Universities

An institution offering both undergraduate and graduate programs.  Universities are generally divided into a number of academic departments, schools or faculties. There are public and private universities.  Public university systems are ruled over by government-run higher education boards while private universities are privately funded and generally have a broader independence from state policies.

 
Continuing Education

Courses usually offered by colleges and universities that are not a part of the degreed programs of that school.  These courses can be taken simply for personal, non-vocational enrichment of the students although there are many opportunities to gain new vocational skills or certificates for completing a series of classes.

Community Colleges

Community colleges are supported by local taxes and typically grant certificates, diplomas, and Associates' degrees.  Because the cost of attending a community college is only a fraction of what a university charges, many students complete basic courses and transfer credit to the 4 year school.

Junior College

Similar to a community college in that it's focus is to provide academic, vocational and professional education. The highest certificate offered by these schools is usually an associate's degree.

Vocational Education 

Used synonomously with Career and Technical Education, vocational education prepares learners for careers that are based in manual or practical activities.  Courses are traditionally non-academic and totally related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation,  in which the learner participates. It is sometimes referred to as technical education, as the learner directly develops expertise in a particular group of techniques or technology.