A four-year college is often a college or university that offers a variety of degree programs for students to earn their bachelor’s degrees. Some students can also earn their master’s degree after their bachelor’s at many four-year colleges. A master’s program usually takes two years to complete, and students typically need their bachelor’s degree to qualify.
Two common degree programs are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.). A B.A. program usually includes studies in humanities, such as English, history or philosophy. A B.S. program has a technical, medical or scientific focus, with majors in chemistry, physics or biology. In either program, students typically take general education courses for their first two years and major-specific courses for the final two years.
Things of Note Regarding Four-Year Colleges
- Despite the name, you’re not required to complete your undergraduate degree in four years. In many cases students will extend their bachelors degree to a five-year program or take online classes or summer school classes to complete their degree in less than four years.
- Students at 4-year colleges and universities are eligible to earn a bachelors degree after the completion of 120 to 130 academic credits. Students with an associates degree can usually transfer a portion of these credits toward their bachelors degree.
- Many 4-year colleges and universities allow for transfer credits to count towards degree completion. College degree credits are generally awarded for completed courses with a C- or better.
- There are also many bachelor’s degrees that can be earned in as little as three years by attending summer sessions or part-time enrollment. Some students also have AP credits or college credit hours from dual credit classes, which shortens time needed to complete a degree.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Since four-year colleges often have many learning opportunities, students can advance their careers because of their qualifications.
- Students may gain a lot of experience through clubs, activities, conferences and other events.
- This allows them to network, which can increase their chances of getting more career opportunities.
- Also, many employers may prefer a four-year degree instead of a two-year associate degree.
ADMISSIONS
- The admission rate for four-year colleges can be lower than for two-year colleges, but this often depends on the school.
- Some colleges or universities have higher or lower admission rates because of their personal requirements.
- Since four-year colleges are typically more rigorous, they may have higher standards, such as G.P.A. and test score requirements, along with other application materials.
COST
- Four-year colleges are typically much more expensive because students may pay for room and board and resources and extracurricular activities, such as libraries, gyms and computer labs.
- They’re also paying for more classes, professors and higher degrees.
- Although four-year colleges are more expensive, they may offer financial aid, like scholarships and grants, to help offset costs.
COLLEGE LIFESTYLE
- Four-year colleges typically have campus lifestyles with many socialization opportunities for students.
- Most four-year colleges provide students with either dorms or on-campus apartments, which allows students to socialize and make friends easier.
- These colleges also may have many organizations that students can join, such as fraternities, sororities, clubs and sports.
CAMPUS SIZE
- Four-year colleges often have large campuses with bigger class sizes.
- This means there may be more learning opportunities since there are more classes to accommodate all the students.
- Many four-year colleges also have large lecture halls that can fit hundreds of students, which can mean more opportunities for more students.
PROGRAMS
- Many four-year colleges have transfer programs that accept students from two-year colleges so they can finish their bachelor’s degrees.
- Aside from those programs, many four-year colleges have specialized degree programs that aren’t categorized under B.A. or B.S. programs.
- These specialized programs usually emphasize a subject or career.
- Some of these programs may include Bachelor of Journalism, Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Applied Science.