College vs. University: What’s the Difference?

Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.

• The terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably in the U.S.
• Colleges and universities primarily differ in the programs and degree types they offer.
• "University" typically refers to a larger institution offering both undergraduate and graduate programs.
• "College" generally refers to a community college, technical school, or liberal arts college.

What's the difference between "college" and "university"? In the U.S., the two terms are often used interchangeably to refer to higher education institutions, creating confusion for students and parents alike.

For prospective international students especially, understanding the differences between the two words is essential, as the meaning of "college" varies across regions and languages. This confusion between terms may even lead some students to overlook institutions with "college" in their name.

While both institution types offer undergraduate education, students should be aware of the key differences between the two to help them decide which type of education to pursue.

What Is a University?

Universities are public or private institutions that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Known for their lively, diverse environments, these institutions usually feature sizable campuses and a variety of program offerings.

Whereas public universities commonly enroll tens of thousands of students, private universities are often smaller and more selective in their admission process. For example, Texas A&M University — a large public institution — enrolls over 77,000 students, whereas Princeton University — a highly regarded Ivy League school — serves around 8,800 students.

Universities generally devote more funding to research, featuring an impressive array of facilities and labs to support these efforts. Many schools, like Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University, carry official research designations and spend billions of dollars each year on research and development.

While university professors may shift much of their focus to publishing and research, students benefit from classes led by some of the most highly qualified faculty in their respective fields.

What Is a College?

Colleges often feature smaller student populations, more intimate campuses, and fewer program offerings than universities. Many of these schools are private and receive little state funding. As a result, many colleges place less emphasis on research efforts, and many have strong religious affiliations.

The term "college" can also refer to community, vocational, and technical colleges. While some of these institutions offer bachelor's degrees, most only oversee associate and certificate programs.

When most people think of college, they likely think of four-year schools offering small class sizes, low student-to-faculty ratios, and undergraduate-focused studies. For example, liberal arts colleges take a broad approach to education by emphasizing the importance of studying an array of academic subjects. By contrast, other colleges may include programs for one specific discipline, such as engineering, graphic design, or visual arts.

Colleges offering focused and professional specializations are called vocational or technical colleges. These are designed to appeal to a select group of students interested in a specific field.

However, some colleges are technically universities but still use the term "college" in their name. For example, the College of Charleston is technically a public liberal arts and sciences university.

What Is a Technical or Vocational College?

A technical or vocational college, also known as a trade or career school, is a type of educational institution that equips students with the skills needed to perform a specific job. This type of education is characterized by its focus on direct, practical training within a single field.

Unlike traditional four-year colleges, vocational schools offer accelerated learning schedules, often taking less than two years to complete. Additionally, they may require apprenticeships or a certain amount of previous technical experience. The best vocational schools prepare students to enter the job market with readily employable skills for in-demand professions, bypassing the need for the general education courses typically found in a standard college curriculum.

What Is a Community College?

The best community colleges typically award certificates, diplomas, and two-year associate degrees. They aim to deliver accessible, affordable education to a variety of individuals, including traditional and nontraditional students. They also serve as a stepping stone for students aspiring to transfer to four-year institutions.

Offering both technical/vocational programs and traditional academic subjects, community colleges are known for their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and supportive services, such as tutoring and career guidance.

By maintaining close ties with local businesses and community organizations, community colleges often tailor their programs to meet workforce needs, playing a crucial role in promoting local economic growth and creating pathways to higher education for traditionally underserved communities.

What Is a Liberal Arts College?

Liberal arts colleges are four-year undergraduate institutions that focus on providing a broad education in the liberal arts disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences. These institutions aim to cultivate free-thinking individuals who can adapt to various professional environments. They do this by offering small class sizes, diverse coursework, and close-knit communities.

Their ultimate goal is to nurture well-rounded contributors to society who possess a comprehensive understanding across various fields of knowledge, the ability to self-learn, and a specific area of expertise.

The approach of liberal arts colleges differs from larger universities as they do not always offer distinct professional education, such as in business or engineering. Instead, they tend to focus on combining academic and hands-on learning to cultivate vital skills necessary for jobs, citizenship, and life in general.

What About Colleges Within Universities?

Colleges within universities and independent colleges differ in several ways. Often, colleges within universities are smaller components of a larger institution, whereas independent colleges exist as separate entities.

Universities are known for their wide selection of academic majors and degree opportunities, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, and they often host research facilities. They may house several smaller colleges, such as those focused on education, engineering, or health sciences.

On the other hand, independent colleges typically offer more focused specializations for their undergraduate degrees. They are often private institutions with fewer students and smaller classes.

Your decision to attend a college within a university or an independent college will depend on your preferences, whether you're seeking a more intimate educational experience or access to a wider variety of programs and facilities.

Is a College or University Right for You?

Students should consider several factors when deciding whether to attend a top university or college. Large universities offer an almost limitless variety of academic pathways, people, and resources, whereas small colleges typically deliver a close-knit community and more intimate classroom settings.

Those looking to avoid spending excess time on general education courses and enter the workforce as quickly as possible may find vocational and technical schools an ideal fit. Full-time students can typically earn career-specific certificates in less than two years, and entering a trade offers personal fulfillment, high salary potential, and good job stability for many professionals.

Learners interested in having a "traditional" college experience, with rich campus environments and diverse student bodies, may feel more at home at a large university or small liberal arts college.

Cost-conscious students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree might consider starting their education at a two-year college. Completing general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university is a cost-effective option that can save you thousands of dollars.

If, however, you're concerned about staying engaged in your studies and would feel more productive in a vibrant university environment, starting off at a community college might not be the best choice.

Each type of higher education institution offers advantages and disadvantages. It's up to you to determine which one best aligns with your personality, interests, budget, and academic and professional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges vs. Universities