Four Categories of Colleges and Universities

Among four-year schools, here is a thumbnail sketch of the four main types of institutions:

Research universities. The private and public schools in this category place a tremendous institutional focus on research and represent the most recognizable higher-ed brands.

Examples: University of Chicago, Harvard University, UCLA, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, Rice University.

Master’s degree or regional universities. These schools, which include private and state institutions, often don’t have as great a focus on research and may offer degrees no higher than the master’s level.

Examples: Villanova University, Elon University, Quinnipiac University, Butler University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, San Diego State University.