People use the word “college” to refer to many different types of schools. Colleges come in all shapes and sizes—and college is less a general phenomenon than a personal experience based on your individual choices. Take a look at the three different types of colleges here to gain a solid understanding of the options you’ll have when you start researching schools.

Four-Year Colleges and Beyond
Four-year colleges are the types of schools that most people think of when they say the word “college.” Harvard is a four-year college. So are the University of North Carolina, Spelman, and San Jose State. Four-year colleges offer a comprehensive education. In other words, you not only choose something to major in (such as business or physics or film or journalism) but you also receive a well-rounded education in other subjects.

Students earn a bachelor’s degree at four-year colleges. A bachelor’s degree is the standard “undergraduate degree.” If you’re an undergraduate, it means you are under, or below, the level of graduation. Simply put, you haven’t graduated from college yet!

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, teaching and learning.

Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

The Princeton Review helps students, parents, and educators achieve the best outcomes at all stages of their educational careers. It all starts with a single premise: Everyone is entitled to the best education. Through years of research we’ve learned to use practice and preparation to help students improve their performance.