The list is seemingly endless — countless colleges, universities, community colleges, private colleges, public colleges and vocational schools. But what does it all mean and where do you begin?

The Royal Gazette <$>went online to get a better idea of what the differences are and came up with the following basic information to get you started.Community and junior collegesThese generally offer two-year associates degree programmes and for students wishing to continue their studies in a four-year programme, the courses usually transfer to four-year colleges. The Bermuda College is a community college.

Community colleges also offer specialised job training in certain areas, much like vocational schools. They are very affordable and prepare students to enter the work force immediately following graduation. And, it’s easy to get in and easy to transfer into a four-year college or university.Four-year colleges and universitiesThese offer Bachelor’s degrees in various fields of study.

Most also offer graduate programmes with opportunities to earn a master’s degree, doctorate, or professional degree.

The curriculum is usually broader than a two-year school.

Public colleges and universities are subsidised by tax money from the state in which they are located and are generally less expensive than private colleges. However, the low rates are normally available only to residents of the state.

However, Bermudians, considered non-residents, usually pay higher rates. These school may also may have limited financial aid funds for students.

Private colleges and universities, on the other hand, are funded through endowments, tuition, and donations.

The cost of attending a private college is usually higher than a public university, but don’t rule private school out only because of cost!

Private colleges often offer financial aid options that make their cost feasible.

For the most part, colleges only offer bachelor’s degrees, while universities offer master’s degrees and doctorates. That does not necessarily mean that a college is inferior to a university. Some colleges put a greater emphasis on teaching undergraduates where professors at universities can sometimes be more focused on their graduate students and their own research.Vocational training schoolsOften privately owned and operated, these schools that offer a wide variety of training options, such as computer technology, cosmetology, mechanical repair, court reporting, paralegal services, office administration and medical assistance.

Vocational courses can take from five to 12 months to as much as three years to complete and these facilities usually have open admissions, which means they will admit all students interested in attending. To find out more about the options available to you, contact your school counsellor about guidebooks and literature on schools, admission requirements, and financial aid.