In the United States, “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably to describe post-secondary education institutions. However, they’re actually different. Colleges usually only offer undergraduate degrees, while universities grant advanced degrees, including master’s, Ph.Ds, and professional certificates. If you’re pursuing higher education after high school, here are some differences between colleges and universities you need to know.
What is a college?
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A college is a postsecondary education institution that offers undergraduate degrees, such as associates and bachelors. These can include community colleges, or 2-year schools, and 4-year colleges.
Liberal arts colleges require students to take general education courses, which gives students a solid core before pursuing their major. While less common, there are research-centric colleges.
What Is a University?
A university is a higher education school that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, such as masters, Ph.Ds, and professional certificates. All universities have “colleges,” which is specifically for undergraduate students.
Universities might be research-focused, liberal arts-focused, or offer both types of programs equally. They often have several different schools on campus that focus on specific subjects, such as medicine, law, business, or engineering.
For example, Harvard University’s undergraduates attend Harvard College. Graduates might then attend Harvard Law School or Harvard Business School to earn higher degrees.
College Vs. University
Colleges and universities are found all over the United States, in rural areas to city centers. They can be private or public.
Understanding the difference between colleges and universities can help you determine the best school for your education and career goals. While these aren’t strict guidelines, here are some trends you might notice when comparing the two:
Student Body Sizes
In most cases, colleges have a smaller student body compared to universities, resulting in smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning experience. Universities might have small classes and strong student-to-faculty ratios, but many classes are hosted in lecture halls with a lot of students.
Academic Programs and Focuses
Universities often offer more academic programs than colleges. Colleges tend to focus on learning and liberal arts, while universities usually place a bigger emphasis on research. Universities can also offer professional programs for undergraduates to better prepare them for graduate school.
Students attending a liberal arts college or university need to take general education courses, while research programs dive right into the content.
Campus Size and Resources
College campuses tend to have less acreage than universities, which makes it easier to get from your dorm room to your class. However, this also means that there is less space for research centers, libraries, and other facilities. Universities with larger budgets will also have more advanced facilities compared to smaller colleges and universities.
Diversity
Since universities tend to be larger, they are often more diverse compared to colleges. Students come from all over the country and globe to attend. As a result, universities have more clubs, organizations, and program options.
Tuition and Related Costs
Colleges, especially community colleges, are often less expensive than universities. Attending a community college instead of a 4-year school or university can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
However, private universities usually have larger endowment programs in comparison, which makes higher education more affordable. Some students might even qualify for a full ride if they have high enough grades and a demonstrated financial need.
Should You Attend a College or a University?
When comparing the two, think about your personal goals and preferences. There’s no right or wrong answer.
You should attend a college if you want a personalized experience in the classroom, a more intimate campus, and a lower cost. You might want to go to a 4-year college if you’re not sure about your education goals after your bachelor’s degree. Consider attending a community college if your desired career path only requires an associates or if you want to save significantly on costs. You can always transfer to a 4-year school later.
Universities are ideal for students who want to focus on research, a diverse community, a large, bustling campus, and more undergraduate program options. You might also want to attend a university if you’re planning on advancing your education beyond a bachelors, or if you require a large grant or scholarship in order to earn your degree.
Keep in mind that the differences between the two aren’t written in stone. You’ll find plenty of universities that have smaller campuses and intimate class sizes. You’ll also find colleges with research focuses and large endowment programs. You can always attend a university after attending a 4-year college, too.
It’s more important to find the right school for you – whether that’s a college or a university. College Raptor makes it easy to compare your options and discover the institutions that meet your needs, wants, and goals. Use College Match today for free to get started.
