What Is The Difference Between A University And A College?

Posted by Eric Thomas on December 14, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Colleges and Universities are both institutions of higher learning, that often lead to a better career and higher salary. But what is the difference between a university and a college? Is there a real difference? And if so, is a degree from one better than the other?

When preparing for college, doing your research is key. Finding out everything you can about your potential college or university of choice is a must, so we are going to explain just what is the difference between a university and a college, and then talk briefly about any advantages of one versus the other. Let’s get started…

So…what is the difference between a University and a College?

The main difference between the two is size. Generally speaking, a university is much larger in enrollment, size of campus, facutly, and academic areas. In fact, most state schools are Universities.

Another major difference between Colleges and Universities is their degree programs. What we mean by this is that Universities are so large in size academically, that they have seperate colleges within the university. For example, let’s say you are applying to the University of Wisconsin with plans to major in Engineering. Although you will be applying to the University itself, you will also be considered for admission into the “College of Engineering” at The University of Wisconsin? So in essence, a University if made up of several colleges that specialize in different majors. Make sense?…

Some Universities allow for students to be admitted as a “Undecided” or “General Studies” and then accept them to a specified college within that school as long as they meet certain criteria. This was often considered a backdoor to admission for those tougher majors…like engineering. But most Universities have put a stop to that and make it very difficult for students to change majors, or colleges within the University.

Also see: What To Major In College

What about Colleges?

Colleges, when compared to Universities, are relatively smaller and more intimate. The size of the campus, student body and faculty are on a much smaller scale. Colleges tend to be more specialized in their academic major offerings, but not so much that you don’t have a good selection. Some tend to think of Colleges as only being good at one, or a couple academic areas. This is not the case.

Let’s look at probably the most prestigious college in the U.S.: Harvard College. If you look at their website, they have a listing of “Schools”. This is essencially the same idea that Universities have with their “colleges within the university”. Havard offers a good variety of majors that are split up into “schools” such as…

Harvard School of Business
Harvard School of Education
Harvard School of Engineering
Etc….

So although many Colleges are small when compared to that of the Universities, most offer a variety of majors and academic areas.

University Vs. College…which is better?

If you’re trying to decide on which is a better option, you may never come to a conclusion. In all honesty, there is no real advantage to earning a degree from a college versus earning one from a university. The only difference would be personal preference and possibly the reputation of one school when compared to another. But employers aren’t specifically looking for graduates from a University, or a College.

We are big believers in finding the right fit for you with regard to selecting a college or university. If a wide varity of schools offer the major that you are interested in, visit the campus in person. See what the school is like during the week day when classes are in session, then go see it on a weekend. You will see two different senarios! Whether that school is a University, or a College, it won’t have much of an advantage over the other.

What matters is YOU, and providing yourself with the best college experience and education possible. So when asking the question “What is the difference between a University and a College?”, that answer is simply…you! The only thing that stands in your way is Getting Accepted To A College Or University!

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