Many people, especially many high school students, find themselves wondering a very important question: What is the main difference between college and university? In conversational language, people often use the two terms interchangeably. However, the distinction between the two is very important for anyone planning to attend one. Here at Ontario Virtual School, we have many students exploring post-secondary options, and our Guidance Department specializes in helping students understand the college and university difference so that they can make the decisions that are right for them. But for those looking for a quick rundown, let’s just briefly compare universities vs colleges.
What is University?
A university is an institution that focuses on theory and research. Your professors are usually not just experts in their fields, but researchers focused on advancing those fields.
It usually takes about four years to earn a university degree. The lowest level of university degree is called a Bachelor’s Degree, but if you choose to continue your studies, you can also earn a Master’s Degree and eventually a Doctorate.
University graduates can pursue careers in fields like STEM, law, education, business, and more.
What is College?
A college is an institution that focuses on applied skills. Your education is tailored toward earning certification and employment in specific careers.
It usually takes three years or less to earn a college certificate or diploma, depending on your field of study.
College graduates can pursue careers in fields like healthcare, automotive mechanics, welding, electrical maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, and more.
Why Choose University?
Some of the most lucrative career paths require university degrees. This leads to university graduates having higher average incomes.
Universities tend to offer many extracurricular activities such as sports teams, clubs, societies, and campus events. Many pro-athletes spent time playing for major university teams before advancing into professional play.
Since they are focused on research, universities tend to have more resources such as laboratories, libraries, and student services.
Why Choose College?
Due to focusing on applied skills, careers that require a college certificate or diploma are sometimes more likely to result in quick employment.
Colleges tend to have less competitive admission requirements, making it easier to earn a spot in one of their programs.
College certificate and degree programs usually require less study time and lower tuition rates than university degree programs.
Conclusion
In short, if you are interested a longer-term investment in your education, and would like to focus on theory and academics, university may be the choice for you. If you’re more interested in a shorter program that focuses on applied skills, college may suit your goals more closely.
Of course, for such an important life decision, there are many more factors to consider, each specific to a student’s particular situation. If you are currently trying to decide between university vs college, Ontario Virtual School’s Guidance Department is very familiar with the process for applying to Ontario Universities and Ontario Colleges, as well as postsecondary institutions outside the province, and even outside the country. We are happy to help you consider your options not just between college or university, but also for particular post-secondary programs, and even what Secondary School courses can best help you reach your goals. Register today!