What's the difference between College and University.?

Question

What qualitfications or requirements are needed for both of them?

Answer 1

You have many answers here, some of which seem to conflict. I would like to clarify a couple of things.

First, the terms College and Univeristy mean different things in different countries. In America, they are often used interchangeably. In Europe, University is the four-year degee and advanced degree institution and College is generally another term for high school or two-year degree institutions.

Second, it is unfair to say that University degrees are more respected than College degrees. In the US, there are many private, elite colleges that are highly repected, and many huge Universities that are not. The main difference, as has been stated, is that Universities tend to be very large (but not all are large at all, as you will see), and incorporate a number of "colleges" that offer degrees in different disciplines. A college must meet certain criteria and apply to the accredidation agency to be given University status. For example, several years ago a local school called Holy Family College was successful in its bid to become Holy Family University. Although it does not have "college branches", it met enough of the other criteria to be granted this status by, in part, adding some graduate programs. It's a small school with only about 4000 students total. However, a college can also stand alone and offer quite a wide range of degree programs as well. It just generally doesn't offer advanced degrees.

Third, it also isn't true that the head of a University is the President and the head of a college is a Dean. This is true in some instances of the head of a college that is part of a larger University. It is not true of "stand alone" colleges, which generally DO have a President (I work at a community college, and all of the community colleges and 4-year colleges that I have had contact with over the years have a President).

Finally, I'd like to restate that the terms are often used interchangeably in the US. For example, one would typically ask, "What college are you going to next year," to which one might answer, "The University of Pennsylvania."

Again, keep in mind that this is an American's answer. It is different in different parts of the world.

Answer 2

A University is a Large institution consisting of a collection of colleges. You will have a college of arts, a college of science, etc all in a university.

But typically the term college is used to point out a 2 year or 4 year only, degree school like the average community college. A college is limited the programs it can offer. While a university can offer all degree's from the associates to a doctorates and many other types of education and certificates. Universities are also commonly respected more by employers.

Answer 3

A university is comprised of colleges the head of a university is called the president. For example, the College of Business, College of Humanities, College of Art and Sciences, etc... they primarily offer 4-year or higher degrees the head of a college is called the Dean. Colleges consists of departments the head of which is called the chair.

Answer 4

A University is made up of a collection of colleges and usually offers advanced degrees (master, doctorate). A college usually offers a set number of degrees, and is limited to Bachelor's and Associates degrees.

Answer 5

The words college and university mean the same thing.

Answer 6

it has to do with the ciriculum of the college. each college/university has it's own requirements individually if you are looking to attend.