Sorting Out Colleges by Their Types

Is a college the same thing as a university? What does "liberal arts" mean? Why are some colleges called public and others private? Knowing the basics in regard to different types of colleges is imperative to making the right decision.

Public and Private Colleges

Public colleges are funded by local and state governments and usually offer lower tuition rates than private colleges, especially for students who are residents of the state where a college is located.

Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, and non-government funding sources. Generous financial aid packages for students are often available thanks to private donations.

For-Profit Colleges

For-profit institutions are businesses that typically offer career training. Although these colleges offer a variety of degree programs, it's wise to exercise caution when applying to a for-profit school. The degree programs often come at a higher cost, meaning students graduate with more debt. Credits earned may not transfer to other colleges so be sure to check with the admissions office at each institution.

Four-year and two-year colleges

Four-year institutions are referred to as undergraduate colleges. Four-year colleges specifically offer bachelor's degree programs. These include universities and liberal arts colleges.

Two-year colleges offer certificate programs that can be completed in under two years. They also offer two-year associate degrees. These include community colleges, vocational-technical colleges, and career colleges.

Liberal Arts Colleges

These institutions offer numerous courses in liberal arts in areas such as literature, history, languages, mathematics, and life sciences. Most of these institutions are private and offer four-year bachelor's degree programs. These colleges prepare students for a multiplicity of careers as well as graduate studies.

Universities

Universities are larger institutions that offer a wider variety of academic majors and degree options. These schools provide bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most universities contain several smaller colleges, such as colleges of education, engineering, or health sciences. These colleges can prepare you for a wide range of careers or for graduate study.

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees that prepare undergraduates for four-year institutions offering bachelor programs. They also provide career-specific associate degrees and certificates. Community colleges are an affordable option because of their low tuition costs. 

Just about everyone has said or done something that hurts another person’s feelings. Sometimes you might hurt someone without meaning to. Or you say or do something unkind and regret it later.

When you realize you’ve broken someone’s trust in you or hurt them with your words or actions, it’s a good idea to apologize.

When to Apologize

Here are examples of when to apologize:

• If you hurt, tease, insult, yell at, or disrespect someone.

• If you lose or break something of theirs, even if you didn't mean to.

• If you were unfair or harsh.

• If you did something you knew was wrong, like telling a lie, posting hurtful comments, spreading a rumor, or breaking a rule on purpose.

• If you didn't do something you were supposed to do, like keeping a promise or a curfew.

Do I Have to Apologize?

It can be hard to admit when you’ve done something you’re not proud of — even if you didn’t mean to do it. It can seem easier to act like it didn’t happen, say it wasn’t your fault, or hope the other person didn't notice or forgot about it. But it’s better to offer an apology. 

How Apologizing Can Help

Apologies can help you build and keep good friendships. When you say, "I'm sorry" (and really mean it), you can repair trust. Saying you're sorry is more than just words. You're showing that you respect the other person’s feelings. You value their friendship.

Apologizing is a chance for you to be honest, humble, and act with integrity. It lets you find out that your words and actions can also have a positive effect on others — and on you.

How to Apologize

A good apology focuses on what you did, not on the other person’s reaction. When you apologize, it’s not a rehash of what happened. You can keep it simple. For example, you can:

• Tell the person you're sorry for what you did, even if it wasn’t on purpose.

• Own what you did without trying to explain it away. It takes away from an apology if you follow up with an excuse or explanation for why you did what you did.

• Let them know you regret it. Say you know it affected them and you'll try to do better in future.

Does Apologizing Fix Everything?

It depends on what happened and on your relationship with the person. Sometimes saying "I'm sorry" fixes things right away. Other times, it might take a while for someone to get past feeling upset. You may need to give them some time. But when you apologize in a heartfelt way, you can feel good about trying to make things right again.

When Someone Apologizes to You

When someone apologizes to you, you may be ready to forgive what happened and move on. Or you might not feel like being friendly again right away. If someone keeps hurting you and apologizing without trying to change, you might not want to spend time with them anymore. That’s OK.

When you forgive someone or accept their apology, it doesn’t mean you’re OK with what they did. And just because someone apologizes doesn't mean you have to be friends. You can still accept their apology. But anything more is up to you.

Don't file taxes?

It is important to also obtain a letter of non-filing if you have students who will be in college soon if you do not file taxes. This is especially helpful during FAFSA completion for Financial Aid because often times this holds up the verification process and can delay the processing of Financial Aid. Check out the link under "Links and Resources for more information on how to obtain this and other tax related transcripts.