Read pages 18-20 of the Guide.
There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States. The Philadelphia region alone has over 
100 of them! The summer is a great time to learn about the different types of colleges and universities and 
the degree programs they offer.
Two-year colleges   
Two-year colleges offer certificate programs, associate
degrees, and the opportunity to transfer to a four-year
institution. Examples include:
•Community colleges, such as Community College 
of Philadelphia, Montgomery County Community 
College, Bucks County Community College, and 
Delaware County Community College.
•Two-year colleges, such as Harcum College,  
Pennsylvania College of Technology, and  
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Four-year universities
Four-year universities offer undergraduate bachelor’s,
graduate, and professional degrees. Examples include:
•Public universities, including Pennsylvania’s state 
universities (www.passhe.edu) and state-related 
universities, such as Penn State University,  
Temple University, The University of Pittsburgh, 
and West Chester University.
•Private universities, such as Arcadia University, 
Bentley University, Gwynedd Mercy University, 
University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, 
and Washington and Lee University.
Private liberal arts colleges
Liberal arts colleges offer four-year bachelor’s degrees.  
A liberal arts college offers a broader approach to  
education that allows students to study in various 
fields such as the arts, sciences, humanities, and 
social sciences. Examples include: Albright College, 
Dickinson College, Franklin & Marshall College, 
Gettysburg College, Juniata College, Lafayette  
College, Lycoming College, Muhlenberg College, 
and Swarthmore College.
Specialized colleges
Specialized colleges offer programs tailored to  
specific groups or fields of study. Examples include:
•Arts colleges, such as Moore College of Art & Design.
•Minority-serving institutions, which include Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such as 
Lincoln University. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI): 
Esperanza College of Eastern University.
•Women’s colleges, such as Bryn Mawr College.
•Religiously affiliated colleges and universities, 
such as Holy Family University, LaSalle University, 
and Saint Joseph’s University. 
•Technical and Trade Colleges, such as Williamson 
College of the Trades.
Note: Always make sure to research a school’s accreditation, which gives information about whether 
the school hits quality standards. Find this information by searching a school’s name and “accreditation.” 
Step 2: Understanding Your Options for College

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