If you’re planning to enrol in postsecondary studies in the United States, you’re likely headed to a college or university. Sometimes, the terms “college” and “university” are used interchangeably, though they actually refer to different institutions in the US. So, what is the difference between a college and a university in the US?
Before we dive in, note that the details in this article are specifically about the US. The terms “college” and “university” are used differently in Canada, which is worth knowing if you’re applying to study programs in both countries! For example, in Canada, universities primarily offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Meanwhile, Canadian colleges tend to grant more certificates and diplomas.
Let’s dive into what these terms mean in the US.
What is a College vs. a University in the US?
There’s an easy way to remember the difference between college and university in the US:
- A college teaches mostly undergraduate programs, and is often smaller in size.
- A university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, and tends to be better-known for research.
There are exceptions, of course. Some institutions still call themselves “colleges” even though they offer graduate programs (Dartmouth College and Boston College are two examples). Meanwhile, some colleges offer access to extensive research opportunities, just like universities.
Universities can also be made up of a group of colleges. For example, Harvard College is Harvard University’s liberal arts college. In fact, Harvard is home to over 10 graduate and professional colleges! They include Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Medical School.
At the end of the day, “college” and “university” aren’t regulated terms in the US. So, it’s important for students to do their research into their desired institutions’ program options, campus experience, research potential, and extracurricular options. After all, as we explain below, not all colleges look the same either.
Planning to study in the US? Check out our undergraduate and postgraduate application process guides for US colleges and universities.
Private and Public Institutions
Every college or university in the US fits into one of two categories: private or public. This split refers to the top funding source of each type of institution. Let’s look at public vs. private universities and colleges, and how they differ.
Public Institutions
Public colleges and universities are primarily funded by state and federal governments. In return, public colleges and universities must follow educational requirements set out by the state they’re located in. Public colleges and universities in the USA also receive funding via tuition and other student fees, individual and corporate donations, and endowments.
Private Institutions
Most funding for private colleges and universities comes from a combination of tuition fees, alumni donations, and endowments. While they historically receive funding from different levels of government—particularly to fuel research and innovation—most funding for private colleges comes from private (non-government) sources. Because of this private funding, private institutions often have specialized curriculum, or teaching methods.
One example of this is religious universities and colleges. As these institutions are privately funded, they may teach a greater amount of faith-based material. That said, while their teaching is based in a specific faith, most religious colleges welcome students of all beliefs. Regardless of whether they’re faith-based or secular, all private colleges, like public colleges, must obey state and federal laws around education, discrimination, health and safety, and student rights.
Tuition
Although the published tuition rate at private institutions—especially prestigious ones like the Ivy League schools—can look very expensive, their admissions teams can apply scholarships and financial aid to help tuition costs be more accessible. Privately-funded colleges and universities have more control over their funds, so can develop programs to help welcome a wider diversity of students.
Check out our guide to CPT, OPT, and on-campus work options in the US to learn how you can gain work experience during your studies.
Types of Colleges and Universities in the US
Next, let’s take a closer look at different kinds of colleges and universities you might apply to in the United States.
State Colleges and Universities
A state college or university is guided by the state government where it’s located. Each of the 50 American states has at least one state university, and many states also have multiple state colleges. All of these institutions receive most of their funding from some combination of state and federal public funds. Because state colleges offer four-year bachelor’s degrees, they’re also called “four-year colleges.”
It’s often simple to figure out which schools are state-run. The majority of state institutions’ names include the name of the state they’re in. For example, Louisiana State University is in Louisiana and the University of Utah is in Utah.
Community Colleges
American community colleges are best known for providing technical training and diplomas. Students can also take English as a Second Language (ESL) programs at community colleges, which prepare them for university-level coursework. Community colleges also offer two-year associate degree programs. Because of this, you might also hear them referred to as “two-year colleges.”
Associate degree programs are often set up to allow students to either enter the workforce directly or transfer to a university or college. Many community colleges have close ties to state schools, which can make transferring easy!
Community colleges are usually supported locally, regionally, or by the state government.
To learn about different colleges, work-while-studying guidelines, visa processes, and more, read our guide on why you should study in the US!
Research vs. Teaching Universities
One final thing to keep in mind when considering college vs. university is that universities are either focused on being research or teaching institutions. Faculty time is divided between teaching and research at all universities. However, the balance between the two changes based on what kind of university it is.
Generally, large universities are research-focused because they have the size and funding to accommodate research. They usually have state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The downside of research universities is that undergraduate classes are often large, and classes may be taught by graduate teaching assistants instead of professors.
On the other hand, teaching universities are focused on teaching. Most professors at these universities have full teaching loads and don’t have as much pressure to publish as profs at research institutions. While this may mean smaller facilities, and not as many perks as you might find at a larger research institution, teaching universities are a great choice if you value interactive time with your professors.
Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about colleges and universities in the US.
US College and University FAQ:
Q: As an international student, can I apply to public and private universities?
A: Yes. Most academic institutions in the US welcome international students. However, it’s important to understand application criteria at the specific colleges or universities you’re applying to, so be sure to find out before you apply.
Q: Can I apply for financial aid in the US?
A: While there are many scholarships open to international students, financial aid is almost always reserved for US citizens. That said, there are some rare exceptions. To learn more, visit the U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid website.
Q: Can I transfer to an American university from a university outside the US?
A: Yes, although it may take some extra time to complete your degree, and all of your existing credits (or classes) may not transfer successfully. Check in with the International Student Office at the university you’re interested in to learn more.
Q: Once I start classes, do I have to declare a major right away?
A: Not necessarily. Most students have until the end of their second year of studies to declare a major, although this may vary between institutions and programs.
We hope that this guide has helped you understand the differences between college and university in the US. Best of luck with your study journey! And, if you’re ready to start looking for programs, check out study programs now accepting international students by clicking the link below.
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