About US Universities and Colleges

American universities and colleges come in a variety of types. In total, there are over 4,000 degree-granting universities and colleges across the United States. This number includes both public and private 4-year institutions and public and private 2-year institutions. There are also over 2,000 non-degree granting post-secondary schools, which include career colleges and language institutes, among others. American universities and colleges can be single-facility, multi-campus or online institutions, and credentials include 4-year bachelor's degrees, 2-year associate's degrees, plus 1- to 2-year diplomas and certificates. Gradaute certificates, diplomas and degrees (mater's and doctoral) are also available at Am,erican universities. There are also some specialty Christian, Catholic and Jewish colleges, as well as field-specific and culture-specific institutions (for example, liberal arts colleges, women's colleges, historically black collgees and universities, Tribal colleges). However, most universities and colleges in the US offer general education programs in a range of academic fields, such as applied technology, architecture, arts, business administration, computers, culinary/ hospitality, education, engineering, health, sciences, and much more. University and college programs can prepare international students for a specific job or career, provide a broad education applicable to many potential careers, or lead to graduate school. American universities and colleges have everything you need for life and work in a global culture, and will help you achieve your goals.

US University and College Enrollment

Total fall enrollment*: 17,487,000

Gender:
Males: 7,456,000
Females: 10,032,000

Attendance Status:
Full-time: 10,797,000
Part-time: 6,690,000

Degree Type:
Undergraduate: 14,964,000
Graduate: 2,186,000
First-Professional: 337,000

* for the year 2005 at degree-granting institutions only

Source: US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2008