Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/traditional-and-new-forms-of-higher-education/5017030/
There is considerable diversity in the types of institutions that provide relatively easy access to higher education in the United States, with over 3,660 (1,580 public and 2,080 private) institutions. These enroll approximately 14.5 million students at all degree levels. The U.S. college-age population declined by more than 21 percent between 1980 and 2000, but should increase to 19.3 million by 20101. Traditional higher education includes:Public Universities: Public universities are founded and subsidized by state or local governments, and designed to provide education at a reasonable cost to state residents, and charge more to out-of-state students. These typically have large enrollments, admit a wide range of students, and offer graduate and undergraduate programs. Examples might include the University of Michigan, University of Texas, and San Francisco State University.
Private Universities or Colleges: Private institutions are funded by a combination of tuition and fees, endowments, research grants, overhead costs, and gifts. Some focus on undergraduate education. Generally the same tuition is charged to both in and out-of-state students. Examples include Wheelock College (MA), Pacific Oaks (CA), and Erikson Institute (IL).
Community Colleges: Community-based institutions offer two-year associate degrees, have close links to secondary schools, community groups, and employers, and may enable students to live ...