As you plan for college you have many options. Listed below are the College Categories that describe the different types of institutions available to you.

Non-Profit/Private

These Colleges and Universities:

• receive funding primarily from student tuition and endowments. Some funding comes from governmental support in the form of tax breaks and student loans
• follow the leadership of a board of trustees
• develop own institutional plans since they operate mostly on private support
• rely on private funds, which leads to a higher average cost
• offer financial aid opportunities to reduce the total cost

Non-Profit/Public

These Colleges and Universities:

• receive a large part of funding from state or local taxes. Some funding comes from tuition and endowments - follow performance standards set by the state - Most are state-run which lowers the tuition for in-state students - typically categorized as two-year, four-year, research, comprehensive, or community colleges

For-Profit/Proprietary

These Colleges and Universities:

• - receive up to 90 percent of their revenue from federal student aid
• - operate under the demands of investors and stockholders
• - usually offer a non-traditional format
• - have come under federal scrutiny for high pressure sales/recruitment tactics

A close examination of the academic, social and financial factors will lead you to a best-fit college. To read more on the differences in college categories, visit nacacnet.org/ncfstudent.