Technical colleges teach skills for professions such as plumbing, electrical etc. to name a few. They however, do not offer advanced educational degree but have the provision for transfer of credit to four­ year colleges and universities offering regular baccalaureate degree programs.

Community colleges (these are also known as two-year colleges or junior colleges) They constitute the largest segment of Higher education in America. Most of these are suitable for students whose qualification is not high enough to apply directly to the Universities. They offer first two years of a four-year degree programme i.e. one can study at a community college for a period of two years and then later transfer to a college or university, as one wishes, and complete bachelor's degree program. The Community colleges offer a two-year associate's degree and certificate programmes only. These colleges are comparatively cheaper in cost of education and have convenient study hours as many of these are open from early morning to late night. These colleges do not have boarding arrangements for students. The average class size at most of these colleges is much smaller than at four year colleges or Universities. These help International students to adjust better to American lifestyle before entering U. S. universities. Most of the community colleges offer ELS (English as second language program) to help students who are less proficient in English language.

Community colleges offer a variety of programmes in different disciplines. They offer Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. As an international student you may take up University transfer program as it will save your money and after two years you can transfer to a four year program in a college or a university. For more information you may log on to www.aace.nche.edu

Colleges (Four-year colleges) offer a four year program of study leading to a bachelor's degree. Admission standards vary from college to college and areas of specialisation. Getting admission here can be very competitive. High tuition costs is one of the main characteristics of these colleges. Accommodation is generally guaranteed at least for the first year.

Colleges which are 'Private' however, provide more funding options for international students. There art  around 600 private or independent colleges in the USA distributed throughout the country, in all the major cities, small towns, and rural areas. These colleges offer more undergraduate programs and less graduate programs. All the characteristics described above apply to Undergraduate Universities as well.

Universities or Graduate schools offer master's degree or Ph.D. programs in the US. In some universities master's degree may take just one year to complete. Master's thesis on the other hand takes a minimum of at least one and a half year to complete. Similarly, due to prescribed coursework in some professional degrees they cannot be completed in a year's time. MBA degrees can be attained in one year if you have requisite work experience. Ph.D. degree requires an additional three years or more to complete.