After high school ends, there’s one more level of education that comes for those who want specialist status in an industry. This is the tertiary level of study, and it’s a big step upward from what you did during your secondary education.
By the time you’re ready to make the transition from high school, you should already be aware of what program you plan to study. After all, this is your career path. If nothing else, this entire tertiary journey is an investment into whatever future it is you hope to secure for yourself.
The terms “college” and “university” seem to be used interchangeably when most people speak. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if there even is a difference. If there is a difference, where does it lie? Is it based on the number of students? Is it defined by the programs offered? Does it revolve around the homework help options available? Here’s a brief rundown of the difference and how this can guide your decision on which to enroll in.
College
First, you should note that there is a difference between the two. Though some people use the terms in whatever way they see fit, a college and a university are two different things.
A college is typically a smaller institution. While you can take your education to the next level after high school via college, there is a restriction. As you know, an undergraduate degree is the first level of higher education.
While many people end their studies at that level, others wish to go on to do graduate programs. This is where the difference comes into play, as you cannot do such programs in the context of a college.
Colleges tend only to offer students undergraduate degrees. There are standard bachelor’s degrees, and some colleges offer associate degrees as well.
University
A university is a more comprehensive institution, and it is usually larger than a college. These institutions also offer undergraduate degrees, but students can also do graduate programs if they desire. Of course, this is great for students who want to get to the master’s or doctorate level in a course of study.
Many universities also have specialist schools for fields such as law and medicine. One of the great things about a university is that it may allow students to get both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in a shorter time than it would take to get each individual.
Since universities have more resources and are larger, they usually have more comprehensive offerings.
How to Choose
Choosing between a college and a university is a process that you must put yourself at the center of. Of course, both institution types share similarities, such as the presence of extra-curricular activities and homework help options. However, your decision needs to be based on the differences and how much those mean to you.
Your budget is one example of such a difference. It is likely that a college has a lower tuition cost than a university. If you cannot acquire the necessary funds for the university, then a college may be better.
Another important one is how far you plan to take your education. If you don’t plan on going past the undergraduate level, then a college is enough since it offers undergraduate programs. However, you may want to consider a university if you want to take things a bit further. Remember that you can also complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees in different places too.
The point is that you need to consider all the differences between the two institution types and see which one has the most to offer you.