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Specialized colleges focus on the needs and interests of a specific group of students. Specialized schools can be public or private, so their 
cost and the amount of financial aid they offer vary.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded to educate Black students. Today they  
are open to everyone, but have a student population that is majority Black. 
Options to Explore: Delaware State University • Howard University • Lincoln University • Morgan State University
Women’s Colleges enroll only students that identify as women. Most are small liberal arts colleges. 
Options to Explore: Bryn Mawr College • Mount Holyoke College • Smith College • Spelman College • Wellesley College
Arts Colleges and Universities prepare students for careers in the visual and performing arts. Courses of study include 
theater, art history, fashion design, film, music, and photography.
Options to Explore: Moore College of Art and Design • Savannah College of Art and Design • Tisch School of the Arts
Technical and Trade Colleges provide academic instruction and hands-on training for a wide range of technical-based majors 
that prepare students for skilled employment.
Options to Explore: Pennsylvania College of Technology • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology • Williamson College of the Trades
Religiously Affiliated Colleges and Universities were founded based on principles of a religious faith.  
The founders’ religious beliefs may be only historical or may be closely aligned with the school’s academic programs and campus life. 
Options to Explore: Holy Family University • La Salle University • Neumann University • Saint Joseph’s University • Villanova University
Specialized Colleges
 
For-Profit Institution Caution 
Most colleges are not-for-profit institutions, which means 
any extra money is reinvested into the school’s facilities 
and programs. For-profit institutions are run by private 
businesses, at least in part to earn money for the business  
owners. Look for a statement on the college’s website 
that indicates it is accredited by the Middle States 
Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) or another 
accreditor. If a college is not accredited, you may not 
be able to get financial aid or transfer credits to another 
college. Only attend an accredited college.
Pathways  
 to  Prosperity
University of Pittsburgh

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