2-Year Colleges
- Sometimes known as junior, community, or technical colleges, these schools traditionally focus on two-year associate’s degree programs and one-year certificate programs.
- Two-year colleges are usually less expensive than four-year programs
- Most programs require a minimum GPA and don’t require college entrance exams.
- Associate degree programs are often equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s program and can usually be transferred to a four-year college.
- Career-focused programs are designed for students wanting to accelerate their direct entry into the workforce. Many can be completed in two years or less. These programs span all industries and are highly responsive to market demands, meaning the skills taught here match employer needs.
4-Year Colleges
- Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees (B.A. or B.S.), a more general course of study, and a wider range of subject options.
- A bachelor’s degree can sometimes be completed in less than four years; other programs (like engineering or architecture) may take more.
- Most public four-year colleges in Idaho require a minimum GPA and college entrance exam scores.
- A four-year degree can provide a lot of career flexibility and is a starting point for many careers in education, law, healthcare, technology, and more.
- These institutions also offer master’s and doctoral degrees for additional mastery of your chosen field.
Paying for Education With Financial Aid
Get help from government and/or colleges.
Similar to scholarships, this type of financial aid does not have to be repaid and is awarded by the federal government or colleges, most often based on need.
