College vs. University: What’s the Difference?

Rob Thomas '24, SNHU graduate with a bachelor's in general studies

It's easy to get lost in academic terms while deciding where to earn your degree. Case in point: Is a university the same as a college?

Sometimes, the words are used interchangeably, and they tend to be used in different ways around the world, too. For example, most bachelor's students in the United Kingdom refer to being "in university," where a majority of American bachelor's students would say they're "in college."

But when it comes down to their exact definitions, the terms have distinct meanings in the academic world.

What is the Difference Between College and University?

Colleges and universities differ in several ways, including their sizes and the types of degrees they offer, said Lauren Onuoha, EdD, an associate vice president of academic quality and accreditation at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with over a decade of experience in higher education.

Here's a quick breakdown of the differences, according to Onuoha:

"A university is larger in size with more offerings, and you may see smaller 'colleges' comprised within university structures (i.e. College/School of Business, College/School of Arts & Humanities, etc.)," Onuoha said.

Colleges that aren't part of a university often have a slightly more specific focus, too. For example, you may have heard of liberal arts colleges, which focus specifically on liberal arts programs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Attending a College vs. a University?

The differences in size and program offerings between colleges and universities might present a few pros and cons, according to Onuoha.

Specifically, she noted:

Are you confident about your field of choice? If you think you might change majors down the line, a university could be a safer choice as you'll likely have more options available to you.

So, is It Better to Attend a College or a University?

The answer to this question won't be the same for everyone, so it's important to consider what matters most to you and the kind of experience you're looking for.

"You know yourself better than anyone else," Onuoha said. "Balance the pros and cons and decide thoughtfully, given what you need and where you are in life."

You also might find that other factors are more important to you than whether a school is officially designated a college or a university.

How to Decide Where to Get Your Degree

Before deciding where you'd like to study and earn your degree, examine your circumstances and goals to ensure the choice you make will be the best fit.

"Decide what you would like to study," Onuoha said. "This will help narrowing in on a college/university."

Here are a few other factors to consider when making your decision:

• Accreditation — Is the school accredited and reputable? Research before adding it to your list of options.
  
  
• Affordability — What's the tuition like? For many, choosing an affordable school is a priority.
  
  
• Atmosphere — Are there opportunities to get involved? A welcoming and supportive environment can make a major difference for your college experience.
  
  
• Structure — Would you prefer to earn your degree online or on campus? Consider what modality works best for you. While some prefer a campus experience, you might also choose the flexibility of earning an online degree at your own pace.

"Trust your gut," Onuoha said. "No one option is better than another." In the end, she said it all depends on your unique needs and preferences.

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.