When trying to choose a distance learning program, it may be overwhelming to pick one school from the hundreds that are available. There are many degree types, as well as schools of different structures. It’s best to determine which school is right for you by looking at some basic information and comparing prospective schools.

Two and Four-Year Colleges

Two-year colleges offer certificates, technical programs, and associates degrees; they’re also known as community and junior colleges. Associates degrees are a great stepping stone towards a more advanced degree, as these programs are generally used to transfer into a bachelors degree program. Two-year colleges cost less than advanced degree programs, typically offer open enrollment, and are a good option for students who are trying to see where they want to head with their academic and professional careers.
Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelors, masters, doctorate, and professional (medical and law) degrees. They are regarded as being more prestigious than two-year colleges, and usually have more name recognition. These schools are best for those who are sure of the career field they want to enter, since they require investment of more money and time towards a degree than at a two-year college.

Private and Public Colleges

Public colleges are funded by the government, whereas private universities and colleges are funded by donations, endowments, and corporate contributions. The tuition at public colleges is typically lower than tuition at private schools. Neither school structure is superior to the other as far as name recognition goes, as there are hundreds of prestigious public universities; the same goes for private colleges.

For-Profit and Non-Profit Colleges

For-profit colleges have more career-focused degree programs, and are more likely to serve students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. This type of institution generally works well for adult learners with career and home responsibilities, as they place emphasis on work and professional experience.

Most of the schools in the United States are non-profit colleges. Both public and private universities can be non-profit institutions; private non-profit schools generally cost more money than other colleges and universities. In the opinion of some, non-profit schools are regarded as being more prestigious than for-profit colleges.