What Is the Difference Between a College and a University?

• Colleges and universities are both institutions of higher education, but they differ in size, degree offerings and research opportunities.
• Colleges often emphasize undergraduate education, while universities typically offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs.
•  A university isn’t necessarily more prestigious or harder to get into than a college. The quality and selectivity depend on the individual institution.

The terms “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing. While both are institutions of higher education, there are important differences in the degrees they offer, their size and the opportunities available to students.

There are also plenty of misconceptions about colleges and universities — including which schools fall into each category and which are more prestigious. Here’s a closer look at what makes a college different from a university and how to determine which academic institution may be the best fit for you.

What Is a College?

Like a university, a college is an institution of higher education that students attend after high school to earn a degree and prepare for their careers. Colleges typically emphasize undergraduate education, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, although some also offer graduate programs.

In general, colleges tend to be smaller than universities and may offer fewer academic programs. Many place a strong emphasis on teaching, smaller class sizes, and close interaction between students and faculty.

Well-known examples of colleges include Juilliard School, Wellesley College, Amherst College and Bowdoin College.

“College” can also refer to an academic division within a larger university. At USC, for example, the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is one of the university’s academic units, alongside schools such as the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. 

As language has evolved, so has the meaning of college. While it has a formal definition that differs from university, many people use the two terms interchangeably in everyday conversation. In most cases, someone saying they’re “going to college” isn’t necessarily making a distinction between the two.

What Is a University?

A university is also an institution of higher education, but it typically offers a broader range of academic opportunities. In addition to undergraduate degrees, universities generally offer master’s and doctoral programs, allowing students to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Universities also tend to be larger and provide more academic programs, specialized resources and research opportunities. Because they support graduate education, universities often have larger research facilities, more grant funding, comprehensive libraries and faculty actively conducting research alongside students.

USC is one example of a university, offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs across numerous schools and disciplines. Other examples include Yale University, Fordham University and Texas A&M University.

What Is the Main Difference Between a College and a University?

There are several key differences between colleges and universities. While both provide higher education, colleges are often smaller and primarily focused on undergraduate education, while universities are generally larger and offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Universities also tend to provide more opportunities for research, specialized facilities and academic resources. Colleges, meanwhile, often emphasize teaching, smaller class sizes and close relationships between students and professors.

Are Colleges Easier to Get Into Than Universities?

Because colleges are often smaller and may not offer doctoral programs, some people assume they’re easier to get into than universities. In reality, a school’s selectivity depends on the institution — not whether it’s called a college or a university.

For example, Williams College in Massachusetts has an acceptance rate of about 8%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. Meanwhile, the nearby University of Connecticut admits more than half of its applicants. Selectivity varies widely from school to school, regardless of its designation.

Which Is Better: A College or a University?

A university isn’t automatically better than a college, just as a college isn’t automatically better than a university. Academic reputation depends on many factors, including faculty, programs, student outcomes and available resources.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your goals and learning preferences. Some students thrive in the smaller classes and close-knit environment that many colleges offer. Others prefer the broader selection of academic programs, research opportunities and campus resources typically available at universities.

Can a College Become a University?

Yes, some colleges eventually become universities, although doing so is a lengthy process. Changing from a college to a university isn’t simply a matter of adopting a new name. It typically involves expanding academic offerings — particularly graduate programs — investing in additional faculty and research resources, and meeting state and accrediting requirements.

Several well-known universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, Boston University, Southern New Hampshire University and the University of Rochester, began as colleges before expanding into universities.

How to Choose Between a College and a University

Most students choose a school based on factors such as academic programs, cost, location, campus culture and career outcomes, not simply whether it’s called a college or a university. 

If you’re deciding which environment is right for you, consider these questions:

• Are you pursuing an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree? Graduate students will typically need to attend a university.
• Are you undecided about your major? Universities often offer a wider variety of programs to explore.
• Do you prefer smaller or larger class sizes?
• Is building close relationships with professors important to you?
• Do you want a larger campus environment with more student organizations and activities?
• Are competitive athletics or school spirit important to you?
• Do you want access to extensive research opportunities?
• Will you benefit from specialized facilities, laboratories or academic resources?

Ultimately, a university isn’t necessarily better than a college. The right choice comes down to your academic interests, learning style, career goals and the type of campus experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re considering a college or a university like USC, the best fit is the institution that offers the academic programs, resources and opportunities that align with your goals.