As students and their parents begin to explore higher education options, they may wonder about the differences between colleges and universities. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there may be significant distinctions.
Some may think that a college is only private, or that a university will be funded by the state. Others may believe that the quality of education differs greatly between the two.
However, the truth is that the differences between the two are difficult to define and will depend on the institution in question.
What is a College?
In general, colleges are seen as smaller versions of universities, are often more specialized in terms of the programs offered, and will offer support to students to a greater extent than universities.
They usually offer college diplomas, although some more specialized colleges can offer bachelor’s degrees
Universities will also offer college diplomas, but they will also offer graduate degrees, unlike most colleges.
These will sometimes have masters and doctorates, while some universities will also maintain specialized internal schools such as law (law / jurisprudence), medicine or business, where students focus on obtaining a degree in law, a medical degree or an MBA.
Since they also tend to be larger than colleges, varsities often have a wider variety of courses, although they do not necessarily mean that courses are better since college faculty can provide more support when fewer courses are available.
Throughout the world, terminology can sometimes be a little complex when it comes to higher education institutions.
When you are looking to study abroad, you should take note of what is the difference in your country of choice.
For example, in the United Kingdom there is a big difference between colleges and universities, but in the United States, the line between the two is much blurred and the terms “college” and “university” are often interchangeable. In Australia the difference is more defined, and as discussed earlier, colleges will be smaller, but they will be more focused.
Size: Bigger does not always mean better
The most obvious difference between colleges and universities is size, both in terms of physical space and the number of students attending. The largest universities in Kenya can have between 30,000 and 50,000 students. In comparison, colleges are significantly smaller, with numbers usually below 1,000.
The colleges have a much more intimate environment learning, which makes the contact time with teachers is much higher (the more time spent with tutors and teachers, the greater the chances of a successful title). In colleges, class sizes can be limited to 25, while larger universities can sometimes have classes of hundreds of students.
This also means that it is a little easier to make friends and can be less intimidating in general, especially when it comes to speaking with teachers and for any other help you may need. All teachers will know their students by name and can dedicate time to offer support to each student according to their needs.
Teaching styles
Another key difference between universities and colleges is the teaching style.
Larger universities often put the workload on the student, which is not bad, since it can encourage independent learning.
But there can be an abrupt learning curve for some students, especially those who come from high school, where students simply receive their work and are observed and supported throughout most of the process.
In college, having to create a work schedule for you (and adjust to it) can be extremely challenging as you get used to your new environment and your friends, and even have to learn a new language.
Since colleges are smaller, this may mean that classes are similar to those found in high schools, while maintaining much of the necessary independence to succeed at a larger university.
To use Macleay as an example once again, the teaching style is very practical. The programs are based on evaluations, projects, real-world reports and group work, which reflect the projects that would occur in the workplace, which can be much more useful than the less practical teaching style offered at the university. .
Some examples may be working on a social media campaign where you are expected to provide your own photograph; you create the concept and you film your own TV commercial; that you start your own business; or write a research news.
Once again, while universities often let students learn at their own pace, Colleges makes a greater effort to lead his students to success.
The practices are not compulsory in the universities, but in many colleges they are. College students take practice as part of their course. With many initial-level roles that require a certain level of experience, a practice will differentiate you from other applicants.
They also work on reports and meet with leaders in their industry, which allows them to develop the current skills they require
Find the right college for you
There is a tendency: when students apply for international courses, they tend to ignore colleges and, instead, focus solely on universities. We hope that this article has allowed you to see the colleges differently and in what way it could be more useful than to stay at a university.
However, if it is still difficult for you to decide which course is right for you
