What is the Difference Between a College and a University?

Even though college and university are two very different terms, we often hear students and teachers using them interchangeably. There are in fact subtle differences between the two terms which are usually not so clear or easy to describe.

College vs. University

Any institution that is smaller and offers undergraduate degree is considered a college. All colleges offer intermediate programs (in Pakistan) along with 2 years bachelor’s programs. Many colleges offer four-year bachelor’s degrees with some offering master’s degrees too. List of some colleges around the globe is given below:

• Kinnaird College Lahore

• King’s College London

• McDaniel College (Westminster, MD)

• Hamilton College (Clinton, NY)

In contrast, a larger institution that offers students with a four-year bachelor’s program, MS, M.Phil. degrees often leading towards a doctorate (PHD) is referred as University. Universities offer more programs, a diverse curriculum, better research facilities and can accommodate a larger set of students. They can also have a medical or a law school for those pursuing professional degrees in those fields. Some universities of the world are listed below:

• National University of Science and Technology NUST

• Berlin Institute of technology

• Harvard University

• University of Edinburgh

There are a number of other colleges and universities abroad providing students from all over the world, quality education. For more information of educational institutes of the world visit our website.

History

The word University was first coined between 1250-1300 CE (current era or AD) it wasn’t until 50-150 years later that the word college appear in the English dictionary. Both the terms are derived from Latin words: universities meaning guild, corporation or society and Collegium meaning club, community or society.

Colleges within universities

Some universities have colleges within them that focus on a single academic field adding to the confusion of the students. For example, University of Maryland (UMD), Baltimore has several departments that are usually named as colleges such as:

• College of Arts and Humanities

• College of Information Studies

• College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences

• Philip Merrill College of Journalism

These are basically the names of individual departments, but as they have too many teachers, professors, students and other personnel they can function as an independent entity under one umbrella i.e. University of Maryland. Similarly, Harvard college comes under the governing body of Harvard University.

Upgrading Colleges to Universities

For a college to turn into a university it must meet certain requirements. Every country has their own set of rules and regulations for the upgradation of any college’s status. A complete documented proposal with the feasibility data is presented to the authoritative body for decision making. Some prerequisites are listed below:

It must offer graduate programs with a highly qualified staff capable of administering the graduate and professional degrees/ programs.

Variety in the type of programs offered. Also, they must offer a bachelor’s degree that lead to at least 3 different post graduate disciplines.

Must be able to financially support the program i.e. facilities, equipment and infrastructure etc.

Must be accredited or licensed by the government or authoritative body.

Making a Choice

Students should choose a college or a university depending on their needs and the field they want to study, keeping in mind their interests. They should not just go after the name of the institute alone but also consider other aspects like programs offered, facilities provided and the general atmosphere at the institute.  It is up to them to decide what they want from their college experience and then choose an institute that fits them well. Studyabroad.pk can be a helpful site for all those students aspiring to go abroad for higher studies. Maybe we can play a small role in your decision making!