The Five Types of American Colleges and Why to Pick Them

By Julie Blair Riekse

Most of my students simply want a "good" education at a "good" school so they can get a "good" job and live a "good" life.

That becomes a daunting task, however, when families realize there are more than 5,000 American colleges and universities to choose from.

So, let's start with the basics: To my way of thinking, there are five tiers of colleges that serve five different populations.

(Disclosure: Many of you are going to fuss at my list/discernment of definitions but let's remember, I'm trying to cut through the grease here and keep things simple. Do your own research, of course, and come to your own conclusions.)

IVY LEAGUE: These eight famous institutions were linked together by our American forefathers for the purpose of playing sports.

What’s required: perfect test scores, perfect grades in the toughest classes, the creation and sale of an app to a pharmaceutical company (or completion of a similar project), and/or donation of an on-campus physics lab/media space/rec hall. (Kidding...not kidding.)

These schools include Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Yale. (MIT and Stanford might as well be included in this grouping but are not actually in the Ivy League.)

Who attends: legacies, the politically connected, honest-to-goodness ahead-of-their-time innovators.

NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: These high-profile public or private schools recruit students from all 50 states and overseas.

What’s required: perfect grades in the toughest classes, near-perfect test scores, student explanation of innovative deployment of new ideas within local communities.

Examples: Amherst College, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Northwestern University, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Rice, Vanderbilt.

Who attends: Top five percent of your high school class, founders of social justice movements, the student who hacked the school district’s computer system.

STATE FLAGSHIPS: These institutions were founded by states with the purpose of educating each state’s big thinkers (poets, musicians, policymakers, lawyers, journalists) and technicians (medical personnel, engineers, business leaders). Your parents’ tax dollars fund these schools, so you’ve already invested in them which makes them more affordable to in-state residents.

Examples: University of Arkansas, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, University of Washington, University of Vermont.

What’s required and who goes: Students in the top 10-20 percent of their high school classes who want a competitive, brand-name education at a manageable price point.

REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS: These public and private institutions were founded by states, religious groups or philanthropic idealists with the purpose of educating citizens who value cultural literacy and useful skill sets. These schools don’t necessarily carry reputations with all Americans but that doesn’t mean you can’t get an amazing education there. Some specialize in areas like teaching, musical theater, dental hygiene or the liberal arts.

What’s required: good grades, well-rounded resumes

Examples: Austin College, Baylor University, University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Woman’s University, Oklahoma City University.

Who attends: Students in the top 50 percent of their high school classes, those who aim to specialize in a very specific field or want an education framed within a specific world view.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES: These state-funded institutions are planted in towns large and small to further the skill sets of citizens of all ages at a minimal cost.

What’s required: High school diplomas or GEDs (standardized testing is also required). Those who finish the programs earn associates’ degrees versus bachelor’s degrees.

Example: Brookhaven College, Collin County Community College, North Central Texas College.

As I've said before, you can get a tremendous education wherever you go to college. You can live a happy and prosperous life no matter what's printed on your sweatshirt. It's up to you to take advantage of every opportunity--and to make your own.

Who attends: one-third of all college students. They want degrees but don’t have the time/bandwidth to attend a romantic, old-fashioned four-year degree program. They’re practical students who often have loads of responsibilities such as fulltime jobs and/or families to support. Alternatively, they’re cash-strapped or want a band for their buck. Many students transfer from CCs into four-year institutions like those mentioned above.