Higher education in the United States is an optional final stage of formal learning following secondary education. Higher education, also referred to as post-secondary education, third stage, third level, or tertiary education occurs most commonly at one of the 4,726 Title IV degree - granting institutions, either colleges or universities in the country. These may be public universities, private universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, or for - profit colleges. High visibility issues include greater use of the Internet, such as massive open online courses, competency - based education, sexual assault, cutbacks in state and local spending, rapidly rising tuition and increasing student loan debt
how many institutions of higher education in the us
4,726