Hi there! This week on Ask a Teacher, we tackle a query from Le regarding the distinction between the terms “university” and “college.”
Question:
Hello Teacher,
I love this program.
Would you mind explaining the difference between “university” and “college?”
I often misunderstand these two nouns.
Thanks,
Le
Answer:
Le, we appreciate your fondness for our program and taking the time to reach out to us.
This question holds significance, particularly for international students considering applications to U.S. educational institutions.
Both establishments offer higher education, yet their degree programs, student populations, and expenses vary.
Let’s commence with “university.”
University
“Universities” are expansive educational institutions that provide advanced learning encompassing undergraduate and graduate degree courses.
The majority of faculty members at universities engage not only in teaching but also in research activities.
Universities boast a sizable student body, drawing individuals from across the United States and around the globe.
Given that universities offer both undergraduate and graduate programs, they present a wide array of courses across various disciplines. However, attending a university can be costly, especially at private institutions in the U.S. that lack state funding support.
An illustration of a public university is .
A case in point of a private university can be found in Connecticut.
Now, let’s delve into “college.”
FILE – Woodburn Hall on the downtown campus of West Virginia University is depicted in Morgantown, West Virginia, April 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Raymond Thompson, File)
College
“College” can also refer to an educational institution offering higher learning. Many high school students are often asked:
Where do you plan to attend college?
The response to this inquiry could encompass a university, a or even a trade school.
Additionally, individuals pursuing higher education are commonly termed “college students.”
While Liz was in college, she balanced daytime classes with evening work at a hotel.
FILE – Marie Nangaray Saucedo, a 52-year-old student, participates in a drive-through graduation ceremony at Rio Hondo Community College near Los Angeles, California, on May 28, 2021. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)
The term “college” is frequently employed as a general reference to post-secondary educational institutions. Nonetheless, “college” may encapsulate more specific connotations.
Colleges typically encompass smaller institutions focusing on undergraduate programs. These include community colleges, private liberal arts colleges, technical colleges, and trade schools.
At community colleges, the primary role of the faculty is teaching and advising students rather than conducting research.
FILE – Success Coach Latasha Wiley, on the left, assists first-year student Amare Porter, on the right, with her class schedule at the advising center of Chattahoochee Valley Community College on February 23, 2023. (Rebecca Griesbach/Press-Register via AP)
Moreover, a college can function as a division within a university. For instance, a university might house a “college of arts and sciences” offering bachelor’s degrees.
Colleges are characterized by their smaller scale and student population, typically ranging from hundreds to thousands, as opposed to tens of thousands at universities.
Due to their more localized focus, colleges, especially community colleges, tend to have fewer international students.
The course offerings at colleges, particularly community colleges, are often more limited, encompassing general education courses, vocational or technical programs. While some community colleges may confer four-year degrees, many primarily provide two-year programs aimed at facilitating transfer to a four-year institution. Vocational or technical certificates equip students for immediate entry into the workforce upon program completion.
She pursued culinary studies at a community college to secure employment in the restaurant industry.
The cost of attending a community college is comparatively lower, offering a cost-effective route to accrue college credits. However, private colleges and certain technical schools may entail expenses akin to private universities.
Le, we trust that these elucidations and instances have clarified your query. Should you have further inquiries concerning American English, feel free to drop us a line at .
That concludes this edition of Ask a Teacher.
I’m Faith Pirlo.
Faith Pirlo crafted this tutorial for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
degree –n. a credential attesting to the completion of a series of courses at a college or university
undergraduate –adj. pertaining to a four-year degree pursued post high school
graduate –adj. relating to studies undertaken subsequent to obtaining a four-year degree
faculty –n. the cohort of educators at an educational institution
trade –n. a vocation necessitating specialized skills and manual proficiency
career –n. the trajectory of employment or series of related jobs pursued by an individual over an extended period
certificate –n. a document validating the completion of training or coursework