* Four-year degree programs: Leading to a Bachelor's degree, typically requiring full-time study over four academic years.
* Residential campus: Students live on campus, fostering a sense of community and immersion in college life. This isn't always *strictly* required but is a strong characteristic.
* Liberal arts emphasis: A focus on humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences, alongside more specialized majors. This helps develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
* Traditional classroom setting: Primarily utilizing lectures, seminars, and other face-to-face instruction, although this is increasingly incorporating technology.
* Structured academic year: Following a semester or quarter system with clearly defined academic periods and breaks.
* Extracurricular activities: Offering a wide range of student organizations, clubs, sports, and other activities outside the classroom.
In contrast to a "traditional college," you might find institutions like online-only universities, vocational schools, community colleges (which typically offer two-year degrees), and alternative learning models. The "traditional" label emphasizes the established model of higher education, although even this model is constantly evolving.