Technical colleges do not emphasize purely academic courses such as literature, history, political science, biology, physics, and the other courses typical of bachelor' s degree programs. Community and junior colleges are two-year schools which have a wide range of programs of study. Nearly all community and junior colleges provide the first two years of most bachelor's degree programs, but these schools also provide remedial programs in English and math as well as some of the courses taught in technical colleges. Four-year colleges are schools which offer bachelor's degrees in many fields of study. International students who successfully complete a bachelor's degree at a four-year college are eligible to transfer to a university where they can pursue Master's Degrees and Ph.D.'s.
Universities offer a wide range of bachelor's degrees and also offer master's degrees and Ph.D.'s.
In general, school fees are lower at state-supported schools than at privately owned colleges. Remember also that public community colleges are generally less expensive than nearby colleges and universities. In or near very large cities like Boston or New York or Los Angeles, the cost of housing, food, and transportation is much higher than in places that are not so large and well-known. Many international students greatly reduce their expenses by living two or three together in one apartment. Be sure to find out all the costs of studying at any college you are hoping to join.