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Types of Colleges and Universities
There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States. More than 100 of them are in the  
Philadelphia region. Schools can be broken down into several categories, including public and private schools, 
four-year and two-year schools, and colleges and universities. Schools may fit into more than one category.
To determine your college fit, it is important to understand the differences between types of schools and the 
merits of each as they relate to your circumstances. 
Please note this is just a partial list. There are many other options to explore! 
Public Institutions
Public institutions are supported primarily by state and local funds 
and usually offer lower tuition rates than private universities,  
especially for in-state residents.
Options to Explore: Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology • 
Pennsylvania’s 14 state universities, including: Commonwealth  
University of Pennsylvania • West Chester University • and four 
state-related universities: Lincoln University • Penn State  
University • Temple University • University of Pittsburgh
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s state universities, visit  
www.passhe.edu. 
Private Institutions
Private institutions are supported primarily by tuition and private 
contributions. Private colleges and universities cost more than  
public institutions, but may offer more scholarships or grant aid.
Options to Explore: Arcadia University • Bentley University • 
Gettysburg College • Gwynedd Mercy University • 
Holy Family University • Lafayette College • Lehigh University •  
Saint Joseph’s University • University of Pennsylvania •  
Villanova University • Washington and Lee University
Public vs. Private
Four-Year vs. Two-Year
Four-Year Colleges or Universities
•Students earn a bachelor’s degree in a wide range of  
academic areas.
•Graduates enter the job market or pursue an advanced degree.
•Students choose from a wide variety of activities, clubs,  
and athletic events. 
•Most offer on-campus housing.
•The cost of a four-year school can be substantial, but financial  
aid can make it affordable.
Options to Explore: Gwynedd Mercy University •  
Holy Family University • Lafayette College • Muhlenberg College •  
Penn State University • Saint Joseph’s University •   
Swarthmore College • Temple University •  University of  
Pennsylvania • University of Pittsburgh • Villanova University 
Two-Year Colleges
•Students receive an associate’s degree or a certificate  
focusing on a specific career.
•Graduates enter the job market or transfer to a four-year college. 
•Students’ choices of clubs and athletic events may be limited. 
•Most do not offer on-campus housing; however, some private  
colleges have housing available. 
•Tuition at a two-year school is often less than the first two  
years of tuition at a four-year institution.
•Many students graduating with a four-year degree have  
studied at a two-year college.
Options to Explore: Community College of Philadelphia •   
Esperanza College • Harcum College • Manor College •  
Pennsylvania College of Technology • Thaddeus Stevens  
College of Technology • Valley Forge Military College

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