Many people get confused by the different terminology but basically the terms Colleges, Universities, Institutes or even School are inter changeable for a degree-granting institution in the United States and colleges and institutes are in no way inferior to universities. Colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a university also offers graduate degrees. 
 

Within each college or university you will find schools, such as the school of arts and sciences or the school of business. Each school is responsible for the degree programs offered by the college or university in that area of study.
 

Below is a summary of the major post-high school institutions that offer further education in the US. 
 

Public universities 

In the USA, these are State universities operated by the state government and predominantly publicly funded. State universities charge lower fees, but tend to have larger class sizes, and a higher total student population than in the private sector, with enrolments of 20,000 or more students. They generally admit a wider range of students than private universities. State university tuition costs are generally lower than those of private universities. International students are considered out-of-state residents and therefore do not benefit from reduced tuition at state institutions. International students may also have to fulfil higher admission requirements than in-state residents. Some public universities are also highly prestigious. 
 

Amongst this group there are 283 National research universities in the USA delivering nationally important research. They offer a full range of undergraduate majors, as well as master's and doctoral degrees. 
 

There are 663 Master's-level universities which offer a full range of undergraduate majors and some master's degrees but few or no doctorates.
 

Regional Universities

Like national universities, these universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and provide graduate courses at master's level. However, they differ by offering few, if any, doctoral programs. Of the 572 regional universities, 254 are public. The 319 regional colleges, including 76 public institutions, focus on undergraduate education. The regional universities are placed into one of four geographic categories (North, South, Midwest, and West).
 

Private Universities 

Private institutions in the USA are funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees, research grants, and gifts from their alumni. Tuition fees tend to be higher at private universities than at state universities, but there is no distinction made between state and non-state residents. Colleges with a religious affiliation and single-sex colleges are private. In general, private universities have enrolments of fewer than 20,000 students, and private colleges may have 2,000 or fewer students on their campuses. There are private institutions run for profit which are known as Proprietary colleges.
 

National Liberal Arts Colleges 

These are predominantly private undergraduate colleges. Most of the prestigious universities in the United States are privately operated as a non-profit organization. Universities usually high quality, private institutions unique to the American education system. Typically fewer than 3,000 students and high levels of teacher-student interaction. Emphasize a broad-based undergraduate education (in science, literature, arts, mathematics etc) to develop general knowledge and intellect. There are 287 National Liberal Arts Colleges in the US.
 

Campus Universities

Most US institutions have centralised campuses that is the hub of student life, where students study, live, work and socialise with one another. Large institutions sometimes have a decentralised or multi-campus system with numerous satellite campuses. In some cases, these satellites will focus on one aspect of study, for example having medical facilities at one location and undergraduate facilities at another. Campuses are made up of administrative offices, residence and dining halls, recreation space, classroom buildings and arts space clustered together. Institutions in rural environments and small towns are frequently very centralised, and in many cases the institution provides the focal point of local life. When discussing possibilities of different institutions it is necessary to consider the type of campus that your child would benefit from and the environment they prefer to live in. Don’t get fixated with the big locations like New York or California. The best offers are with lesser known locations which can provide excellent facilities and quality of education. They are often the most ambitious Colleges too.
 

A COLLEGE is again synonymous to "university", an institution of higher learning that offers undergraduate programmes, usually four years in duration, which lead to a BA or BSc.
 

Associate Colleges. These 2-year colleges can be a stepping-stone to a 4-year institution (by transfer of credits to a bachelor's degree) or a great option if you don't want to commit to 4 years studying abroad. There are over 1800 Associate Colleges in the US.
 

Business Colleges. A special focus on preparing students for careers in the worldwide business environment, at both undergraduate and graduate level. There are about 64 Business Colleges in the US.
 

Faith based institutions 

Some of the best universities in America are faith based institutions, most with an affiliation to a particular Christian philosophy. It is never a requirement that students belong to that faith, or that they major in religion. These institutions are very open and accepting to all faiths and often have a strong sense of community and focus on individual development.
 

A COMMUNITY, TECHNICAL OR TWO-YEAR COLLEGE is an institution of higher learning that offers programmes of up to two years duration leading to an Associate's degree in the arts or sciences (AA or AS) or to a technical degree. Credits earned at a community or junior college are usually transferable to a four-year institution. Students on a two-year programme prepare for semi-professional or technical employment. Community and junior colleges usually require a secondary school diploma or its equivalent.
 

International students often overlook the two-year or community colleges in the US. Community colleges are a great way to study in the US and should be taken into consideration as an option by your child. Entrance requirements are less competitive and admission is available up until the semester begins. Costs are more affordable and the size of classes smaller.

Depending on the state, the reputation of some two-year colleges surpasses those of the four-year institutions. The two-year colleges in the US only offer an "Associate's Degree", usually considered to be the first half of a BA or BSc which is what students will get from a four-year institution. Since studying in the US at university level can be very expensive, many students choose to do their first two years of study at a two-year college, and then transfer their credits to a four-year institution for their last two years.
 

Baccalaureate Colleges focus on undergraduate education within a mainly professional, vocational, or technical curriculum rather than liberal arts disciplines. Offer majors designed to train you for a specific job.