What's the difference between a college/university and a career college?

Question

I'm interested in what people's opinions are of career colleges vs. traditional colleges/universities... Is one better than the other? Why?

Answer 1

It's really not about one being better than the other. Depending upon your situation, either one could be your ideal situation.

Traditional Colleges and Universities usually work best the "traditional" college student, just out of high school. Traditional colleges and universities have more focus on the humanities and seek to produce "well rounded" graduates.They tend to follow a schedule similar to that of Elementary and Secondary schools. Most colleges and universities also offer a variety of majors. They also aim not only to educate but to act as a home away from home by providing opportunities for social interactions, meals through the cafeteria, and housing.

Career Colleges are usually specifically designed to serve the needs of adults who work full time. They focus on the practical needs of the job market rather than on creating "well rounded" graduates. Classes often take place in the evenings after typical office hours. Most career colleges focus on a single field such as nursing or business and rarely include majors in the humanities such as English or Philosophy. Career colleges may offer some extracurricular activities, but the focus is on academics and career training.

Answer 2

A liberal arts education at a college or university can help you, not only with your major, but also with other things that may help you in your life, especially if you can't find a job in your field.

A career college will center your education on your chosen career path, and may give some liberal arts courses. On the other hand, you may be able to graduate from a career college sooner than your peers, which could be a tactical advantage. But, you may also miss out on personal interaction that a typically larger, "standard" college education may offer.

If in doubt, take a year or two at your local community college. If you like it, then go with the "normal" college/university. If you don't like it, go with the career college. Community colleges are also typically less expensive than the other two.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Some courses are taught better in College/University and some in Career college. Normally short duration programs of technical nature are handled by career colleges and Long duration programs requiring in depth study and large infrastructure and resources are taught by University/College.
So depending upon the course program that you have in mind, you have to decide where you should go.
Good luck!!