Last updated November 3, 2025

In this article

• What’s the difference between a college & university?
• Similarities between colleges & universities
• Colleges within universities

As you begin to research schools and build your college list, you may be wondering about the difference between a college and university—and which may be a better fit for you. Although many people use these terms interchangeably, there are some slight differences between the two. In this article, we’ll break down some key distinctions and similarities between colleges and universities to help with your research!

What’s the difference between a college & university?

School & degree types

One main difference between colleges and universities is the highest level of degree they offer. In the U.S., there are two main types of colleges: community colleges and four-year colleges. Community colleges offer associate degrees, which take about two years to complete. Four-year colleges and universities, on the other hand, offer bachelor’s degrees, which usually take four years to complete when enrolled full-time.

In addition to bachelor’s degrees, universities also offer graduate programs, including master’s degrees and PhDs. Colleges usually focus on undergraduate programs and less commonly offer graduate degrees compared to universities. This probably won’t impact your undergraduate college research, but it could be helpful to know! 

Size

While colleges and universities vary in size across the country, universities (especially public ones) typically have bigger campuses and class sizes.

Similarities between colleges & universities

There are more similarities between colleges and universities than you might think! Learn more:

Admissions processes

Regardless of where you apply, the admissions processes will likely be similar. Both types of schools may accept the Common App and require application and supplemental essays, academic records, and information about extracurricular activities. Be sure you’re aware of each school’s application requirements, though, since they can vary.

Price

The type of school that’s most likely to cost the least in tuition and fees is community colleges. Four-year colleges and universities vary in cost, and neither is consistently more expensive than the other. No matter where you attend, financial aid may be available to help reduce college costs.  

Private vs. public 

Both colleges and universities can be private or public. Public schools are usually larger, have state funding, and are more affordable for in-state students. Private schools may be smaller and more expensive. 

Colleges within universities

While you research schools, you may see that some universities have “colleges” within them. Confusing, we know! In these cases, college doesn’t refer to a completely separate school, but a program within the university that focuses on a specific subject or area of study. For example, New York University (NYU) has multiple colleges within its system. These colleges offer majors and programs for students on a specific academic path, like arts, business, and medicine. 

There are many ways to get a great education! What matters most is choosing a school that supports your academic and professional goals. A college degree of any kind can expand your mind, positively impact your lifelong earning potential, help you make connections and friends, and come closer to identifying careers that interest you. Regardless of where you want to attend, you belong in college! 

Do you have any questions about preparing for college or the differences between colleges and universities? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• Higher lifetime earnings
• More job opportunities
• Access to more resources
• Grow your professional network
• Is going to college worth it?

It’s totally reasonable to question whether college is worth the financial investment as tuition prices across the U.S. continue to increase and the job market remains unpredictable. While these are real concerns, it’s also important to consider just how many great financial and professional benefits there are to obtaining a college degree! We share just a few below.

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Higher lifetime earnings

Whether you choose to work toward an associate or bachelor’s degree or earn a certification through a trade or technical program, a college education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment in the long run. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders typically have higher long-term earning potential than those with a high school diploma. In 2024, they on average earned nearly $2,452 more dollars permonth–at least $29,424 more per year!

More job opportunities

With a college degree, you are more likely to be considered for higher-level positions and higher-paying jobs than someone without a degree. In a competitive job market, your degree shows that you have a deep understanding of your chosen area of study. Additionally, many industries may require degrees or certifications as a minimum qualification for entry. For example, if you are interested in being a cosmetologist or want to be a high school teacher, you will be required to have technical training and/or at least a bachelor’s degree.

Access to more resources

Attending college gives you access to many professional resources that can benefit you both while you’re still in school and after you graduate. For example, the career center can teach you how to draft a solid resume and cover letter, find a job or internship, prepare for interviews, build your professional network, and will give you access to your school’s job portal, which can connect you to employers and mentorship opportunities near you. The resources offered through a college’s career center are typically free to use, so we highly encourage you take advantage of them!

Grow your professional network

College is a great place to start building your professional network. Professors and advisors can offer you guidance as you navigate career paths related to your major and connect you to professionals in that field to add to your network or hold an informational interview with. Additionally, your college community, such as your friends, classmates, club advisors, and coaches can be a part of your network as well! Your professional network can be key in helping you secure job references and finding professional opportunities, and college is a great place to start establishing it. 

Is going to college worth it?

Overall, yes! Attending college will only open you up to many financial and professional opportunities in the future. However, we know that the cost of college plays a significant role in whether a student will attend. Fortunately, there are many forms of financial aid available to college students–like scholarships, grants, and loans–that can significantly decrease costs. 

As you begin to research colleges that are a good financial fit, check out uAspire’s list of financially safer colleges, a list of both public and private universities that offer better financial outcomes to its students in terms of cost, net price, debt and repayment rates, and graduation rates. Having options to choose from can help you select a college that’s financially realistic for your and your family’s financial situation. 

The cost of going to college can be intimidating, but earning a college degree is a smart investment into your future. If you have any questions, we’re here for you! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated March 3, 2026

In this article

• Personal growth and exploration
• Personal connections
• Access to resources
• Skill development

When considering your post-high school options, it’s completely normal to wonder if attending college is worth the time, money, and effort. Attending college is a significant step for students, so it’s important to be aware of the facts and potential short- and long-term impacts of your decision. 

While there are many financial and professional benefits of receiving a degree, there are lots of other important benefits not as commonly talked about! In this article, we’ll explore some common non-financial benefits of attending college—including personal experiences from the Get Schooled team! 

Personal growth and exploration

College creates time and space for self-discovery in lots of different ways. You’ll meet people from all over the world from different cultural and personal backgrounds. Simply being exposed to new people, perspectives, and experiences can help you learn and try new things. This kind of exposure isn’t just a bonus for your college experience—it’s essential to becoming a curious, open-minded, and thoughtful young person. 

Most colleges also provide structured opportunities for personal growth and self-exploration through:

• Extracurricular activities. Colleges are filled with clubs, sports, and cultural groups for students who want to try new things. Whether you play intramural soccer, volunteer at your school’s radio station, or join the Black Student Union, you can be exposed to new people, ideas, and beliefs. 
• Classes. You may choose to take a new class that challenges your beliefs, expands your mind, or ignites a new interest in a topic or major you didn’t previously know about. 
• Studying abroad. Many students choose to study abroad to learn about different cultures and traditions. Through food, landscapes, and the people you meet, you can learn a lot about yourself and others. This is a great opportunity for personal and intellectual development! 

Here are some experiences from the Get Schooled team about how extracurriculars expanded their points of view:

“I would say my sorority helped me to travel. Our conferences were in different states, so that gave me the confidence to solo and group travel. I was able to go to different events and gatherings every year throughout the U.S. Although I didn’t get to travel abroad during college like I wanted to, this helped me see a new way of traveling.” -Mariela R. 

“In the LGBT Studies course I took, I learned more about the queer community, specifically the trans community, and what they go through to fit in. This gave me the opportunity to be educated and be a better friend to the people I’d meet in the future. Through the people I met in the course, I was able to help a homeless friend get a bed at a queer shelter in West Hollywood.” -Yesi C.

Personal connections

The people you meet in college can change your life in a number of ways! For example, you could meet lifelong friends in your dorm, classes, or extracurricular activities. You can also connect with professors or campus advisors that help you follow a certain career path, become part of your professional network, or even mentor you in the future! 

Read more about special connections members of the Get Schooled team gained in college:

“My randomly assigned freshman year roommate ended up becoming my best friend and like a sister to me. We’ve lived together, traveled the world together, and have seen each other evolve through many phases of life. I can’t imagine my life without her now, and I have our college to thank for such a valuable connection!” -Taylor M. 

“Through friends of friends in college, I met my now-wife of 6 years.” -Andre G.

Access to resources

In college, your tuition and fees cover different on-campus resources available to students. These resources may include things such as:

• Health care and therapy services
• Housing and meal plans
• Academic resources
• Professional resources

While these resources are available to all college students, they can be especially helpful for low-income or first-generation students who are learning about the college system for the first time. These types of resources offer very valuable knowledge and support to students! 

Skill development

In addition to the major- and career-oriented skills you’ll gain in college, you’ll also learn valuable life skills. Here are some skills that college can help you develop in a safe, supportive environment:

• Time management and organization. Regardless of what you’re studying, you’ll need to keep your academics and extracurriculars organized to succeed. College is a great place to practice these skills!
• Independence and responsibility. Even if you’re attending college close to home, you may gain a level of independence you haven’t experienced before. Your academic success will be almost entirely up to you and the effort you put in. Additionally, if you live off-campus, you’ll be able to learn about money management and the financial responsibilities of a young adult, such as paying for rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries.
• Self-advocacy. Whether you need an extension on a deadline or are navigating a conflict in a campus club, practicing advocating for yourself and your needs matters. This is an essential lifelong skill that can be built through your experiences in college! 
• Durable skills. In college, you’ll organically learn about durable skills—essential and timeless skills that will help you thrive in work, school, and life. You’ll learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, and become a leader. These skills will last you a lifetime!

The value of college goes beyond the money you could make! Your college experience can be one that’s enriching, fun, and that sets you up for a lifetime of personal and professional fulfillment. 

Do you have any questions about why attending college matters? Reach out to us! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 15, 2025

In this article

• Plan for what you can and accept the rest
• Define your goals and interests
• Weigh your options
• Remember that there is no single “right” way to proceed

Deciding what to do after high school is an important and exciting milestone! While some people may have a clear picture of what they want to do when they graduate, others may be undecided, and that’s totally okay! While it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed about the options in front of you, there are some approaches and mindfulness tools to help decision-making feel less intimidating when you’re stuck.

Plan for what you can and accept the rest

It can be easy to get caught in a cycle of overthinking or feeling anxious about committing to the “right” choice, especially when figuring out life after high school. Decision fatigue is the idea that after making many decisions, our ability to make even more decisions declines. Often, this added stress stems from a fear of uncertainty, failure, or regret. These feelings can be avoided or minimized by planning and mindfulness surrounding life after high school. Start by identifying the decision that needs to be made. Ask yourself questions like:

• Have I talked to my family, friends, or school counselor to sort through my dreams or ideas?
• Have I explored various information outlets about careers, education, or self-development?
• Do I know what opportunities are available to me?
• Have I figured out what I value or what’s important to me?
• What makes me hesitate? What am I worried about?

It’s important not to spend time fixating on what you can’t control, and to embrace the reality that not everything planned will play out as expected. It’s helpful to remember that you are never locked into one pathway; you can change your mind and your goals at any time! If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed with too many decisions, step away from them for a moment and practice a mindfulness activity such as journaling or meditating.

Define your goals and interests

Before you make or commit to any decision, consider what you want from your future. Research the different post-high school options so you are well informed about all parts of all your choices. Do you hope to enter the workforce and gain skills on the job, or do you want to go to college to prepare for a career? Writing out your specific goals and the things you’d like to accomplish after high school is a helpful way to avoid getting stuck in the decision-making process. Make a list of short-term and long-term goals to help you identify which pathways or opportunities align with your vision.

Having an idea of your interests and what is important to you can also make figuring out what to do after high school less intimidating. Do you have a clear picture of your current skills or talents and how you’d like to use them? Is being near your family important to you? Take the time to explore your needs and priorities. This will not only help you narrow down your decisions, but will help you feel at ease with the choices you ultimately make.

Weigh your options

Brainstorming the various pros and cons of the different directions you can go in is a useful way to visualize how closely a path may suit your needs. If there are too many decisions to consider alone, talk things over with trusted mentors, family, or educators. It’s okay to ask for help and advice if you need it!

Remember that career preparation and personal growth can happen in many different settings, so choose what’s right for you. If you take the time to plan well, you are more likely to have an easier time making decisions you’re at peace with.

Remember that there is no single “right” way to proceed

Different choices may have different trade-offs, but there is no “right” way to proceed. Try to approach decision-making in small steps, tackling one decision at a time. Make the best choice possible based on your circumstances and knowledge, then make peace with your decisions, knowing you can always change your mind. Talk with your peers or recent graduates to gain different perspectives on how others made their choices and how their lives are going after high school. This is a great way to make connections and learn about additional resources.

Do you have any questions as you weigh your post-high school options? We’re here to support! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 15, 2025

In this article

• Talk to Your Counselor
• Explore Different College Paths 
• Learn About the Components of College Applications 
• Learn How to Research Colleges & Stay Organized 

High school is an exciting time with lots of opportunities to grow and learn more about yourself! In this article, we’ll share some tips about exploring all your college options during high school:

• Talk to Your Counselor
• Explore Different College Paths
• Learn About the Components of College Applications
• Learn How to Research Colleges & Stay Organized

Scroll down to learn more about each!

Download our free Get Accepted Guide to learn about the college application process from start to finish!

Talk to Your Counselor

Your college counselor is your best resource to start exploring your college options. Set up an appointment with them to ask any questions you may have about applying to and attending college. You will need to meet with your counselor often during your senior year, so now is a great time to start building a relationship with them!

Explore Different College Paths 

Here are some common college paths you can take after high school:

Four-Year College

Students attending four-year college typically earn a bachelor’s degree. Some students attend college in their home state, while others go out of state. For students who want to connect closely with their culture in college, attending a Historically Black college or university (HBCU) or Tribal College or University (TCU) may be the right fit for them.

Two-Year College

Students attending a two-year college, also known as a community college, typically earn an associate degree. After receiving an associate degree, students can transfer to a four-year college to receive their bachelor’s degree, or enter the workforce. 

Trade School

A trade is a skilled job that requires special training and education. Examples of trades are technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, and health care. Trades can be learned through trade schools or community colleges. 

Learn About the Components of College Applications 

While different colleges and universities will have different application requirements, here are some common things you can expect to submit:

• Essays (personal statements and supplemental essays)
• Letters of recommendation
• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Application fees (or fee waivers, depending on your eligibility)
• A list of extracurriculars you’ve participated in, such as clubs or sports
• Transcripts

Learn How to Research Colleges & Stay Organized 

Before applying to colleges, it’s important to do your research. Different colleges offer different things, so taking some time to reflect on what you want from your college experience can help you build a list of schools you want to apply to. In addition to a school’s size, location, campus culture, and academics, you can research things like:

• Community college Promise Programs
• The difference between associate and bachelor’s degrees
• The difference between for-profit and nonprofit colleges

To stay organized during your research, use our free college application requirements tracker!

Do you have any questions about thriving in high school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 16, 2025

In this article

• What is a high school diploma?
• What is a GED?
• How are they similar? How are they different?
• Can I apply and get accepted to college with a GED?
• Can I get a job with a GED?
• Which one should I choose?

Curious about the differences between a high school diploma and a GED? Whether you’re still in school or thinking about going back, understanding your options is the first step to planning your future. In this article, we break down the differences between a high school diploma and a GED. 

What is a high school diploma?

A high school diploma is a certificate students earn once they successfully complete all required courses and credits from 9th-12th grade. Once a student has received their high school diploma, they can continue in their education and attend college, trade/vocational school, or enter the workforce. (Learn more about the different post-high school paths you can take.) A large majority of youth in the U.S. graduate high school and receive their high school diploma. 

What is a GED?

The GED (General Educational Development Test) is an alternative to a high school diploma for students who didn’t finish high school but still want to receive a credential that proves they have a high school-level education. To receive their GED, students must pass a series of tests in four subjects:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Science
• Social Studies

(Source: GED)

A GED is a great alternative for students who were/are unable to receive their high school diploma for personal or family reasons. 

How are they similar? How are they different?

Both a high school diploma and a GED show colleges, trade/vocational schools, and jobs that you have received a high school-level education. They both can be the starting point of your educational and professional paths! 

One of the main differences between the two is time. Students typically must go through four years of high school to receive their diploma. The GED, on the other hand, may not require as much time to complete, since a student needs to study for, complete, and pass four tests. These tests can be taken all at once or split up by subject. This allows a student time and flexibility to study for each test when they’re ready. 

Another difference may be cost. Students attending a public high school may not need to pay for their education or diploma. Students who want to receive their GED, however, may need to pay for each exam they take (depending on their state). 

Lastly, a key difference between the two is age. High school-aged students are typically teens. GED students, on the other hand, can be any age over 16. This means that whether a person is 25 or 55, if they want to receive their GED, they can!

Can I apply and get accepted to college with a GED?

Yes! Many community colleges, trade/vocational schools, and some four-year universities accept students with a GED. Some schools may ask for additional application materials, such as SAT or ACT scores, or require students to take placement tests. 

Can I get a job with a GED?

Yes! A GED can help you qualify for jobs that require a high school education. 

Which one should I choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re currently in high school and are able to finish your classes to receive your diploma, we recommend doing that. However, if you’ve stepped away from school and are ready to continue your educational or professional journey, the GED may be the best option for you. 

No matter your journey, there are resources and support to help you achieve your goals. You’re not alone!

Do you have any questions about the difference between high school diplomas and GEDs? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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In this article

• Click the image below to download and fill out our self-exploration worksheet!

Before you can know what you want from the future, it’s essential to take inventory of what truly matters to you. This self-exploration worksheet is a way to assess who you are, what’s important to you, and what you want from life. This assessment is a great way to reflect and write out your thoughts.

Click the image below to download and fill out our self-exploration worksheet!

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