College vs. University: Are They the Same?

Students can earn degrees at both colleges and universities, but the two aren't exactly the same. Learn more about the differences between colleges and universities.

Colleges and universities are both types of higher education, and students can earn bachelor's degrees from either one. However, there are some key differences to keep in mind as you're deciding where you want to study.

Keep reading as we break down the differences between colleges and universities.

Is a University the Same as a College?

Colleges and universities aren't the same, but they're more similar than they are different. Both can be public or private, and both offer degrees, but there are some slight differences between them.

Universities nearly always offer both undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees, while colleges primarily offer undergraduate degrees.

Some colleges offer a few graduate degrees, but often students who have completed their bachelor's degree will need to transfer to a university to earn a graduate degree like a master's or doctorate degree.

Additionally, universities are often highly research-focused and offer more research opportunities to graduate students, while colleges may do some research but not nearly the same amount.

There is often also a key difference in size. Colleges are usually smaller institutions, and universities are usually larger institutions.

The majority of universities are public or state universities, while the majority of colleges are private, except for community colleges.

However, it's important to note that there are no specific rules for what constitutes a college or university. As a result, some institutions are called colleges that fit the criteria of a university better and vice versa.

What Are the Academic Differences Between a College and a University?

There are a few different academic differences between colleges and universities. First, universities typically offer a broader range of degree options than colleges do.

This is partially because they generally offer more graduate degrees, but also because they have a larger student body and more funding, and are therefore able to offer degrees in a wider variety of subjects.

Academic rigor can vary greatly in colleges and universities. In general, universities tend to be more rigorous, and many of the institutions that are the most difficult to get into, like Harvard and other Ivy League institutions, are universities.

However, many universities aren't too difficult, and many colleges are extremely academically challenging.

What Is a Community College?

Community colleges and other two-year colleges that offer associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and vocational training programs are:

Some may offer a small number of bachelor's degrees, but this isn't common.

Associate degrees are a type of undergraduate degree. They usually require around 60 credit hours and take about two years of full-time study to complete.

Many students choose to attend community college to complete their first two years of education and earn an associate degree, then transfer those credits into a four-year college or university.

There are particular financial and enrollment advantages for high school graduates and adult learners at community colleges, which is why many students choose to start there and then transfer.

These institutions often have lower tuition costs and also higher acceptance rates, making it easier for students to attend. Many also offer online programs for busy adult students.

Types of Degree Programs at Colleges Vs. Universities

Colleges usually offer undergraduate degrees, which are associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. They may occasionally offer some graduate degrees.

Universities, meanwhile, offer undergraduate degrees as well as graduate degrees, which are master's degrees and doctoral degrees.

Bachelor's degrees are the most common type of degree for undergraduate students. They require around 120 college credits and usually take around four years of full-time study to complete.

Master's degrees are the first type of postgraduate degree. They usually require around 30 credits and can take anywhere from one to three years to complete depending on the program. A bachelor's is usually required to enter a master's program.

Doctorate degrees are the second type of advanced degree. They may be career-focused or research-based and often take several years of study. A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum required, but a master's degree is usually necessary.

Many colleges are focused on specific fields of study. For example, liberal arts colleges are focused primarily on the humanities like:

Art
English
Foreign languages
Social science

Universities, meanwhile, are more likely to have a variety of specialized colleges and departments within them. A college of engineering within a university would be focused on engineering, while a college of public health would be focused on public health.

However, some universities are focused on specific areas. For example, technical institutes are primarily focused on:

Science
Technology
Engineering
Math

Financial Aid for Higher Education

U.S. universities and colleges can have high tuition costs, and college students and high school students need to know what to expect.

Private universities and colleges are, on average, more expensive than public institutions. Additionally, undergraduate education is less expensive than graduate education.

Several financial aid options are available to students, including:

Grants and scholarships are types of financial aid that are gifted to students for things like academics, athletics, or financial need. They do not need to be paid back except in specific circumstances, like if you don't complete your program.

Student loans, on the other hand, must be repaid, often with interest. Most students try to receive as many grants and scholarships as possible to reduce the amount they need to take out in student loans.

In work-study programs, students usually take part-time jobs at the college or university they attend or at a partnering business to help pay for their tuition.

If you're an international student studying in America, check with your college or university to find out what types of financial aid are available to you.

Should I Attend a College or University?

There are several things you should consider when determining which type of school you want to attend. These include:

The type of college experience you want: Colleges usually offer smaller class sizes and a more intimate atmosphere, while larger universities are often bustling and more lively with a greater range of student populations. That said, there are small and large colleges and small and large universities.
Your budget: Public universities are usually less expensive than liberal arts colleges. They're also more likely to have a greater variety of financial aid options.
Whether you're planning to pursue graduate study: While you can transfer from a college to a university, some find it easier to attend the same university for undergrad and graduate school.
The types of activities that interest you: Colleges are more likely to have a smaller range of activities, while universities often have a greater variety of clubs and academics.
The field of study that interests you and your career goals: Some types of programs, especially STEM programs and those that are research-heavy, are more likely to be offered by universities, while some colleges are better for more focused programs like teaching or nursing.

Again, keep in mind that every college and university is different. You may find some large colleges with a variety of programs and some small universities with limited extracurricular options.

FAQs About Colleges & Universities

Here are some common frequently asked questions about colleges and universities.

What Is the Difference Between a Liberal Arts College and a University?

Liberal arts colleges are four-year colleges that primarily offer undergraduate programs focused on the liberal arts and sciences. They are usually private.

Universities may also offer liberal arts programs, but usually offer a wider variety of programs, are larger, and while they may be private, public universities are more common.

Does College Count as a University?

In many situations, college counts as a university, especially if you earned a bachelor's degree.

Can You Transfer From a Community College to a University?

In most cases, so long as the community college is regionally accredited and your grades are acceptable, it's easy to transfer from a community college to a university.

Choose A College Or University Today

Colleges are usually smaller, more focused institutions, while universities are larger with a greater variety of programs. With the guide above, you can determine whether a college or university is best for you.