<P> 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 </P>
<P> 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 </P>
how many institutions of higher education in the us
how many institutions of higher education in the us
4,726
4,726