The structure of education in the United States (differ)1 notably from that in most countries. While (education)2 systems in many areas of the world are national in character and centralized in control, education in the United States is decentralized and diversified. Each state has developed a system of public schools and a system of chartering and regulating private schools.
(High)3 education is the term used in the States for formal education beyond the twelve years of elementary and secondary school and includes the instruction offered at colleges and universities. In everyday speech, the terms "college" and "university" are used interchangeably. However, there is a distinction. The US college (have)4 no exact counterpart in the educational system of any other country. There are many colleges that stay alone as undergraduate institutions. Most colleges award the bachelor's (4-year) degree, also some may award the associate's (2-year) degree. The university (be)5 the outgrowth and (expand)6 of the college. A university is made up of a group of schools that include a four-year undergraduate liberal arts college, graduate schools, and professional schools.
The financial support for US higher education derives from a number of different sources. "Public" colleges and universities (finance)7 primarily by state, county, or city governments or by a combination of several levels, and they are subject to (government)authority. "Private" institutions, which number almost half of the total, (govern)8 by their own boards of trustees and are supported largely by private individuals or groups or religious organizations.
Institutions of higher education (control)9 by governing boards of trustees or regents and headed by a president or chancellor, who is assisted by deans. The dean of academic affairs in a small institution or the dean of the college or school in a multi-unit university has general authority over the curriculum and degree (require)10. Colleges and schools are organized into (differ)11 departments for each field of study: an English department, a history department, and so on, and each unit is headed by a chairperson who is a senior member of the teaching staff.
In the United States, (recognize)12 of institutions of higher education and of certain specialized programs is achieved by means of a voluntary and continuous process known as accreditation. In order to maintain accreditation, they must demonstrate (periodical)13 that they are continuing to meet or exceed established standards. Accreditation is granted by recognized relevant accrediting bodies that have no affiliation with the US government.
Admission to a college or university is considered a privilege and not aright. Each institution establishes (admit)14policies consistent with its level and mission. Some are (high)15competitive; others less so, but admission in all classes is based on an (appraise)16 of the applicant's past grades, completion of prerequisite courses, scores on (enter)17 exams, and other personal factors. Letters of (refer)18 from past teachers play an important role. Undergraduate admission is usually centralized, while graduate students are admitted only with the consent of the department in which they will study.
In contrast to the public education at the elementary and secondary levels, higher education is not free of charge. The student must (pay)19 tuition fees, room and board, books and materials, as well as research and thesis expenses. Computer centers and sporting grounds are free of charge in many universities.
Today, grants, loans and other financial aid are provided by the federal and state governments, as well as by other (independence)20 agencies and by the colleges themselves. The majority of American students entering college make application to receive some form of financial assistance.
