A community college is a public institution of higher learning typically located in city or urban areas. Community colleges grant associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in a variety of programs (depending on the college). Their programs can be completed within two years, in contrast two the four years typically required for bachelors degrees. Tuition at a community college is lower than at public and private universities. In all, community colleges are a valid alternate to universities for undergraduate students.
A private university is a institute of higher learning that offers education for undergraduate and graduate students. A private university is not run by a state government. Instead, a private university is run by non-government funded organizations. Some private colleges, for example, are operated by and affiliated with religious organizations. Private Universities offer four-year bachelor degrees in a wide range of majors or concentrations. Admission into private universities are often more difficult than public universities. Each private school sets their own academic criteria without input from the state. Ivy Leave private universities such as Harvard and Yale are among the most difficult to get into.
Nearly all public universities are founded and operated by the state government instead of the federal government. Like private universities, public universities offer four-year bachelor degrees in hundreds of unique majors. Public universities are more beneficial to students who live within the university's state because the tuition will be lower than for students from outside the state.
An online school is an accredited institution that provides courses through online interaction. The majority of correspondence between a student and their professors and coursework happens though online assignments, web-based applications and emails. Online schools provide associate degrees, bachelor degrees, and certificates for undergraduate students. Online courses are self paced and will be completed without ever traveling to a physical campus.