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What is the difference between a college and an university?

Does it have something to do with their size, history, purpose, etc., or are they just synonyms?

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Roger’s Answer

Technically, a university offers graduate degrees beyond the standard 4-year college bachelor's degree. Examples would be a Ph.D. or Masters Degree. A college will typically offer only 2-year, 4-year, and/or associates degrees. A lot of institutions that are mostly colleges, however, call themselves universities, and some colleges offer a few masters degrees, so there isn't necessarily a sharp boundary. Sometimes a college that originally offered no advanced degrees decides to begin doing so, but keeps "college" in its name. As indicated in other answers, a university is usually--though not always--larger than a college because it tends to take more resources to offer advanced degrees.
Thank you comment icon Fascinating, thank you! Genevieve
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Kerry’s Answer

Universities are bigger and have more students, staff and resources. They offer more programs (both undergraduate and graduate degrees) and focus on research. Colleges are smaller and don't offer as many degrees. Some of community colleges, which offer 2-year Associates degrees, and others are small private, vocational, or religious institutions.
Thank you comment icon Cool! Thank you! Genevieve
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Thomas’s Answer

There are a few key differences between colleges and universities. First, universities tend to be much larger institutions, with more students and faculty members. Secondly, universities offer a wider range of degree programs than colleges do. Lastly, research is a key component of many universities, while it is not always a focus at colleges.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for letting me know! Genevieve
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Jovany’s Answer

Universities are a bunch of colleges but together. A university might have specific colleges for business, engineering, etc. This is also why you typically declare a major when you apply to a school. Generally, they make admission decisions based on the college your major is categorized in.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Genevieve
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