What is meant by university and college?
As soon as you start exploring your post-secondary options for higher education, getting confused between universities and colleges is natural. While the terms are often used interchangeably, a college and university do have key differences that students should be aware of. If you are also looking to understand what is the difference between college and university, then you need to understand what each of these terms means.
Colleges tend to be smaller in size as compared to universities and they usually focus on undergraduate education. On the other hand, universities offer a wider range of educational programs and courses that include both graduate and undergraduate degrees. Moreover, a university can be home to multiple colleges that are part of the campus or may function outside or off campus as well.
Let us now take a look at the elements and features that make colleges and universities different from each other.
Key differences between university and college
Below is a list of key differences between a college and a university. Knowing what is the difference between college and university can help you decide which type of educational institution best fits your academic aspirations.
| College | University |
|---|---|
| Focuses on undergraduate studies | Offers a wide range of courses including graduate and undergraduate programs |
| Smaller in size and student population | Larger in size with a diverse student population |
| Offers limited facilities due to restricted space and resources | Offers a plethora of facilities like research labs and libraries |
| The fee structure is generally lesser compared to a university | Due to the multiple facilities and programs offered to students, universities are more expensive |
| Faculty primarily consists of teaching professionals | The faculty consists of both teaching and research faculty |
| Offers students undergraduate and associate degrees only | Offers students graduate degrees and postgraduate degrees that lead to a master’s or a PhD |
| Collaborations with industries for internships | Collaborations with industries for internships, research and grants |
Confused about whether to choose a college or university for higher education? Book a free counselling session now and get answers to all your queries.
Different types of colleges and universities
Now that we know what it means by uni and college. Let us take a look at the different types of colleges and universities available for students to pursue their higher education.
| Colleges | Universities |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts Colleges | Public Universities |
| Technical & Vocational Colleges | Private Universities |
| Community Colleges | Ivy League Universities |
| Art & Design Colleges | Russell Group Universities |
| Military Colleges | Open Universities |
Also read: Difference between school, college and university in UK
The difference between universities and colleges depends on several factors like academic structure, degree offering, and research emphasis. Choosing between the two should depend on your educational preferences, career goals as well as your budget.
If you need expert guidance and need to understand how to apply to universities through Edvoy, contact Edvoy and let our expert counsellors guide you in the best direction.
