Overview of U.S.

Higher Education
Why Study in the U.S.?

Given other options, why would an international student choose to study in the United States? The answer
lies in five main reasons:

1. Quality: The U.S. higher education system is home to state-of-the-art facilities including libraries,
laboratories, computers and other resources. Many universities attract world-renowned faculty and
are at the forefront of research and technological development.

2. Choice: Over 4,000 accredited institutions offer an unparalleled mix of academic programs, social
environments, degree programs and subjects of study.

3. Diversity: The greatest strength of the higher education system in the United States lies in its
diversity. No other system of higher education in the world has the freedom to offer its students as
many different approaches to learning as that of the United States.

4. Value: The United States offers the greatest range of tuition, fees, and living costs, making it the
premier destination for over one million international students.

5. Flexibility: There is tremendous choice of courses within a college or university, opportunity to

design majors, take independent study courses, conduct interdisciplinary research, do a work and
study program, transfer from one institution to another and study abroad for a semester or two.
Zimbabwe Statistics
• In 2022, 1,507 students were attending U.S. universities

• Zimbabwe was the second leading country in sub-Saharan Africa per capita in terms of sending
students to study in the US, and the sixth in the overall number of students studying in the United
States

• Factors of Zimbabwe’s success in applications:

• Profiles are impressive

• English language proficiency

History and Philosophy of U.S. Education

A college degree has long been associated with upward mobility in the United States, and many citizens
feel that no one should be denied the opportunity for upward mobility. Thus, in the United States today,
an entire range of institutions exists with varying admissions standards, tuition costs and financial aid
packages that help facilitate greater access to higher education.
History and Philosophy of U.S. Education

In the United States, there is no centralized Ministry of Education. The U.S. Constitution
makes no mention of education; thus, education is a matter for state consideration. One of
the great strengths of U.S. higher education is its diversity of educational approaches and its
lack of centralized direction and regulation.
History and Philosophy of U.S. Education

The U.S. higher education system is unique both in terms of its size and diversity. The origins of
contemporary U.S. higher education are found in its historical background. Institutions founded in early
U.S. history were operated by religious denominations.
1636: Harvard is 1701: Yale is founded 1754: Columbia 1785: University of 1819: University of
founded by the in response to is founded by the Georgia becomes the Virginia founded
Puritans. It is the first theological drift at Church of first state-chartered offering a diverse
college in America. Harvard. England. university; but did not range of studies and
begin admitting centered upon a
students until 1801. library instead of
church.

1693: The College of 1746: Princeton 1755: University 1789: University of North 1824: UNC
William and Mary is is founded (non- of Pennsylvania Carolina (UNC) chartered as pioneers modern
established by sectarian) founded. (non- first American public university. system of dividing
Congregationalists. sectarian) Admits first class in 1795. Only university into
institution to confer degrees in “schools”.
the 19th century (1798).
Key Terminology

You will often see the terms “institution,” “school,” “college,” and “university” are often
used interchangeably in reference to higher education in the U.S.

College: a four-year institution that offers primarily undergraduate degrees OR a division of

a larger university that offers courses and awards degrees in a specialized course of study.

Private institution: an independent institution that depends primarily on non governmental

funding sources and student fees for financial support. Although the institution does not
depend on government money, enrolled students can still qualify for federal and state
financial aid for tuition and maintenance.

Public institution: an institution that receives some financial support from state funds.
Every U.S. state has at least one public institution.
The Higher Education System

American higher education is characterized by the diversity of institutions. Over 4,000 accredited
institutions of higher education exist, including large universities with over 40,000 students and small ones
with fewer than 500. The institutions are classified as large or small, public or private, urban or rural,
nonprofit or for-profit (proprietary), specialized or general education.

For the most part, colleges and universities are classified into groups according to the highest degree they
confer, ranging from associate degrees up to doctoral degrees or professional programs such as medicine
or law.

Graduate
(master’s or doctoral)

Undergraduate
(two-or-four –year institutions)

12 years of school
Structure of Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate education leading to a bachelor’s degree is offered in public and private

colleges and universities in the U.S. The degree is awarded after completion of a defined
number of credits, which usually takes four years of full-time study.

Graduate
(master’s or doctoral)

Undergraduate
(two-or-four –year institutions)

12 years of school
Structure of Undergraduate Education

• 1st year- Freshman

• 2nd year- Sophomore
• 3rd year- Junior
• 4th year- Senior

Students are most often not required to select a major until the end of the first or second year. This unique
feature of American education gives students the opportunity to explore their interests before committing
themselves to a field of study.

Some universities cooperate with four-year liberal arts colleges to offer combined liberal arts and
professional undergraduate degrees (known as 3-2 programs) in several areas including architecture,
business, engineering and pharmacy.
Structure of Undergraduate Education

The curriculum of an undergraduate program will generally consist of four areas:

1. Core courses: provide a foundation and are required of all students. Requirements
vary from school to school and program to program, but students may be required to
take courses in English, literature, mathematics, humanities, physical science or social
science.

2. Major courses: in the primary area of concentration. Most students choose only one
major, although some choose multiple majors. Approximately 25-50% of the total
number of courses a student completes will fall in the major.

3. Minor courses: in a secondary area of concentration. About half the number of

courses required for a major are required for a minor, although a minor concentration
is not required to earn a bachelor’s degree.

4. Elective courses: may be chosen from any program to help fulfill the overall number of
credits required to graduate.
Types of Colleges and Universities

• Community Colleges
• Large Research Universities (Public and Private)
• Liberal Arts Colleges
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
• Women’s Colleges
• “Ivy League”
Types of Colleges and Universities

Community Colleges

• Offer an Associates Degree

• Typically a 2-year program
• Allows you to transfer to many universities as a junior (3rd year student)
• Very low tuition and fees, but no financial aid
• Many older or non-traditional students
• Usually no on-campus accommodation

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

• Founded to educate African-Americans when other doors were not open to them
• Have a reputation for excellence, value tradition and history
• Students wish to celebrate, explore their African American heritage
• Vary widely: can be large-small, women’s-men’s-co-ed, location, price...
Types of Colleges and Universities

Liberal arts

• A concept unique to the United States

• Requires students to complete a general education course of study which includes
natural science, social science, political science, history, writing or literature,
mathematics and art and/or music.
• Belief in breadth of education
• Usually small, private schools
• Emphasis on pure academic disciplines only - fewer professional/vocational fields
offered
• Give students personalized attention: focus is on teaching, not research - small,
interactive classes
• Can be expensive, but most offer generous financial aid packages to international
students
Types of Colleges and Universities

Large Research Universities

• Often very large (10,000+ students)

• Offer a wide variety of courses at undergraduate and graduate level
• Put a high value on professors’ research projects (“publish or perish”)
• Classes for 1st and 2nd year students can be very large, impersonal.
• Tuition prices vary but tend to be more reasonable at public schools
Types of Colleges and Universities

“Ivy League”

• Mid-sized (5,000-15,000 students)

• Have an “elite” reputation- attract top-notch students and faculty from around the world
with diverse interests and experiences
• Admission is highly competitive, and many bright applicants are turned down
• Tuition and fees are very high, but offer full financial aid based on need to U.S. and
international students
• No sports or merit scholarships
• Faculty very involved in both teaching and research and publishing; liberal arts
educational philosophy with research offerings;
• Alumni network, traditions very important
Institutional Accreditation — Regional
Regional accreditation is the most highly regarded form of institutional accreditation. It is sought
by most academic institutions with comprehensive missions and is conducted by accrediting agencies
that have chosen to organize themselves into six broad geographic regions of the U.S. As a result, there
are SIX (6) regional accreditation organizations:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities – NWCCU

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Higher Learning Commission - HLC

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – SACSCOC

New England Association of Schools and Colleges – NEASC

Middle States Commission on Higher Education – MSCHE

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

-Student life during undergraduate study is an important part of a student’s educational experience. On
residential campuses, campus social life revolves around the residence halls. Residential options range
from single rooms, suite living or off-campus rooms and apartments, to theme houses (i.e. an international
house, a quiet house) or sorority or fraternity (national or local social organizations) houses.

-Extracurricular activities such as athletic events, intramurals, theater or musical productions, academic
clubs, newspapers or community service projects also enhance the student’s overall experience.

-Extensive and varied counseling services are available to help students with personal, academic and
career decisions.
Opportunities after Graduation

Continuing education

• Graduate (Masters) and post-graduate (Doctoral/PhD) study

• 1,000+ institutions to choose from

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• 2021- 165,000 students

• STEM fields can work an additional 3 years in U.S.
• Potential later to apply for H-1B (work visa) status
Questions?