The first step in pursuing your post-secondary education is to begin searching for schools that fit your needs and wants. 

Know the types of schools before you search:

• 2-year vs. 4-year college:
• Community colleges offer 2-year degrees, also known as an Associate's Degree, and also provide a path to transfer to a 4-year school to earn a Bachelor's Degree.
• Technical/Vocational School vs. Community Colleges
• A technical school provides specialized training for a specific industry and can be under the umbrella of a 2-year community college.
• Public vs. Private:
• The state government subsidizes a public university's tuition, so it can sometimes be cheaper.
• A private university may have a larger sticker price (base tuition), but often give more scholarships to eligible students
• In-state vs. Out-of-state:
• In-state tuition at public schools is usually cheaper than tuition at out-of-state public schools.