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COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES How are American universities different from colleges? In the US, “university” and “college” (meaning 4-year college) are often used interchangeably, and the difference can be confusing. The difference is not so much in name as in what kinds of credentials and programs they offer. American universities can be public (which are often called “state colleges”) or private and are post-secondary institutions offering undergraduate bachelor’s degrees and, often, graduate degrees (master’s or doctoral). Colleges may also offer bachelor’s degrees, but generally offer 2-year, more vocationally-oriented credentials like applied degrees, associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates. An institution must be given the authority to grant the different types of degrees. However, regardless of the type of educational institution, you can contact coursework help service for help with student assignments. What kinds of degrees are available? At the undergraduate level, American universities offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees as well as 2-year associate’s degrees. In some disciplines, you can take combined degrees, in which you graduate with two degrees in 5 years. Some universities also offer applied degrees, which are similar to bachelor’s degrees, usually take 4 years to complete, and combine an academic focus with practical, technical job-related skills. How long will my university study in the United States take? The length of your study depends on the credential you take. At the undergraduate level, American universities offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees, 2-year associate’s degrees, 5-year combined degrees, 4-year applied degrees, 1- to 2-year diplomas, and certificates that run from 12 weeks to 1 year. How much will it cost to study in the USA? In part, the cost depends on the type of institution (public, private, Catholic, Christian, etc.) and the region/state. Different credentials (a bachelor’s degree versus a diploma) and different programs (say, architecture versus arts) can also have different tuition costs. Average undergraduate university tuition for international students in the USA ranges from $5,836 to $22,218. Is financial aid available for international students? Yes. International student scholarships, awards, and bursaries are available from many universities in the USA, from the federal and state governments, and from NGOs or other organizations. These are the main questions that may arise for anyone who wants to enter American universities. Get more: Education in the United States 10 Benefits to Studying Abroad