College vs. University: 10 Differences You Should Know

When exploring institutions of higher education, it’s important to understand key terms. While often used interchangeably in the U.S., the terms college vs. university certainly have their distinctions. Furthermore, these distinctions play a bigger role outside of the U.S. In fact, a college or university in one country may offer a different type of education than it does in another. For this reason, international students may not know exactly what a college or university in the U.S. actually is.

In the U.S., there are several key distinctions between college vs. university. However, both refer to higher education. In short, “college” refers to an institution that only grants undergraduate degrees. On the other hand, “university” refers to an institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

In this College vs. University article, we will discuss these terms more in depth and what they mean for you. We’ll explore: 

• Important differences between a college vs. university
• Different types of colleges and types of universities
• How colleges and universities are similar
• Whether a few Ivy League schools are colleges or universities
• How to navigate college vs. university rankings
• Choosing the best college or university for you!

Before we get into the nuances of what a college vs. university is, let’s start with the application process.

Applying to College or University

When it comes to applying to a college or university, there isn’t much of a difference. That means different types of colleges and universities will follow a similar process.

Navigating the application process

In general, you’ll start the application process for a college or university the summer before your senior year of high school. Of course, you might have been preparing for years–the earlier you start, the better! However, if you haven’t started yet, the first thing you’ll want to do is begin researching schools.

When considering college vs. university in the U.S., the name of the school matters much less than its educational offerings. Think about what interests you in conjunction with your future goals, and make a college list from there. Whether it’s a college or university may not be a big factor for you, unless you’re planning on graduate studies. 

Typically, regular application deadlines will be due between November and January. Early applications will be due sooner, and some schools continue to accept applications much later. Before your deadlines, you’ll need to prepare all of your application materials. This includes completing the online application, requesting your high school transcript, writing essays, and soliciting letters of recommendations. 

Regardless of if you are applying to a college or university, most schools in the U.S. use a holistic evaluation process. This means that they look at your application as a whole. So, to impress a college admissions team at a college or university, you’ll need to craft a well rounded application. 

In summary, when thinking about college vs. university, the application process to either is quite similar. However, schools may have their own specific requirements. So, no matter the college or university, always check the specific and current information found on their website. The application process can also be time consuming, so make sure you start early to meet all of your deadlines! 

Is a College and a University the same thing?

The difference between college and university depends on where you live. In the U.S., the terms college or university are often used interchangeably. However, there are some differences between the two. 

There are many types of colleges, as well as different types of universities. As previously stated, colleges offer undergraduate degrees while universities offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

Normally, universities have larger student bodies and colleges tend to be smaller schools. Universities are often committed to research, while many colleges offer a liberal arts education. However, there are plenty of types of colleges and universities that offer a myriad of courses of study. Your dream school may very well be a college or university, and neither is better than the other.

So, to answer the above question: no, a college and a university are not the same. But, here in the U.S., they are quite similar. When students build their college lists, they need to consider more than simply whether its name includes college or university. Liberal arts colleges vs. university or private universities vs. public universities are more important factors to consider. That means finding your dream school will require you to understand what you want from your college experience! 

Now, let’s take a closer look at the key characteristics of a college vs. university.

What defines a University?

As we mentioned, there are some slight differences between colleges and universities. So, let’s check out what defines a university. 

Additionally, there are types of universities that actually have their own colleges or schools. For example, the University of Pennsylvania has 12 different schools in which you could study. 

Overall, a university will offer its students different opportunities than a college. Think about what’s important to you when debating college vs. university. 

What are the types of Universities?

The differences between liberal arts colleges vs. university may be apparent. However, there are also different types of universities. Let’s take a look at the types of universities you might encounter in your college search. 

Whether considering college or university, it’s important to understand these differences. Finding your dream school and impressing its college admissions team will require understanding the school as well as your interests, needs, and goals. 

Now that we’ve learned a bit more about these types of universities, let’s turn our attention to colleges. 

What defines a College?

When considering the college vs. university definition, we have to understand both terms individually. So, let’s dive into defining what a college is. Then, we’ll look at the types of colleges that might come up in your college search. 

You’ll likely notice plenty of differences when comparing schools. In particular, your study interests and your ideal campus setting will play a large role in your final decision. While it may seem difficult, it’s important to do this self-reflection. By exploring their own needs and preferences, students can create the best college lists for them. 

Exploring Different Types of Colleges

Just as there are different types of universities, there are also different types of colleges. While you may be focused on liberal arts college vs. university, there are also different types of colleges to consider. In fact, you might notice that the types of colleges are similar to the types of universities. Let’s take a look. 

Each college has its own unique offerings, just like a university. When exploring colleges, carefully think about the type of higher educational institution you see yourself at. Rather than copying anyone else’s college lists, be honest with yourself about what is most important to you.

Additionally, understanding the mission and values of the college or university you apply to is vital in the college admissions process. Students need to show they’ve done their research on each college or university by adapting each application accordingly. For example, essays for liberal arts colleges vs. university applications will have different focuses and requirements. 

Understanding the similarities between Colleges and Universities

We’ve looked at some differences when dissecting college vs. university, however, there are plenty of similarities between the two.

Whether looking at liberal arts colleges vs. university or a state college vs. university, you’ll find that these higher education institutes have more in common than not. Here are some ways in which colleges and universities are similar. 

At the start, you might have thought there would be a sharp contrast when comparing college vs. university. In reality, the two are quite similar in their basic structure and purpose: to provide a quality education to their students. 

10 Differences between College vs. University

At this point, we’ve looked at many different types of colleges and universities. We’ve also talked about some of their core similarities. Before we start considering whether colleges vs universities may be better, let’s review this list of important differences.

10 key differences between college vs. university

Size and scope. While there are plenty of types of universities, a university is generally larger than a college. Therefore, a college will typically have a smaller student population. Depending on your preferences, you’ll want to consider what size school is right for you. Will you feel more comfortable on a small or large campus? Many university campuses feel like a small town, but you may appreciate some anonymity compared to a more intimate campus.

Degree offerings. Probably one of the most important factors when comparing college vs. university is the degree programs available. At a college, you’ll usually find two- and four-year programs. In a university, you’ll find both undergraduate and graduate degree offerings. 

Academic structure. Colleges tend to have more flexible options when it comes to academic structure. For example, they may offer part-time, evening, or online classes. This is more accommodating for those students who also work part- or full-time or have other obligations. 

Campus life and resources. The larger the school, the more resources, organizations, and clubs you’ll have available to you as a student. As such, universities generally have more options. However, campus life at a large university may feel overwhelming for some. Colleges tend to have a smaller, closer campus community. 

Research opportunities. When it comes to college vs. university, one of the biggest differences is the emphasis placed on research. While you can certainly find research opportunities at a college, a university will have invested much more into their research facilities and opportunities. 

Faculty. You’ll certainly find qualified faculty at either a college or university. In this respect, the real difference will depend on what you’re expecting from your professors. At a college you might have a more personal relationship, since there are fewer students. However, at a university, you will have a wider alumni network—which may be including or apart from faculty. 

Class size. Most types of colleges offer smaller class sizes. Usually, a university will have larger class sizes. You may even find yourself in lectures of a hundred students. In this respect, you’ll want to consider what type of student to faculty ratio you want. 

Cost of attendance. This can vary and will depend more on the types of colleges or the types of universities you’re considering. For example, a public university will be more affordable than a private university. 

Prestige and reputation. In general, universities have a higher prestige and reputation. Of course this isn’t always the case. For example, Dartmouth College is an Ivy League school. 

Flexibility in program choice. Colleges often offer more flexible curriculums when it comes to part time, evening, or online class options. However, larger colleges will offer more majors and minors. Additionally a technical college will offer less program options than a liberal arts college. 

The differences in college vs. university might seem minor. Indeed, the name college or university matters less than what each individual college or university offers. Are you undecided in your course of study and enjoy personalized attention? Then you might consider a small liberal arts college initially. However, you could also find that your dream school ends up being a small liberal arts university!

Exploring various college lists is important when it comes to understanding the nuances between college vs. university. But, they should merely serve as a starting point from which to craft college lists that work for you!

And don’t forget about the college admissions process. Whether applying to a college or university, you’ll need to show what you’ll bring to campus. Reflect on who you are and what you hope to achieve through higher education. Understanding yourself and why you want to go to college will make the college admissions process easier. 

Which is better: College or University?

When deciding between college vs. university, you’ll need to consider a multitude of factors. Indeed there is no “right” choice for everyone. It is a personal decision that will depend on your academic goals, desired campus experience, and career aspirations. 

For example, if you’re interested in completing an accelerated program, where you’ll graduate with both your bachelor’s and master’s in five or six years, then you’d need to go to a university. Additionally, if research opportunities are important to you, then a university will be a good fit. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of different types of universities with different offerings. So, you’ll need to look at each school and decide if it’s for you. 

On the other hand, if you find yourself looking for a liberal arts education and are looking for a small campus, then you’d probably be most comfortable at a small liberal arts college. They offer students more personalized attention in the classroom, and many students find it easier to make friends on a smaller campus of like-minded individuals. 

When it comes to financial considerations, which are an important part of the decision-making process, consider the overall cost of attendance. It’s not necessarily cut and dry as to whether a college or university is cheaper. It all depends on the types of colleges and types of universities you’re interested in. For example, a private college may end up being less expensive than a public university if you receive scholarships or are planning to attend as an out-of-state student. 

Remember that campus visits also play a crucial role when considering college vs. university. Carefully decide which schools to visit and make sure to ask the important questions.

More Distinctions to Explore in Higher Education

Understanding the college vs. university definition is important. But, as you can see, there’s much more to the selection process. With so many types of colleges and types of universities, it’s only natural that each will have its own nuances. 

For example, when considering different types of universities, you’ll need to think about whether it’s a private university or public university. A public university will often be more affordable—namely for in-state students. A private university will likely have a higher tuition. However, a private university may offer more scholarships than a public university.

Likewise, a state college will have different offerings than a private college. However, when looking at a state college vs. university, you may be surprised to find they have more similarities than differences.

There are also plenty of alternative options beyond college vs. university. Think about more than simply attending college or university. Imagine where you see yourself in ten years. What does your ideal life look like? This can help when deciding between college vs. university, or any other post-high school option that fits your needs, goals, and preferences!

State College vs. University

Is there a difference between a state college vs. university? Not necessarily—in the United States, a state college and public university are generally considered the same thing. These schools are publicly funded institutions, meaning that their operating budgets come from their state, rather than private funds. As opposed to a private university, which may have an endowment, a public university is dependent on state funding for its budget. 

While there is no tangible difference between a state college vs. university, state school systems may differ greatly state to state. Additionally, an individual state may have more than one state school system. For example, California is home to both the University of California system and the California State University system. While both systems are publicly funded, their constituent colleges can differ in their school environment, mission, and their offerings. 

The University of California system is more research-focused and generally attracts students who are looking for a residential college experience. Many of the UCs have rigorous college admissions requirements. For example, UC Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%, which is extremely low compared to other public universities. 

The California State University system has more career-focused programs, and it’s geared more towards commuter students. The most popular majors at CSU Los Angeles include Early Childhood Education and Teaching and Criminal Justice. Such statistics show that students are often seeking to advance in their career or break into a new one.

When it comes to understanding the difference between a state college vs. university, it’s important to look beyond the name. Researching different types of colleges and universities will help you understand what’s out there and what is important to you.

Community College vs. University

Deciding to enroll in a community college vs. university can be a difficult decision to make. In general, community colleges offer 2-year programs, typically awarding associate degrees. They also allow students to complete most of their prerequisite courses—often at a low cost—before transferring to a 4-year institution.

Community colleges can be great for students who are unsure about their major or undecided on where they want to go for college. Students concerned about cost can also save a significant amount of money by enrolling in community college. As you explore different types of colleges, you’ll find costs vary greatly school to school. Community college is a great way to save on your education, especially if you can get additional scholarships before or after transferring.

Additionally, the college admissions process is a lot less stressful for community college students. This is because most community colleges accept nearly every student that applies. The types of colleges students attend after community college vary greatly, from Ivy League colleges to your local public university. 

Community colleges have a variety of other benefits. Given the high acceptance rates, they’re also helpful for students who may need to raise their GPA before pursuing a four-year degree. They often offer flexible class schedules, providing opportunities for older students and working students. Additionally, their students are at a great advantage to learn more about their local community and work towards an advanced degree. 

As you start your college search, it can be easy to write off community college as an option. As you explore schools, consider researching your local community college options. Depending on your path and needs, the differences in cost and potential work experience may make them a good choice for you.

Difference between College and University in UK

While there isn’t much of a difference between college vs. university in the United States, this isn’t the same elsewhere. For example, the United Kingdom uses these terms for specific types of learning institutions. The educational system in the United Kingdom differs greatly from the United States, and the terms “college” and “university” mean different things. 

In the UK, students first complete secondary education. Afterward, they can either explore a vocational trade or attend a college to prepare for higher education at a university. This is where the difference between a UK college vs. university comes apparent. In the UK, a “college” allows students to prepare further for higher education, referred to as “university”. A college may offer a specific certification or a specific course of study that a student may then continue at a university. 

There are various types of colleges in the UK, with different focuses and degrees. They may help prepare students for specific types of universities, or help them enter a job field right after graduation. Students interested in pursuing a higher education can then apply to university. In the UK, the college vs. university definition is much more defined than it is in the United States. 

Turning our attention back to colleges and universities in the U.S., let’s look at some top Ivy League schools and answer the question of college vs. university.

Is Harvard a College or University?

Harvard University is one of the most recognizable schools in the world. It has some of the best programs across multiple fields of study and is a top choice for many students. When discussing the differences between a college vs. university, Harvard may cause the most confusion. While technically a university, Harvard College is the official name of Harvard’s undergraduate program. 

Remember, many American schools use the word “college” to describe the various schools and programs that fall under its authority. At Harvard, the difference between college vs. university boils down to how specific you need to be. When referring to the entire school, Harvard University is the proper term. When referring to their undergraduate programs, Harvard College is correct. 

Given Harvard’s long and robust history, we can see how the phrases college or university have shifted over time. When it was established in 1636, its name was “Harvard College,” reflecting the common terminology of the day. As time went on, the usage of the terms college or university shifted and Harvard responded accordingly. Now, the distinction between college or university allows students to differentiate between the undergraduate population and the rest of the school. 

Is Yale a College or University?

Like Harvard, Yale’s designation as a college or university may cause some confusion. In the same vein, Yale University refers to the entire school, while Yale College refers to the undergraduate population. With so many types of universities, it can be hard to understand the difference between a college or university. Yale is another great example of how the terms have changed over time. 

For many students, Yale is a dream school. Its history can help us understand how the terms college or university have shifted in the United States. Founded in 1701 as Yale College, Yale officially became a university in 1887—nearly 200 years after its founding. The distinction between college vs. university reflects Yale’s growth from a single body to a campus with medical and law schools.

In both these cases, college and university offer a distinction between their undergraduate liberal arts colleges vs. university as a whole. Now, let’s look at another well-known school where this isn’t the case.

Cornell College or University?

Like Harvard and Yale, Cornell is another dream school for many students. However, unlike Harvard and Yale, the terms college vs. university have a larger importance and convey different meanings altogether.

When you say “Cornell,” you’re probably referring to Cornell University, an Ivy League school located in Ithaca, New York. However, Cornell University and Cornell College are two different schools. Cornell College is the name of a small, private four-year school located in Mount Vernon, Iowa. 

Moreover, Cornell University also has 8 “colleges” and schools within its larger university system, which may cause more confusion. For example, Cornell is home to the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Many American universities have this structure, making the distinction between college vs. university a little murky when comparing types of colleges and universities. 

As you build your college lists, it’s important to pay attention to cases like Cornell College vs. University. With so many different types of colleges and universities in the United States, there are schools with similar names except for the use of college or university. As you go through the college admissions process, be sure you know which school you’re applying to. And make sure you don’t accidentally refer to the other school in your essays.

How to choose a College or University

As you build your college lists, you may wonder if a college or university is a better fit for you. As we’ve discussed, the terms college vs. university may not completely be the same across different types of colleges. The types of colleges you’re interested in may be called college or university, so it’s important to look beyond the college vs. university definition. 

With so many types of universities available, how do you know if a college or university belongs on your list? It can be helpful to think about the types of colleges that interest you. Do you like large, or small campuses? What do you hope to study? Learning the difference between a public university and a private university can also help you build your college lists. 

While a private university may be more expensive, there may be more robust financial aid options available. Additionally, a private university may offer specific programs and resources that are hard to find elsewhere. The college admissions process may be more difficult, however. When comparing private liberal arts colleges vs. university, think seriously about what factors are most important to you. 

Building a robust college list means ensuring you have a wide variety of institutions that you plan to apply to. You may have various types of universities and colleges, ranging from a large public school to a small private college or university. Don’t feel confined to sticking to either a college or university, either. Applying to many different types of schools will ensure you have the widest range of options once acceptance letters start coming. 

Should I go to College or University?

When beginning the college admissions process, it can be hard to decide if a college or university is right for you. Indeed, the difference between college vs. university in the U.S. can be confusing and difficult to grasp.

Instead of worrying about college vs. university, look beyond a school’s name or designation. With so many types of colleges and types of universities, the name alone can’t tell you much about the school. Researching different types of colleges and universities provides in-depth insights into what each school offers.

For many students, comparing types of colleges and types of universities against each other comes down to imagining your dream school. Is it the kind of campus, student life, size, or location you feel most drawn to? Once you identify the most important factors for you, you can identify the types of colleges you like best. 

Focusing in on academics at College vs. University

Your intended major or program can help inform which schools you should consider. For example, researching the best schools for science or engineering, can help you understand what to look for in each program. If you’re undecided, looking into schools with many different academic options may be best. You can explore various majors and take classes in many different disciplines. In this case, a college or university that offers this flexibility may be more important. 

When deciding between a college or university, it can be helpful to compare the academic programs and learning environments available. In general, universities have both undergraduate and graduate programs, which may mean a larger campus. If you’re interested in graduate programs, attending a university may give you more exposure to graduate level academics as an undergraduate. 

If you prefer a smaller campus and a more focused academic environment, a college may be a better fit for you. With all their resources geared toward undergraduate students, the various types of colleges can provide more individualized attention. When comparing a college vs. university, it’s important to think about what kind of educational environment you function best in. 

With so many types of universities and colleges, it’s a hard landscape to navigate. If you’re interested in learning more about the difference between a college vs. university, there are plenty of resources available. U.S News has a great guide on the difference between a college vs. university. Forbes also has an in-depth article on applying to a college or university. If you want to learn more about the differences between liberal arts colleges vs. university, the CollegeBoard has a robust guide to different types of colleges. 

College vs. University Rankings

When comparing a college vs. university, school rankings are often the first things students search for. Rankings can be found on many different publications, and the ranking may differ source to source. In general, organizations review various different data points such as career readiness, student satisfaction, graduation rates, and affordability. These data points are compiled to produce a ranking, which are then compared against other schools. 

Many types of universities and colleges use these rankings to promote their academic programs and campuses. While some ranking lists don’t differentiate between a college vs. university (like Forbes’ list) others separate out the two types of schools. For example, U.S News has two different rankings lists: National Universities vs. Liberal Arts Colleges. When exploring the differences between a college or university, a school’s ranking may be a factor you consider. 

While rankings can be a useful tool, it may not fully reflect if a college or university is right for you. Searching liberal arts colleges vs. university may result in vastly different rankings. Consider what’s most important to your goals, and focus on finding a college or university that offers you the best opportunity to grow.  

Beyond rankings, consider the different questions you can ask yourself, or college admissions representatives, through your college search. TeenLife has many different resources on the college search process and good questions to ask when visiting colleges. Additionally, read through their college admissions resource list to prepare for the college admissions process. 

More resources on Colleges and Universities!

As you consider attending a college vs. university, there are plenty of resources to help you make a decision. Learning about general and liberal arts colleges vs. university can help you choose the best schools for you and your goals. MEFA and the ACT both have great guides on learning the difference between a college vs. university. Identifying the common traits between the schools you’re most interested in can help you learn what’s most important to you. 

As we’ve discussed, the difference between a college vs. university is much more clear outside the United States. If you’re interested in studying in a country other than the United States, you can read about higher education in the US vs. other countries, including Korea, China, India, and Singapore. Learning about different educational systems can help you hone in on what you want out of a college experience. 

In addition to international schools, learning more about specialized schools within the United States can add variety to your college list. Students interested in all women’s colleges will find a wide variety of schools across the country. Additionally, the important legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) can provide a college experience hard to find elsewhere. 

Whether you’re deciding between liberal arts colleges vs. university or are just starting your college search, CollegeAdvisor has plenty of resources to help you. Our webinar on Crafting your College List is a great place to start, as well as our guide on Virtual College Tours Worth Taking. If you’re interested in reading more lists of schools, we have great guides on the Best Small Colleges, Top Public Universities, and various guides on individual states (like Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia). 

College vs. University- Final Thoughts

Learning the difference between a college vs. university can help you decide what kind of educational environment is best for you. While the terms college and university are often interchangeable in the United States, there are some commonalities and differences between schools designated as a college vs. university that can be important in your search. 

In general, colleges are smaller and only offer undergraduate programs. Universities tend to be larger and can offer graduate programs in addition to undergraduate programs. Colleges can offer a more focused educational environment, while universities can offer a wider range of programs and resources. 

The terms college and university mean different things outside the United States. If you’re interested in studying outside the United States, be sure you understand how a specific country defines college vs. university. Additionally, with the wide range of schools found in the United States, it’s important to look beyond a school’s name or designation.

Learning about all these different kinds of colleges and universities can feel overwhelming. However, CollegeAdvisor is here to help! From building your college list, to getting into your dream school, CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized help throughout your college application journey.

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski and Jessica Klein. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.