16 2024-2025 | Tennessee College Guide Little Tips to Better Understand the College Basics But when you think about the size of a col- lege or university, be sure to investigate the average classroom size to provide you with a better understanding ofr what your expe- rience will be like. One school might have classes with 100 or more students in them, with a professor that lectures while you take notes. Another might have smaller classes much like in high school. Large universities can have small classes too, especially if you are a member of an honors program. Re- member that big or small, there is no right or wrong answer. It’s simply what kind of setting you feel most comfortable in. So What Is a Community College? Tennessee has thirteen community col- leges across the state. Many students find community colleges the best choice to begin their college years after high school. Like their name states, community colleges are located across the state, making it con- venient to attend college close to home, at affordable costs. In many cases, including students who apply for the Tennessee Promise scholarship, a student can poten- tially complete their first two years with lit- tle or no college debt. Community colleges (with some exceptions) typically do not have dorms or on campus housing, allow- ing you to stay at home and commute to school each day. Most community colleges offer a very broad spectrum of studies pro- viding students withthe potential to earn an associate degree or a certificate. Following graduation from a community college, many students then transfer to a four year college to complete their bache- lor degree. Many of Tennessee’s four year colleges and universities have a close work- ing relationship with the community col- leges, making the transition very smooth from one school to another. What is a Technical College? Beyond the community colleges, Ten- nessee also has 24 colleges of applied tech- nology, or TCATs. Technical colleges offer specialized training and studies to allow students to be highly qualified for many of the jobs employers currently offer within the state. Areas of study vary slightly be- tween the different TCATs, generally catering to the needs of their local indus- tries and employers. Programs vary in length of study from 12 to 24 months pro- viding students with either certificates or diplomas. You can also use Tennessee Promise, as well as other scholarships to at- tend a TCAT, often for little to no cost. Public Verses Private Colleges Within this guide, you will see in the overview box the term “public” or “pri- vate.” Public colleges are supported and operate through tax dollars provided through the State of Tennessee. Schools such as Belmont University, Union Uni- versity, Vanderbilt University, etc. are all private, non-profit colleges, whose funding comes from student tuition, private dona- tions, and endowments. Whether a school is termed public or private has nothing to do with the quality or size of the institu- tion, simply how it is funded. Which College Is Right For Me? You are unique—and there is a great col- lege out there that’s perfect for you. Maybe it’s a community college that helps you start your life after high school while stay- ing connected to your family and commu- nity. Perhaps it’s a college or university that will take you to a new part of the state, or even a new part of the country. Research all of your interests and options to determine whether a specific school of- fers programs in the field you want to study, is located somewhere you would like to live, and is the size of school you would feel comfortable in. Be sure to submit applica- tions to several colleges, even if you think you might not be able to afford a specific one. Many colleges who are interested in having you attend their institution will pro- vide multiple financial aid options that might make it possible for you to attend. It’s always helpful to visit the colleges you are most interested in. Many times, you will get a better feeling of what life at a certain school will be like once you tour the campus and get to visit inside the dorms. Be sure to contact each college’s admissions department in advance to learn more about their campus tour op- portunities and information. Don’t forget to talk to your school coun- selors as well as asking other adult friends and family about their college experiences. Most people are thrilled to share and make recommendations based on their own per- sonal college experiences. Remember, this is an exciting time in your life but requires plenty of planning and re- search. Be willing to invest the time needed, but most of all, don’t get anxious. Allow this time to be a fun experience as you find the perfect college—just for you!
