College or University: What's the Difference?

And which one is right for you?

The time is nearly here to submit your applications for college and university. In fact, by the time you read this, you're probably already pushing the envelope! But if you're still on the fence, trying to work out what the right choice is for you, you've come to the right place.

There are two major streams of post-secondary education: college and university. Let's briefly look at each to help you decide your next move.

College

Colleges, whether public community colleges, private career colleges, or other institutes of applied technology, focus largely on vocational training — that is, explicit skills and instruction to prepare you for your career.

Colleges will equip you with a diploma, earned over the course of two or three years, or a certificate, which are often just a single year. Some colleges in BC also offer associate's degrees, more common in the USA, which consist of a two year college diploma with the option to transition into the third year of a bachelor's degree.

Many colleges also offer apprenticeship programs, typically in the trades sector. In fact, apprenticeship is the only path into some skilled trades in Ontario and elsewhere, so if you'd like to become a steamfitter, electrician, or hairstylist, you'll likely need to undergo an apprenticeship first, wherein an experienced tradesperson shows you the ropes as part of your college education.

College is a great choice if you have a strong sense of where you'd like your career to take you, and you want to get started quickly. Colleges teach practical, hands-on skills that will help you hit the ground running in your life and career.

University

Universities, both public and private, award academic degrees in a variety of disciplines, often organized under distinct "faculties" or "schools." The modern system has its roots in medieval Europe, and though much has changed, much has not!

The standard entry to university is the bachelor's degree, which in Canada is usually obtained over four years of study — though in the UK, you can earn a bachelor's in only three. Bachelor's degrees often start with general courses in early years and students begin to specialize in their fields as they study. Some universities even offer undergraduates — those seeking a bachelor's degree — opportunities to take part in research with faculty.

Universities also offer master's degrees, which can be pursued in one or two years after the completion of a bachelor's, wherein students conduct research and publish their work under the guidance of an adviser. After that comes the doctoral level, which is another five years or so! Doctoral students conduct original research, then write, publish and defend a book-length dissertation. (Some even go on to post-doctoral studies, but that's another story.)

University is a great choice if you want to explore your interests, do a lot of reading, thinking, and writing, or if you want an academic career. Universities teach high-level material that will challenge your critical thinking skills, which will serve you well, no matter your career.

Of course, whichever path you choose — if you choose one at all! — you're never locked in. Colleges and universities in Canada have transfer programs in place so you can change faculties, programs, or even schools. Many students do. Your education is yours, so pursue it in whatever way seems best to you. Ask for advice, do your research, and trust your gut.