As high school graduation approaches, students face a crucial choice: college or university. Professor Simon Marginson, a leading expert in Higher Education at the University of Oxford, unpacks the nuanced differences between these educational paths. He describes universities as institutions that offer first and higher degrees, including postgraduate programmes, while colleges are for programmes beyond school that do not necessarily involve degrees.
Key Takeaways
- A college usually refers to a secondary school or a specialised, non-degree tertiary institution (such as a College of Education or Polytechnic) that awards diplomas and certificates rather than degrees.
- A university is an institution of higher education and research that awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in several academic disciplines. Nigeria is home to many state and federal universities.
- In most countries, universities admit people with higher grades than colleges.
- It is important to note that most universities have various schools or colleges that offer various courses.
College vs University: Understanding the Differences
Professor Simon Marginson explained in an interview that the primary difference between a college and a university varies by country. He said universities offer first and higher degrees, including postgraduate programmes, while colleges are for programmes beyond school that do not necessarily involve degrees. However, he mentioned that this distinction can sometimes be blurred. He explains: "In the United States, the word 'college' is used for almost everything, at the first-degree level. People talk about going to college when they're going to prominent research universities. College can also mean four-year colleges, liberal arts colleges, or for-profit colleges. The word is used very broadly in the US. In the English system, colleges are usually seen as separate from universities, and colleges are mostly colleges for further education, which offer some higher education programmes but also mostly sub-degree programmes. 'Other tertiary,' you might call them. But then, when you look at the names of universities in the UK, you'll see that there are universities called King's College London and University College London, which are giant global universities."
He added: "When you go to other countries, it's different again. Different kinds of institutions have different names. For example, the second higher education sector in the Netherlands is called the Universities of Applied Sciences. They could have been called colleges or polytechnics, but they're called Universities of Applied Sciences. The same broad title is used in Finland and Germany, where the Fachhochschulen is similar."
College vs University: Difference in Level of Education
Professor Simon also explained the differences regarding the type of education they offer. He said: "If we understand by colleges, sub-degree, then one- and two-year programmes, which might have certificates or diplomas attached to them but not degrees, would be provided. But then you get plenty of cases where institutions are not regarded as universities but are considered colleges that offer degree programmes. And you see this increasingly in many countries."
He noted that education is getting longer: "At the last count, which is 2022, about 42% of all young people will go into some kind of tertiary education. Most of those are doing degree programmes, whether in universities or other institutions called institutes or colleges."
Misconceptions About Colleges and Universities
The education expert addresses common misconceptions:
1. Specific vocational training directly translates to job readiness
"We know that some jobs require specific skills, and you need to be trained in those skills. But we also know that in all jobs, employers like new employees to be adaptable, quick to learn, and able to work together with others, work in teams, solve problems, be innovative and critical and creative thinkers about the tasks that they have in front of them, and to be good communicators, have a good understanding of what they're being told to do."
2. Job market vs career path
"We also know that when people graduate, they often don't end up working in jobs they're trained for. They often end up working in other sectors. Usually, people work in jobs that need particular skills, yet these are not the skills they train for. They're a new set of skills they're learning on the job. The need to be flexible at the point of entry into career work means that it's often helpful to do broad-based educational programmes like social sciences, business studies, humanities, general science, and maths."
He advises parents: "Parents shouldn't worry too much if their child is going into a programme that is broader-based and more general or is more about academic knowledge than it is about work because the chances are if their child has graduated successfully, got a good level of qualification, they'll still be employable quite broadly, and they'll learn a lot on the job pretty quickly because that's how we know most of what we do at work. The education-work relationship is more flexible than most of us think it is."
Tertiary Education: Expert Tips and Preparation for Work
Professor Simon provided essential advice for students transitioning to the workforce:
- Avoid narrow programmes at the tertiary stage. If you do a very narrow programme that doesn't prepare you to work with people, solve problems, be flexible and responsive, and respond to new pressures at work, then you perhaps won't do quite as well in your career as you would if you'd done a more general program.
- Focus on what motivates you and what you care about to develop yourself effectively. The most important thing about post-school education is doing what you're good at, learning, and building your confidence, agency, and ability around whatever programme you're studying.
- Be prepared for unexpected changes and opportunities in life. We can only partially anticipate what will happen several years ahead. Trying to precisely forecast, plan, and lock it down with a clear single pathway doesn't work well.
- Have a combination of broad-based and specific skills. The ideal combination for many employers is that you have an excellent general skill base so that you're literate, can handle numbers, can use IT, and can communicate well technically. But at the same time, you've also learned some particular skills. That combination—a broad education and specific skills on your resume—is probably the ideal preparation.
What is a College?
A college usually refers to a secondary school or a specialised, non-degree tertiary institution that awards diplomas and certificates rather than degrees. They focus more on teaching and are less devoted to research efforts. College education focuses more on everyday, functional or applied knowledge and practical learning. A course at a college can range from one to three years.
Types of Colleges
- Community colleges - Also called junior colleges; they offer associate degrees and certificate programs.
- Vocational and technical colleges - Provide specialised training for specific career fields.
- Liberal arts colleges - Offer diverse education consisting of different subjects.
Advantages of Colleges
- Closer and more unified student community.
- Focus on undergraduate teaching.
- Students likely get more personalised attention from lecturers.
- More devoted to undergraduate teaching and less focused on research.
- Tuition costs a fraction of a four-year university.
- Additional curriculum specialisations for certain interests.
Disadvantages of Colleges
- Fewer overall programs offered.
- No direct access to more advanced degrees.
- Lack diversity.
- Fewer resources and facilities for research.
- Faculty less likely to be leading researchers.
- May not offer same resources or diversity as a larger university.
- Students may need more education for higher-paying jobs.
What is a University?
A university is an institution of higher education and research that awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in several academic disciplines. A university usually has a strong focus on research and theoretical knowledge rather than applied. Nigeria is home to many state and federal universities.
Types of Universities
- Research universities - Professors conduct research, report findings, and teach. Emphasise academics rather than vocational training.
- Public universities - Funded by the state/government.
- Private universities - Receive no public funding.
Advantages of Universities
- More programs and a more diverse community of students.
- Lecturers likely to be well-known experts in their fields.
- Availability of research opportunities.
- More access to advanced degrees and interaction with graduate students.
Disadvantages of Universities
- Students do not switch majors easily due to bureaucracy.
- More costly.
- Large class sizes.
- Research prioritised over undergraduate teaching.
- Less personalised attention from professors.
College vs University: Which is Better?
It is challenging to say which is better because individual needs and strengths vary widely. Generally, universities are bigger and more prestigious institutions offering both graduate and undergraduate degrees. Statistics also show that university graduates have more earning power compared to college graduates. Most undergraduate degrees take about three to five years to complete.
Which Degree is Better: College or University?
Your choice should largely depend on what you want to study. It's better to study certain programmes in college, especially if they require practical knowledge. On the other hand, some programmes are better offered in universities. So the sole discretion lies with the prospective student. Before making any hasty decisions, do a lot of research. Talk to former and current university and college students, and ask potential employers what kind of education they'd suggest.
College vs University vs Institute
Usually, a college focuses on undergraduate and tertiary education and may not offer graduate courses. A university is a bigger institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses. In most countries, an institute typically focuses on specialised research or training in a particular field and normally does not offer undergraduate degrees.
College vs University vs High School
A high school is an institution that offers secondary education.
College vs University: Age
The age at which people attend college or university is usually the same, typically after high school when people are around 17-20 years old. However, there is no maximum age limit. Some people join even in their 30s or 40s.
College vs University: In Europe
In Europe, "university" refers to degree-awarding institutions. "College" rarely refers to a university; instead, it usually describes high schools (ages 16–18), vocational training, or constituent halls of residence within older collegiate universities (e.g., Oxford or Cambridge).
College vs University: Examples
Examples of universities in Nigeria include: University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Rivers State University (RSU), Lagos State University (LASU). Examples of colleges in Nigeria: Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Federal College of Education (FCE), Pankshin, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED).
Is Oxford a University or a College?
Oxford is a university. It comprises a central university and 39 self-governing colleges.
Is Harvard a College or a University?
It is both. Harvard University is the overarching institution. It encompasses various schools, including Harvard College, that offer undergraduate courses.
What is the Difference Between a College and a University in Kenya?
In Kenya, universities typically offer diploma, undergraduate and graduate courses. On the other hand, colleges offer artisan, certificate, and diploma courses. Usually, colleges do not offer undergraduate programmes, unless they are university constituent colleges.
What is the Difference Between a 4-Year College and a University?
The primary difference lies in scope and focus. Four-year colleges normally offer undergraduate courses and may not offer graduate programmes.
What is the #1 University in the World?
According to Times Higher Education, the top university in the world is the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
There are many things to consider when comparing college vs university. Programme value and education are perhaps the most important factors.
