Types of colleges, and which fit
2 min readUpdated October 2026
The main types
Community college
Public university
Private college or university
Liberal arts college
Back home vs. here
In South Asia: Pick a stream at 16
In the US: Explore first; choose a major around the second year of college
In South Asia: Medicine right after 12th
In the US: Bachelor’s degree first, then medical school
In South Asia: Government colleges are the low-cost choice
In the US: Public universities are low-cost for residents of their own state
In South Asia: Changing colleges midway is rare
In the US: Transferring is common, especially from community college to a university
The community college path
Many families from South Asia overlook community college, but it can be a smart start:
- Your child takes general courses for about 2 years and earns an associate degree.
- They transfer to a 4-year university to finish a bachelor’s degree.
- The final degree comes from the university, the same one other students receive.
Many states have agreements that guarantee or ease transfer from their community colleges to their public universities. Ask the community college about “transfer agreements” for your state.
Check before you choose
Look up any college on the College Scorecard to see its average net price (what families actually pay), graduation rate, and typical earnings after graduation.
Which fits your child?
- Cost matters most: start with your state’s public universities and community colleges. Then check private colleges' net price calculators too, because some give large aid.
- Wants small classes and close teachers: look at liberal arts colleges.
- Not sure about a major yet: that’s normal in the US. Most colleges let students explore before choosing.
- A specific career: check that the college offers the right program, for example an accredited nursing or engineering program.
Terms on this page:
Community college
A public 2-year college that is open to almost everyone in the area and costs much less than a university. It offers associate degrees, job training, and an affordable path to transfer to a 4-year college.
See it in the glossary →Associate degree
A 2-year college degree, usually from a community college. Students can start working with it or transfer to a 4-year college to finish a bachelor’s degree.
See it in the glossary →Bachelor’s degree
The standard 4-year undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.). In the US, it is required before medical school or law school.
See it in the glossary →Public university
A college funded by a state government. It usually costs much less for students who live in that state.
See it in the glossary →Private college
A college run independently rather than by a state. The sticker price is often higher, but many give generous aid, so the net price can be lower than expected.
See it in the glossary →Liberal arts college
A usually small college focused on undergraduate teaching across many subjects, with small classes and close contact with professors.
See it in the glossary →In-state tuition
The lower price that public colleges charge students who are residents of that state, as the state defines residency. Rules on who qualifies — and how long you must have lived there — differ by state.
See it in the glossary →Transfer
Moving from one college to another, most often from a community college to a 4-year college after two years, to finish a bachelor’s degree for less money.
See it in the glossary →Net price
What a family actually pays for a year of college — the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. It is often far below the sticker price.
See it in the glossary →