U.S. Educational System

The United States does not have a national school system. Nor, with the exception of the military academies, are there schools run by the federal government. But the government provides guidance and funding for federal educational programs in which both public and private schools take part, and the U.S. Department of Education oversees these programs.

In the United States, a college is an institution of higher learning that offers courses in related subjects. A liberal arts college, for example, offers courses in literature, languages, history, philosophy, and the sciences, while a business college offers courses in accounting, investment, and marketing. Many colleges are independent and award bachelor's degrees to those completing a program of instruction that typically takes four years. But colleges can also be components of universities. A large university typically comprises several colleges, graduate programs in various fields, one or more professional schools (for example, a law school or a medical school), and one or more research facilities. (Americans often use the word "college" as shorthand for either a college or a university.)

Every state has its own university, and some states operate large networks of colleges and universities. Some cities also have their own public universities. In many areas, junior or community colleges provide a bridge between secondary school and four-year colleges for some students. In junior colleges, students can generally complete their first two years of college courses at low cost and remain close to home. Unlike public elementary and secondary schools, public colleges and universities usually charge tuition. 

Contact Information

EducationUSA Advising Center
Educational Advisor: Abderrahmane Boussoufa
Email: EducationUSA-Algiers@state.gov.
www.EducationUSA.state.gov
www.EducationUSA-mena.org

Standardized Testing Websites

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests (SAT)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
• General Management Admission Council (GMAT)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
• Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT)
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• United States Licensure for International Dentists (ADA)
• Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC)
• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• General Educational Development (GED)

Accreditation

• Explanation of Accreditation in the USA (ED.gov)
• US Department of Education Accredited Colleges/Universities/Career/Trade Schools Database (OPE.ED.gov)
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Database of Institutions & Programs Accredited by Recognized US Accrediting Organizations

College/University Research

Search a variety of online databases to find colleges and universities that match your interests. Visit their home pages to get more detailed information.

Please note that not all colleges and universities found in online databases are accredited by one of the regional or national accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To verify if a school is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, go to the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) databases listed above under Accreditation.

• EducationUSA
• Study in the USA
• Peterson's Educational Portal
• The College Board
• College Source
• College View
• American Association of Community Colleges
• American Universities
• Web U.S. Higher Education

Rankings

• America's Best Graduate Schools 2007
• America's Best Colleges 2007
• Education and Social Science Library

English Language Programs

• American Association of Intensive English Programs
• Intensive English USA -Institute of International Education
• University & College Intensive English Programs

Financial Aid and Scholarship

• The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
• Fast Aid