> College Counseling: College Search
College acceptance, enrollment, and graduation can be accomplished by anyone if they are determined and diligent. There is a school for everyone; there are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States alone. The challenge is finding the right school for you. The right school will fit your social and academic needs, and you will qualify for enrollment. Take the time to research different colleges to find schools that match your interests. Below you will find information about the different types of schools available to you as well as links to individual college and university websites that will provide even more information.
Public Colleges and Universities in the United States
Public Colleges and Universities are run and subsidized by states. DC residents who apply for DC TAG/DC LEAP can attend public institutions for the reduced tuition rates that are offered to in-state residents.
Private Colleges and Universities in the United States
Private Colleges and Universities are run as private organizations using endowments and private funding. Private colleges may be more expensive than public colleges, but they may offer more financial assistance too.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: "...any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation." HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors.
HBCUs enroll 14 percent of all African American students in higher education, although they constitute only three percent of America's 4,084 institutions of higher education. In 1999, these institutions matriculated 24 percent of all African American students enrolled in four-year colleges, awarded masters degrees and first-professional degrees to about one in six African American men and women, and awarded 24 percent of all baccalaureate degrees earned by African Americans nationwide.
Community and Technical Colleges
Community and Technical Colleges offer associate’s degrees, certificates, and/or training in preparation for skilled jobs. Students may attend a two-year college acquiring credits to prepare to transfer to a four year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Local Colleges and Universities
