College vs University: What's the Difference?
We’re frequently asked why some schools are called colleges while others are referred to as universities. Not only is that confusing, but some also have very similar names. For instance, you may have heard of Boston College and Boston University, which are two different schools. But Harvard College and Harvard University are part of the same institution, making the issue even more puzzling.
Are Colleges and Universities the Same?
Colleges and universities are similar, since they’re both secondary institutions of higher learning. But there are a few differentiators.
Degrees Offered
One significant difference is that most colleges only offer undergraduate degrees. This refers to a two-year (associate’s) or four-year (bachelor’s) degree.
Universities, on the other hand, typically offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Graduate degrees include master’s degrees and doctorates, such as PhDs, MDs, JDlaw degrees and other higher-level options. Of course, there are some exceptions to this.
For instance, Dartmouth College offers graduate degrees even though it’s still called “College.” When Dartmouth was originally founded in 1769, it only offered undergraduate degrees. But in 1819, in a case before the Supreme Court, some stakeholders attempted to change the school’s name to Dartmouth University, which a judge denied. Therefore, even after the school started offering graduate degrees, the name remained Dartmouth College.
Similarly, Columbia College in South Carolina offers graduate degrees, but it would be difficult for the school to change its name to Columbia University since there is a well-known school with that same name in New York City.
Size and Offerings
Many universities are larger-sized and made up of multiple colleges within them. For instance, Harvard College is the undergraduate school within the larger Harvard University. In fact, some big state universities have dozens of colleges within them. The University of Tennessee, for example, is home to several colleges within it, such as the Herbert College of Agriculture and the Haslam College of Business.
While colleges are typically smaller than universities, there are exceptions to that as well. For instance, more than 9,000 students attend the College of William and Mary, making it a bigger-sized college. Yet only about 600 students attend Alaska Pacific University, making it a very small university.
Community College vs University
Community colleges are institutions of higher education that typically offer two-year associate’s degrees, whereas universities offer four-year bachelor’s degrees, in addition to graduate-level degrees.
Community colleges, which are located in communities across the United States, may also offer occupational certificates and credentials in very specific vocational areas, in addition to providing associate’s degrees. For instance, a community college may offer an associate’s degree in math, but it might also offer courses to work toward earning a cosmetology license. The specific offerings depend on the community college itself.
College or University: Which Is Right for You?
There’s no “right” option that applies to everyone. The best fit for your higher education choice will depend on your specific goals, interests, academic abilities, and geographic preferences.
“One of the differences students often notice is that professors at colleges tend to be more focused on undergraduate teaching, while professors at larger universities may divide their time between teaching, research, and graduate students,” says Jodi Siegel, a college admissions consultant with College Bound.
It’s challenging to summarize the pros and cons of colleges and universities since each is so different from the next. But based on the fact that many universities are bigger and have more comprehensive offerings than many colleges, the following may help you review some general differences.
A college might be a better fit if you:
Prefer smaller classes and more personal attention
Want a strong focus on teaching
Value a tight-knit campus community
A university might be a better fit if you:
Want access to a wide variety of majors and programs that you can take across multiple schools or colleges.
Are interested in research opportunities Ae
Plan to pursue a graduate or professional degree
Prefer a larger, more dynamic campus environment
Want the flexibility to explore academic paths across a wide range of disciplines
While many people believe the likelihood of participating in research is stronger at large universities, that’s not always the case. “Research opportunities can often be stronger at smaller liberal arts colleges,” says Chloe Rothstein, a college admissions consultant with College Bound.
“Because these institutions typically do not have graduate students, undergraduates can often access research opportunities earlier in their academic careers,” she advises. “In addition, the absence of graduate students can allow undergraduates to engage more deeply in research projects, often taking on responsibilities and roles that graduate students might be more likely to have at larger universities."
Similar misconceptions surround the topic of how well a college will prepare a student for graduate school. "In our initial sessions, parents sometimes believe that if their child plans to pursue a professional degree after college, they would be better served by attending a university for their undergraduate education,” Rothstein says. “However, this is not necessarily the case.”
For example, she notes, “many pre-med students can receive stronger, more personalized letters of recommendation at smaller institutions, where faculty have greater opportunity to get to know their students through smaller classes and lab settings — often beginning earlier in their academic careers."
It’s a good idea to speak to your high school counselor or a qualified college admissions consultant to develop your college list. They can help you select the best fit schools that suit your interests and goals.
Interested in getting professional help to select which colleges and universities you should apply to? Email College Bound’s experts today or contact us using the form below.