• Home
  • Accommodation
  • Admission Guide
  • Student Finances
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Blog Stories

Type and hit Enter to search

  • Home
  • Accommodation
  • Admission Guide
  • Student Finances
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Blog Stories
Global Scholarship Opportunity: $24,000 USD!

Explore University Living accommodations now!

Explore Now
Admission Guide

College Vs University: What Are The Key Differences? 

April 29, 2024 4 Mins Read
Updated On: August 6, 2024
College Vs University

Table of Contents

  • Key Differences: 
  • What are Colleges? 
  • What are Universities? 
  • Can a college exist within a university? 
  • Should you choose a college or university? 

If you are in your final year of high school, then you must be wondering about the next step. The stress of deciding which degree to pursue, which college/university to choose, and so on is a tough process. You must have seen ‘college and ‘university’ word being used. But did you know that both these words have different meanings? We often use this word interchangeably, without knowing what it really means. While both offer study programs to students, there are some differences that we’ll find out below.  

Key Differences: 

Both, college and University offer students with undergraduate education, such as bachelor’s and associate degrees. However, there are some differences in both. 

Colleges are smaller and usually focus on one or some fields of study. The number of students in college and class size is also smaller as compared to universities. Moreover, some colleges also have specific racial groups, genders, ethnicity, and more.  

On the contrary, universities can be understood as large educational spaces that offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These are large in size, as there are thousands of students in a university. The class sizes are also bigger, and many fields of study are taught here. 

What are Colleges? 

A college is an educational institution that serves students seeking undergraduate degrees. Colleges may offer bachelor’s degrees, certificates or associate degrees. Since colleges are smaller than universities, they offer degrees in specific fields of study only. These degrees include associate, bachelor’s and award certificates. For example, courses and programs on cybersecurity, automatic technology, and more.  

You may come across many different types of colleges on the internet. But do you know what they really mean? Let’s understand how every college can be different: 

  • Liberal Arts College: As the name suggests, these colleges aim to shape critical thinkers, by teaching them subjects such as language, humanities, and more. They offer holistic education and may include natural sciences as well. 
  • Vocational Colleges/Trade Schools: These educational institutes usually help prepare students who wish to pursue fields that require high levels of training. Some examples of such careers include plumbing, culinary arts, dental assisting, and more. 
  • Community Colleges: These types of colleges offer associated programs of 2-year duration. These degrees help students to pursue entry-level employment, or four-year degrees. Vocational programmes and professional certificates can also be found in community colleges.  
  • Specially designated Colleges: These kinds of colleges are built especially to cater to a specific population. One example of such colleges is Historically Black Colleges & Universities. 

What are Universities? 

A university can be understood as an educational institution that offers undergraduate, postgraduate as well as graduate programs. These are usually four-year programs, unlike the ones in colleges. Universities are bigger and offer degrees in various fields. Whether it’s Humanities, Commerce or Science related subjects, universities have degrees in all. Therefore, universities welcome many admissions every year.  

However, the number of students in the university also plays a role in what kind of university it is. This is because there are many private universities that choose to take only a selected number of students. While public universities usually do not have a set number on the intake number.  

Can a college exist within a university? 

You may have heard that several colleges exist within a university. This sounds confusing, right? Since colleges provide education in specific fields of study, they exist within university. One example of this is that of Northwestern University. This university has a Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences in it, which focuses on fields of arts. But don’t get confused here. If you are enrolled in a university, but studying in a college within the university, you will still be considered a university student.  

Should you choose a college or university? 

Now that you know the difference between a college and university, you can make your decision with full information. There is no such thing as whether university is better or a college. Both educational institutions provide knowledge and help students grow academically, professionally and socially. However, it is absolutely your call on which one to choose.  

If your dream career requires you to go through some extensive training, then colleges may be the right decision. Additionally, if you like to study in small classes, and with less crowds, then definitely go for college.  

On the contrary, if you are looking forward to developing research skills, then choose university for your career. However, be ready to sit in large classes, and among several students if you go to a public university. So, start your study abroad research now, and get yourself enrolled in your dream college/university. 

Looking for a place you can call home? Download our Student Accommodation App today! 

Share Article

Other Articles

Interesting Facts About London
Previous

25 Interesting Facts About London That Will Blow Your Mind!

Russell Group Universities in the UK
Next

The Russell Group Universities in the UK

Next
Russell Group Universities in the UK
April 30, 2024

The Russell Group Universities in the UK

Previews
April 25, 2024

25 Interesting Facts About London That Will Blow Your Mind!

Interesting Facts About London

Contact Us

blog side banner

Recent Posts

Top Student Accommodations in Bradford
Top Student Accommodations in Bradford for 2025
Cheapest Universities in New Zealand
Cheapest Universities in New Zealand for International Students in 2025
Top Universities in Tennessee
Top Universities in Tennessee 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide 
MS in Computer Science in USA
MS in Computer Science in USA 2025: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility & Admission Guide 
PhD in New Zealand
PhD in New Zealand for International Students: Fees, Universities & Admission 2025

Related Posts

Cheapest Universities in New Zealand

Cheapest Universities in New Zealand for International Stude...

Top Universities in Tennessee

Top Universities in Tennessee 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuiti...

MS in Computer Science in USA

MS in Computer Science in USA 2025: Top Universities, Fees, ...

Safe home for every student
Company
  • About
  • Blog
  • Scholarship
  • Refer & Earn
  • Industry Report
  • Services
  • List Your Property
  • Student Ambassador
  • Cost Of Living
Help
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • FAQs
  • care@universityliving.com
Support
United Kingdom
3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London - EC2A 4NE
+44 203 695 6785
India
Riana Aurelia Plot No- 93-94, 8th Floor, Sector-136, Noida-201305
+91 9484707142
Australia
3 McLoughlin Street, Marsden Park NSW 2765 Australia
+61 279 123 007
United States
178 Columbus Ave #237190 SMB 32557 New York, NY 10023
+1 617 861 6668
University Living Logo
© 2025 University Living Accommodation Pvt Ltd. | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
App Store Google Play