There are many different types of schools out there: Colleges, Universities, Trade Schools, and more... Each one offers different kinds of programs that take varying amounts of time to complete. Universities - Universities are usually larger schools that offer a wide variety of programs. Colleges - Colleges are smaller schools that offer a wide variety of programs which usually take a shorter time to complete. Trade and Technical Schools - Trade schools typically offer specialized training in a specific trade or vocation. Others - Other schools such as distance education and correspondence schools give you alternative ways to complete a program.