I'm a junior, and I'm starting to look at potential colleges to apply to next year, but I'm a little overwhelmed by the options. Does anyone know about how many universities are there in the US? I'm just curious to know just how many options I have.
Well, the exact number tends to fluctuate a bit due to colleges opening, closing, or merging, but as of now, there are approximately 5,000 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States. This number includes both 2-year institutions and 4-year universities. However, if we focus only on 4-year universities, the number drifts around 3,000.
Keep in mind, though, that not all of these will be relevant to your particular situation, as factors like location, size, available majors, and the competitiveness of admission can significantly narrow down the list of schools you might want to apply to. Make sure you consider all your personal preferences and academic needs as you start exploring possibilities. Happy hunting!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.