Four-year colleges allow students to further their education after high school. Some careers require at minimum a four-year degree.
There are two different types of four-year colleges, private and public. Public colleges are funded primarily by taxes, meaning they are government entities. Private colleges are not government entities. Public colleges tend to be more affordable than private colleges.
Do you want to learn more about the differences between private and public colleges? Please review this resource to discover the biggest difference between private and public colleges.
Four-Year colleges are more expensive and have a longer time commitment, but the degree may be necessary and worthwhile for your future career.
Every four-year college is different! Four-year colleges offer a variety of programs to choose from! It is important to explore the programs offered by each college! That way, you know whether or not your area of interest is available for you to study! Please review the tips and tricks on how to decide what four-year college is best for you!
It is easy to get overwhelmed in your college search! Take it step by step!
Pro Tip: each college has a website that provides you with more information about the college and its offerings. Sears in Google your college of interest + admissions, to find the college admissions webpage.
Before we proceed, let's learn about college lingo. Colleges often throw around terms that may be unfamiliar to you, it is important you recognize the basics. Please use the College Lingo 101 page as a resource.
Students often want to find the perfect four-year college, truthfully there is not a "perfect" college. Although the perfect college does not exist, students can find a college that meets their needs and provides them with an excellent education. The college search is about discovering what goals you have, and then exploring colleges that will help you meet those goals.
It is important students who are interested in attending a 4-year college maintain a manageable list.
Simplifying the College Preparation Process Video
Take a moment to reflect on who you want to become and where you want to be. Answering those reflection questions allow you to figure out what 4-year college will help you reach your goal.
Things to Consider:
Size
Location
Distance from home
Available majors and classes
Housing options
Makeup of the student body
Available extracurricular activities
Campus Atmosphere
Which of these things are a "must" have to be comfortable at a college?
Which can you live without?
Do you want to train for a specific job or are you trying to have a variety of options when you complete your degree?
If you have a specific job in mind, ask yourself does the college I am considering offers a major that will provide me with the knowledge I need to get the specific job.
If you have a specific major in mind, ask yourself are the colleges you are considering strong in that area?
Xello allows students to explore four-year universities! You are able to create your manageable list using Xello. You can also use Xello to learn more about what education you need to achieve your dream career.
You can always schedule an official college visit to learn more about a college and it's campus! To learn more official college visits, please visit this webpage.
Public Four-Year Colleges:
University of Minnesota -Twin Cities
University of Minnesota-Crookston
University of Minnesota- Duluth
University of Minnesota-Morris
University of Minnesota- Rochester
Minnesota State University- Mankato
Private Four-Year Colleges: