A four-year college usually offers a bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences once you’ve completed a program of study. Universities are generally large and offer many majors. Public colleges are usually less expensive than private colleges and universities.

Private colleges are generally more expensive than public colleges but tend to be smaller. There are different types of private colleges, including women’s colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI's), religious colleges, and military colleges.

Careers you could have with a bachelor’s degree

  • Accountant
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Biological Technician
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Clinical Laboratory Technician
  • Computer Applications Software Engineer
  • Computer Systems Software Engineer
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Dietitian
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Financial Examiner
  • Forester
  • Graphic Designer
  • Health Educator
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Journalist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Medical and Health Services Manager
  • Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
  • Personal Financial Advisor
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Physicians Assistant
  • Software Engineer
  • Survey Researcher

Q: What if I want to be a doctor, dentist, lawyer, veterinarian, or scientist? I don’t see these on the list.

A: These are careers that take further education beyond a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. Most require an additional two or more years of college. These careers are within your reach!

  • Clergy
  • Dentist
  • Doctor
  • Financial Manager
  • Lawyer
  • Management Consultant
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Scientist
  • Surgeon
  • Teacher
  • University Professor
  • Veterinarian