What is the differance between a college and a university?

Answer 1

The primary purpose of a college is to teach undergraduate courses, leading to a two-year (usually by a community college) or four-year degree, although if they get permission from their regional accrediting association, they can offer a few master's degrees.

Universities always offer some programs above the bachelor's degree level. Some offer only master's degrees but the large well-known universities offer doctoral degrees as well.

Universities are organized by schools, so you not only apply to the university but you also apply to the school, such as the School of Computing, School of Liberal Arts, etc.

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Answer 2

Forget what the first poster said.

A university is a collection of "schools" -- ie at a University you'll have the "school of nursing" and the "school of the Arts" etc.

A college is all one "school" albeit with different divisions.

The term "university" sounds bigger, so lately small colleges have changed their names to attract foreign students (ie, Spring Arbor University here in my back yard -- it didn't change a thing but the name).

Traditionally, colleges have also centered on 4-year BA or BS degrees, while universities have also included graduate programs. However, that distinction is blurred now too.

Functionally, for the undergrad, there is no difference.

Answer 3

The difference between a college and a university is that a college just offers a collection of degrees in one specific area, while a university is a collection of colleges. When you go to a university you are going to be graduating from one of their colleges, such as the business college. As to which is better, it depends on what you want. Single colleges tend to be smaller while universities are bigger, but universities are better known.

Answer 4

In Ontario, colleges are supposed to teach practical, hands-on knowlege for jobs. Universities, on the other hand, are supposed to teach theory and research for careers and graduate study. Colleges award diplomas, while universities award degrees. However, colleges can also award "applied bachelor's" degrees, which rank above a college diploma (and graduate certificate), but below a university "bachelor's degree".

With today's "knowledge-based" economy, most employers place little, if any, value on a college diploma as opposed to a high school diploma (OSSD). Career paths, such as nursing and human resources now require university degrees. This is what prompted Ontario's colleges lobby for permission to award "applied bachelor's" degrees.

If you can, I would recommend pursuing a university degree. From personal experience, I can tell you that college courses are "watered down" substantially. Employers have come to realize that a college diploma holds little value.

Answer 5

Hi Zog, A college is smaller and cost less. A University is alot bigger that a college and cost alot more.

Clowmy

Answer 6

A collage focuses on a few diplomas and, a university is like multiple collages in one. Something like that!