In the United States, colleges and universities are both postsecondary institutions, but they differ in terms of size, degree programs, and focus.
Colleges are usually smaller than universities and offer a more focused and specialized education. They often have a specific area of study that they specialize in, such as liberal arts, business, or technical fields. Colleges may offer associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, but usually do not have graduate programs.
Universities are larger institutions that offer a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. They often have a diverse array of programs and departments, and may have a larger focus on research. Universities may also have professional schools, such as law or business schools, that offer specialized advanced degrees.
In general, the term “college” is used to refer to a school that is part of a larger university, while the term “university” is used to refer to the entire institution that includes multiple colleges. However, this is not always the case, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.