In the U.S., the distinction between a college and a university might not always be clear, particularly to students from other countries. The term "college" doesn't carry the same meaning worldwide, which can confuse international students considering studying in the U.S.

"For instance, in Spanish, 'Colegio' refers to high school," explains George DaPonte, director of international admissions at the University of Tampa in Florida. Because of this and other reasons, some prospective students might overlook U.S. institutions labeled as "colleges" instead of "universities," admissions experts note. This could lead students to miss out on a school that suits them well.

Although some four-year institutions in the U.S. are called "colleges" and others "universities," both offer undergraduate degrees. Here are additional factors to consider when researching U.S. schools named colleges versus those named universities.

What is a College?

According to Johanna Fishbein, director of college and university counseling at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS), institutions labeled as "colleges" are often smaller and focus primarily on undergraduate education. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as there are several exceptions.

Some of these colleges, referred to as liberal arts colleges, provide students with a well-rounded education across various academic disciplines rather than encouraging early specialization in a single field.

"While liberal arts colleges can be found in other countries, like those in Europe, they are significantly less prevalent and often lack the integrated residential community experience typical of American liberal arts institutions," explains Hannah Kim, associate director of international admission at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, admissions experts note that prospective students sometimes erroneously think that liberal arts colleges exclusively emphasize the humanities. However, many of these institutions also offer degrees in scientific disciplines.

Fishbein explains that a common misunderstanding is that institutions with "college" in their name lack significant research opportunities. However, Kim points out that 65% of Franklin & Marshall students engage in research before graduating.

In the U.S., another category of schools with "college" in their name includes community colleges. These are two-year institutions offering associate degrees and career-focused certificates, with enrollment sizes that can be quite large despite their designation.

Many students start their education at a community college and later transfer to a four-year college or university to finish their bachelor's degree.

Further Important Takeaways

A college typically refers to an educational institution that offers higher education and grants degrees. The term can have different meanings depending on the country and context:

In the United States and Canada: A college is generally a smaller institution that offers undergraduate degrees (such as associate's and bachelor's degrees) in specific fields of study. Colleges often focus on teaching and may not have extensive research facilities compared to universities.

In the United Kingdom: The term "college" can refer to institutions that are part of a university (like Oxford or Cambridge colleges) or to independent institutions offering further education or vocational training.

In other countries: The term can refer to various types of educational institutions, from those offering vocational training to those providing undergraduate and sometimes postgraduate education.

In Summary, a college is an educational institution that provides higher education and typically awards degrees, but the exact nature and focus of colleges can vary widely based on location and educational system.

What Is a University?

Universities are typically larger institutions that provide a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Public universities, in particular, are often among the largest, with enrollments that can reach tens of thousands of students. These institutions also place a strong emphasis on research.

However, it's a common misconception that all institutions with "university" in their name are large, notes Chelsea Keeney, the director of international student recruitment, sponsored students, and exchanges at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. Some universities are quite small, like Alaska Pacific University, which has around 300 undergraduates, according to U.S.

News data. Additionally, not all universities are public; there are private universities as well, including some Ivy League schools such as Princeton University in New Jersey.

Keeney explains that international students often find it confusing that large universities consist of smaller units known as colleges, each with its own academic specialties, such as business, engineering, or social work.

Moreover, liberal arts education isn't limited to small colleges. Many universities have a core curriculum for undergraduates, requiring them to take a range of general education courses before specializing in their major.

Due to their size, large universities typically provide more research opportunities compared to small colleges. However, Fishbein notes that undergraduate students may have to compete with graduate students for access to these resources and opportunities.

Choosing the Right School for You

"One key factor to consider when researching schools is the size of the institution. Many U.S. colleges prioritize maintaining small faculty-to-student ratios," according to Kim.

(U.S. News provides a range of college rankings and detailed school profiles, offering updated information to help students make informed choices.)

Kim mentions that most liberal arts colleges feature small class sizes, promoting group discussions and active participation over large lecture formats. For instance, Franklin & Marshall College boasts a 10:1 faculty-to-student ratio and an average class size of around 17 students, fostering a tight-knit community that encourages students to tailor their educational experiences.

Examining the learning environment at a college can be a helpful starting point, she suggests.

Kim suggests that applying to different types of institutions can be beneficial, as you might discover unexpected options and opportunities you hadn't thought about before.

DaPonte suggests that making an informed decision can involve checking schools' social media pages, reading testimonials from current students, and seeking advice from family, friends, and a trusted college counselor.

He also advises visiting the campus of interest, attending a class, and talking with current students in the dining hall or quad.

Kenney advises students to focus less on the distinction between college and university, and more on aspects such as program offerings, campus life, costs, scholarships, outcomes, research funding, and engagement with current students.

"For the best fit for a new student, I recommend reflecting on individual priorities," Kenney says.

These priorities can include the availability of faculty-led research opportunities for undergraduates, strong study-abroad programs, and specific degree offerings. It also involves considering the school's location and its distance from home.

Important

A university is an institution of higher education and research, typically offering academic degrees in various disciplines and fields of study. It is distinguished from other forms of higher education, such as colleges or vocational schools, by its comprehensive range of academic programs and its emphasis on research and advanced learning.

Universities often consist of multiple faculties or schools, each specializing in different academic areas such as the humanities, sciences, social sciences, engineering, business, medicine, law, and others. They are typically characterized by their commitment to academic freedom, research-driven knowledge creation, and the development of critical thinking and analytical skills among students.

Key Features of Universities

Degree Programs: Offering undergraduate (Bachelors), postgraduate (Masters), and doctoral (PhD) degrees across various disciplines.

Research: Conducting original research across a wide range of fields, contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

Teaching: Providing formal instruction through lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical laboratory work.

Academic Community: Fostering a community of scholars, students, and staff engaged in intellectual pursuits and scholarly activities.

Autonomy: Often enjoying a degree of institutional autonomy, allowing them to set their academic priorities, curriculum, and research agenda.

Global Reach: Many universities have international collaborations, partnerships, and exchanges, contributing to global knowledge networks.

Universities play a crucial role in society by producing skilled graduates, advancing scientific and cultural knowledge, and contributing to economic development through innovation and research. They serve as hubs of intellectual activity and are instrumental in shaping the future through education and discovery.