a range of programs like cosmetology, auto mechanics and real estate. Some vocational schools offer programs within only one field of study, such as medical billing or dental assistance.
Degrees, Certifications and Licenses
Both two-year colleges and community colleges can help you earn a degree, certification or license you want for your career goals. An associate degrees is not required in order to get a bachelor's degree but may help some students transfer to a four-year college. Certification programs will often provide potential employers the knowledge that you have reached a certain level of understanding in fields such as dental assisting or video production. States may require classes at community colleges or two-year schools in order to receive a license to practice in professional fields such as real estate or cosmetology.
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