Is there a difference? Yes! Colleges normally offer undergraduate courses and Universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, this is not a strict rule, as there are a number of exceptions. For example, Dartmouth College and Boston College are colleges that offer graduate level education.

According to an article published by mydegreeguide.com "A college is an institution of higher education that focuses on undergraduate degree programs. That is, they may offer 2-year associate degrees or 4-year bachelor’s degrees, but typically do not offer graduate-level programs such as a master’s degree or doctorate degree." When comparing colleges, there are several types, including Community Colleges, Liberal Arts Colleges, Career Colleges, Technical Schools, Trade Schools, and Vocational Schools.

Below are a couple of articles for you to read more about the differences.

Maybe the traditional college education isn't for you. If you are more of a practical person and want a fast education to start your career quickly, a technical education might be something you should look into.

Technical schools/Trade/Vocational schools offer an education that prepares students for a specific trade or career. 

The definition of Technical School from "BestAccreditedColleges.com" states, "Technical Schools provide specialized training in a specific career field, trade, or profession, including computer technology, business administration, culinary arts, electronics, medical assisting, legal assisting, automotive technology, and cosmetology. Programs at technical colleges can take anywhere from less than two years up to four years to complete and typically award a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree. Associate's degree options include an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science, and an Associate of Applied Science."

Tennessee has 27 colleges of applied technology (TCATs). Check the list of TCATs below.

According to the NCAA, a student-athlete is "a full-time or part-time student of a university or college who also participates in an organized and competitive athletic program offered by the school". Most of the student-athlete scholarships are regulated by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Full-ride scholarships are offered to student-athletes by the NCAA if the student attend a NCAA Division I (DI) school. Division II (DII) schools only offered partial Scholarships. NAIA commonly offers more partial scholarships than full-ride scholarships (regardless of DI or DII status) due to the organization’s smaller size. NCAA Division III (DIII) schools offer financial aid based on academic merit or financial need. 

To learn more about athletics as a college student, check the FCA Handbook, page 65, or click on the links below.

Finding your program

Attending college can be challenging. There are many decisions that need to be made before your journey as a college student begins. You will have to select a major, find the right school, and figure out how to pay for your education. The websites below will help you find the perfect program and school that matches your academic goals.

Check out this simple lifestyle calculator that can give you an idea of how much will you spend. This is a good exercise and can help you plan and get prepared.

According to the website studentaid.gov, "Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable. A variety of financial aid sources are available to help you pay for college or career school."

The two minute video below explains the different types of Federal financial aid that you can apply for. You can estimate your eligibility for federal student aid and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Federal Student Aid Estimator. Be sure to use the tool before you fill out the FAFSA form.

To learn more about other financial aid options check out this website.

Created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1974 as a non-profit corporation with the merging of the Tennessee Educational Loan Corporation and the Tennessee Tuition Grant Program, the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) administers over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment Grant. 

The Common Application is a single online college application form used by over 900 colleges and universities. Instead of filling out the same general information—like your address, GPA, and extracurriculars— a dozen times, you only have to do it once. Explore more than 900 colleges and navigate the entire college application journey with the Common App. Work on your application, stay on track and stay informed.

ATTENTION: When applying for colleges ALWAYS  add Tim Johnson as your College Counselor.