Private colleges are often the first option when considering higher education. Many of the best-known schools in the country are private schools. Many private schools require expensive tuition payments, but they sometimes offer scholarship and grant opportunities not found at other schools. The benefits of attending a private school include smaller class sizes enabling more personalized attention, experienced professors and prestige when you enter the job market. Private colleges in the Midwest include Northwestern University in Illinois, Kenyon College in Ohio, Lawrence University in Wisconsin, the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and Washington University in St. Louis.
Many public colleges, also called state schools, provide education similar to private schools, but it is usually much cheaper, especially if you are an in-state resident. The schools are partially supported by state money and residents of the state in which the school is located often attend at a reduced rate. The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is a state school that is considered a leader in teaching, research and public engagement. The academic staff includes winners of the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, astronauts, scientists and Olympic medalists. Students can choose from academic majors including fine and applied arts, education, business, law, social work, veterinary medicine, agriculture, consumer and environmental sciences, media and liberal sciences.
Religious colleges are a type of private school that places a focus on religious education. The school might have been founded by a member of a church, and the traditions of that church still exist today in the teachings and philosophies of the staff and students. Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is an example of a religious college founded under the Jesuit and Catholic tradition. The school focuses on four core values: faith, excellence, leadership and service, and students are encouraged to blend their knowledge and faith into their life choices. The school welcomes professors, staff and students from all faiths but, according to the college's website, "A Catholic, Jesuit education at Marquette is marked by the active intersection of the Gospel with culture and the intellect, as well as a deep commitment to the well-being of the whole human family." Other religious colleges in the Midwest include Luther College in Iowa and Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Technical colleges offer an opportunity to focus strictly on the training you need for a specific career. For instance, Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Minneapolis/St. Paul teaches the cooking techniques and the hospitality skills you need to work in the culinary industry. Students have no general education requirements or electives that do not focus on the culinary arts. When considering a technical college, look for one that is accredited by a reputable organization. Take time to research the accrediting agency and the type of accreditation the school has received from them. Other technical schools in the Midwest include the International Academy of Design and Tech in Chicago, Herzing College in Madison and Vatterott College in Des Moines.