College vs. University: What’s the Difference?

In the U.S., “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably to describe post-secondary higher education institutions. However, there are some notable differences between colleges and universities, and understanding those differences can help students decide which type of institution to attend.

This is also essential for international students, as college and university can have different meanings in countries outside the U.S. For example, in some European countries, the term “college” refers to a middle school or high school, leading international students to disregard American colleges when considering their options for post-secondary study.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between colleges and universities, and offer guidance to help students select the type of school that’s right for them.

What Is a College?

In the U.S., a college is a two- or four-year higher education institution that awards undergraduate degrees, such as associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as post-secondary certificates. Colleges can be public, meaning they receive funding from federal and state governments to help them operate, or private, meaning their operating funds come solely from tuition, endowments, donations, and investments.

Colleges tend to operate on a smaller scale than universities, catering to smaller student populations, offering fewer programs of study, and focusing exclusively on undergraduate education. Although there are exceptions, it’s rare to find colleges that offer master’s or doctoral programs.

There are several types of colleges that students may encounter when exploring their options for post-secondary education. They include:

• Community, technical, and junior colleges: These types of colleges typically focus on associate, diploma, and certificate programs. They serve recent high school graduates who want to prepare for entry-level employment or earn college credits before transferring to a four-year college or university, as well as adult learners who want to develop new skills, prepare for a career change, or explore a new area of study. Most of these institutions are public, although some technical and junior colleges may operate privately.

• Vocational and career colleges: Students who want to learn a trade or prepare for a specific career track may seek a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from a vocational or career college. Most of these institutions are private, and many operate for-profit. A vocational or career college is an ideal option for students who want to learn the necessary skills to pursue a highly skilled job in a minimal amount of time.

• Liberal arts colleges: These institutions, which are typically private, focus on liberal arts and humanities subjects such as English, visual and performing arts, social sciences, foreign languages, and natural sciences. They emphasize the development of critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, with a holistic approach to education. Liberal arts colleges are known for small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unique cultural opportunities for students.

• Bible and Christian colleges: For students seeking a post-secondary education grounded in religious and spiritual perspectives, attending a Bible or Christian college may be an ideal option. These private colleges offer a range of different areas of study, including education, counseling, social work, and more, but curriculums exist in a theological framework based on the specific denomination or religious group that operates the institution. Students who attend a Christian or Bible college may have opportunities for volunteer or service experiences and may be required to adhere to a specific code of conduct.

What Is a University?

Universities, which can be public or private, are four-year institutions that award both undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. They are larger than colleges in terms of scale, scope, and enrollment.

Many universities operate multiple physical locations and offer a broad range of areas of study, including niche or hard-to-find majors. By enrollment, the largest post-secondary schools in the U.S. are all public universities, including the University of Central Florida, Penn State University, Texas A&M University, University of Washington, and the University of Minnesota, all of which enroll upwards of 50,000 students. Private universities tend to be smaller, and many of the most selective colleges in the U.S. are private universities, such as Harvard University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, and California Institute of Technology.

Universities can offer students a wide variety of opportunities for networking, internships, athletic programs, and extracurricular activities. They also tend to emphasize research, making them an attractive option for students interested in new and developing fields such as artificial intelligence, computer and information technology, cybersecurity, and software engineering. This emphasis also attracts top professionals and experts in their respective fields who teach at universities as they conduct their research.

What is a college within a university?

Because universities tend to be large, with multiple academic departments and divisions, many operate with an infrastructure of having distinct colleges or schools underneath the umbrella of the university. This structure helps large universities function more efficiently and serve students better.

For example, New York University comprises 15 individual colleges, schools, and institutes, including Rory Meyers College of Nursing, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Tisch School of the Arts, and the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Differences Between Colleges and Universities

How To Choose the College or University That’s Right For You

Clarify education and career needs and goals

Before searching for a post-secondary education institution, reflecting on your specific educational needs and aspirations is helpful, as this may inform what type of institution you want to attend.

For example, if you’re seeking a master’s or degree, you’ll want to focus your search on universities, as these types of schools offer graduate degrees. Meanwhile, students who want to earn an associate degree will likely concentrate on community colleges, which offer affordable, high-quality two-year programs.

Another factor to consider is whether you will attend school in person or online. Both colleges and universities offer online programs, but as with in-person courses, the experience may differ depending on the type of institution. For example, universities like the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland have extensive online programs catering to thousands of students worldwide. A small liberal arts college that offers online programs may be better positioned to provide online students with more personalized attention and support.

It’s also important to remember that a school’s status may not matter. Quality degree programs are available from both types of institutions, so students should remain open to exploring both types of institutions, at least at this early stage.

Research universities and colleges

Once you’ve identified your specific needs and priorities, you can research institutions.

Whether you’re exploring colleges, universities, or both, it’s essential to confirm that the school is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for providing high-quality education. Only students enrolled at accredited schools can be considered for federal financial aid. A school’s accreditation status can also affect future employment and educational opportunities for students. Both colleges and universities can be accredited.

Most key information about colleges and universities, including programs of study, curriculums, faculty, tuition costs, financial aid, and admissions requirements, is available on school websites.

Students can also contact program representatives and admissions counselors to ask questions directly or participate in in-person or virtual open houses and information sessions to learn more.

Review admissions requirements and eligibility criteria

Each college and university sets its own admission requirements and processes, so gather this information for each school you consider attending. Review this information to be sure you have all the necessary application materials and meet all the eligibility criteria for the school and your program of interest. Contact the school’s admissions office if you have questions.

The type of institution may impact how selective the school is. For example, community colleges are designed to make higher education accessible for a wide range of learners and, therefore, may have a simpler application process and minimal eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, renowned universities like the University of California – Berkeley and Yale University can be highly selective, with rigorous application and eligibility requirements.

Determine your budget for paying for school

While a school’s status as a college or university can affect the cost of a degree, other important factors also play a role. These include whether a school is public or private and whether it is a for-profit or non-profit institution. When researching schools, students gather information about their tuition and fees and what type of financial aid is available to them.

Plan on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine students’ eligibility for need-based financial aid like student loans, grants, work-study, scholarships, and assistantships. Many schools and external organizations offer merit-based aid for high-achieving students, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

Students working while earning their degree can inquire about employer tuition assistance benefits, while veterans or active-duty military members should explore tuition discounts and the GI Bill. benefits