What Is a 4-Year College or University?

Public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges and career colleges offering bachelor's degrees all fall into the category of 4-year colleges and universities. These schools offer bachelor's degrees, which are usually completed in four years of full-time study, and some may also have a graduate school that offer master's degrees. Many online schools and universities also offer bachelor's degrees and an online alternative to a campus school.

Time Requirements for 4-Year Colleges and Universities

Despite the name, you're not required to complete your undergraduate degree in four years. In many cases students will extend their bachelor's degree to a five-year program or take online classes or summer school classes to complete their degree in less than four years. Students at 4-year colleges and universities are eligible to earn a bachelor's degree after the completion of 120 to 130 academic credits. Students with an associate degree can usually transfer a portion of these credits toward their bachelor's degree.

What types of students attend 4-year colleges and universities?

The types of students you're likely to find at a college or university depends in part on the type of school it is. Some schools are single-sex, and some are geared to a type of student, such as historically black schools or colleges with students who are active in the military.

The types of programs the college or university specializes in will also affect the demographics of the student body; schools that are highly regarded for disciplines like healthcare or engineering will draw a different type of student than those that specialize in creative areas, like culinary, music or art and design. While many students at 4-year colleges are fresh out of high school, you'll find people of all ages at these schools. Some people may return to school to complete their bachelor's degree after taking a break to start a career or a family. Others may have completed an associate degree and are transferring their credits to the 4-year college in order to complete their bachelor's degree.

Should you attend an online school?

Online schools are gaining in popularity, especially for people who want to continue their education but can't make time in their schedules to enroll full-time in daytime classes at a 4-year college or university. Online schools may also offer you financial savings, as you won't have to pay room and board at a campus and the school doesn't have to maintain a large campus of classrooms. Increased flexibility in scheduling classes is another reason some students choose to attend an online college.

How do you narrow down your choices of 4-year colleges and universities?

First, you'll want to determine what type of 4-year college you're seeking. Public colleges and universities tend to be larger and less expensive than private colleges, especially if you're applying as an in-state student.

If you're interested in learning about a variety of subjects, including history, political science, English and a foreign language, you may want to focus on liberal arts colleges, which require you to study a range of disciplines while you pursue your major. On the other hand, if you know the type of skill or trade you want to learn, consider a career college, also known as a vocational school or trade school. These schools will offer general academic education as well as career-specific education.

The type of degree you're seeking and the programs you're interested in studying will also help determine the colleges and universities you apply to. Plus, if you're interested in taking online courses, consider an online college or find out if the schools you're interested in offer online courses. Not sure if you're ready to commit to a 4-year college or university? If you're not sure what you want to study or if you have doubts about your ability to pay for and complete a bachelor's degree program, consider applying for an associate degree. In some cases, you will be able to transfer your credits toward a bachelor's degree program if you choose to continue your education at a 4-year college.