It’s college tour time and parents and students are exploring all the options for the next step in their lives. As they tour, they will begin to wonder, what are the differences between a college and university? Many people think that the term college means a private school and that a university is state-funded. Others believe that you receive a better education at a university as opposed to a college. In actuality, the differences between a college vs. university can be harder than you think to define.

Multiple schools may meet your undergraduate and graduate expectations, but it can be helpful to know which degree programs ate the best fit for you. Whether you are an international student trying to choose an undergraduate or graduate program in the United States, or prospective students curious about the difference between colleges and universities, read on to answer any questions you may have during your school search.

What is the difference between a college and a university?

College vs. University

A smaller institution that usually offers undergraduate degrees is considered a college. There are even community colleges and junior colleges that provide students with two-year degrees. Most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s degrees with some also offering associate degrees. Colleges offer many degree programs. If you have a particular college in mind you can check out their undergraduate education. Many colleges offer high-quality education

Liberal arts colleges focus on the humanities, arts, social sciences, and natural sciences
Community college offers associate’s degrees and certificates and can be the starting point for future education

In contrast, an institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees is considered a university. They offer undergraduate programs that will lead a student towards a master’s degree or a doctorate. They also can have a medical or law school for those pursuing professional degrees in those fields. Sometimes, they even have these great programs that allow you to get both your undergraduate and your graduate degree in a shorter amount of time. Universities offer a more diverse curriculum and programs because they have a much larger number of enrolled students. Not all universities are large, though that is often the thought. Many universities have research opportunities. If you are interested in producing research, a larger university may have more to offer. There are both public and private universities. A liberal arts school can be either a college or university.

Undergraduate teaching can be excellent at colleges and universities. Either a college, a community college, or a larger university offers undergraduate degrees, financial aid, and general education courses.

History of the Two Terms

During the Middle English period, between 1250 CE and 1300 CE, the term university appeared and is older than the word college which did not appear for another 50 to 150 years. They both have Latin origins – universities (guild, corporation, society) and Collegium (club, community, society).

How does a university receive its classification?

Before a college can receive a university status, it must meet a few requirements for at least five years:

Organization – It must have graduate degree programs and associated programs plus they must be separate from the undergraduate program and the entire organization itself. It must also have staff that has the primary responsibility for administering the graduate and professional programs.

Program – It must have an undergraduate studies program that leads to a bachelor’s degree in a wide range of academic subjects plus graduate degrees that lead to advanced degrees in a minimum of three different academic or professional fields.

Resources – It must be able to financially support its graduate and professional programs and have the facilities and equipment required to exhibit the level of work needed in both.

Accreditation – It must be accredited and depending on the state, possibly licensed and incorporated within the state.

Universities have evolved into large, widespread institutions with different academic programs that serve a broad range of students throughout the United States and around the world.

Graduate Programs

On occasion, there is a blurry line between a college and a university; this can happen when a college offers graduate programs in a few areas. St. Joseph’s College in New York offers education, creative writing, and graduate business programs as does the College of William & Mary. These institutions prefer to remain a college because of tradition. They have been a college for so long; it would be upsetting to students and alumni to change their name now. Union College in Ohio considered changing their name to the University of Mt. Union but abandoned the idea among protest from the alumni. College and university can be higher education institutions and offer exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs.

Origins of the Terms

Depending on what country you are in, the difference between college and university are how the terms are used differently. In the United States, the two terms are used interchangeably, and both mean a school at the postsecondary level. Otherwise, the term university usually means a large institution that offers graduate and doctorate programs while college means undergraduate degrees or associate degrees.

In the United Kingdom, colleges are schools found with a university and they do not award degrees or are a part of the program that the university used to award a degree. Colleges can even be something other than a learning institution and can be related to the facilities or accommodations in a university. Sometimes, the term college will refer to a secondary education institution where students can earn advanced qualifications.

In Canada, the term college will usually refer to vocational, artistic, technical and scientific third state education. There is also a term in Canada of University college which means a college that is not recognized as being completely independent the same way as a university is.

In Australia, the term college means secondary education and is not commonly used for specific vocational schools or schools inside a university. The term faculty is more often used instead of college at the third level of education.

Harvard University versus Harvard College

A perfect example is comparing Harvard University and Harvard College. Harvard College has a four-year program for students looking to get their bachelor’s degree with about 6,500 students. Harvard University encompasses Harvard College and ten other schools that offer both graduate and professional programs.

Each of the graduate and professional schools runs independently, but they are still part of the same university. They keep their admissions offices and teaching and research faculty separate, and they do not offer any undergraduate programs.

Columbia College vs Columbia University

During your school search, you may come across a higher education institution with similar names! For example, Columbia College is a private liberal arts college in Missouri. Columbia University is an Ivy League university in New York. Another example of this would be Boston University and Boston College. It may surprise you to know their acceptance rate and their school rankings are pretty similar, however, enrollment is much larger at BU.

Community Colleges

If the cost of a college education has you worried, consider starting your undergraduate degree at a local community college. Community colleges may have fewer program offerings than a four-year college. Can international students attend a community college? Yes, community colleges have an open enrollment possibility, making it possible for prospective international students to attend.

Which Should I Choose?

Depending on the student and their needs, one of the two is a better choice for them. Many people have the idea that going to a university is better than going to a college. Both are equal academically, but if the student prefers a school with a wider choice of classes and programs, a university may be a better fit. If the student prefers small-sized classes and being able to interact more with their professors, a college might be a better option. Whether you go to Yale University or Columbia College, undergraduate students and graduate students and even prospective international students can find the school that will be the best fit.

Remember, the name of the school is less important than whether the school is a good fit for you personally. Decide what you want from your college experience and then choose a college or university that fits that ideal.

School Rankings

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

What is the Difference Between College and University?