What Is a 4-Year College or University?

Public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges and career colleges offering bachelors degrees all fall into the category of 4-year colleges and universities. These schools offer bachelors degrees, which are usually completed in four years of full-time study. Many online schools and universities also offer bachelors degrees and an online alternative to a campus school.

What are the benefits of attending a four-year college?

You’ll be educated in a wide variety of subjects through general education requirements. Shorter programs often don’t require as many (or any) general education requirements. At a four-year institution, you will get a well-rounded education outside of your major.

There are more majors for you to pick from. With the exception of art schools and conservatories, four-year colleges have a wide variety of majors. At a four-year institution you have the option to major in the liberal arts, performing arts, sciences, or something career-focused (like architecture, pre-med, or engineering). Not all majors are offered by all four-year colleges, but the number of options at a four-year institution is large.

There are loads of extracurricular options. Want to play a sport, join a theater troupe, volunteer, or DJ for the campus radio station? These, and more, are all options you’ll find at a four-year institution.

You’ll get the traditional college experience. From the dorm room to the dining hall, you’ll have the college experience as shown in the movies.

Find out more about 4 year colleges by watching the following videos.