Many people, college students included, aren't fully aware of the difference between a college and a university. In fact, while the names are used interchangeably, they often refer to completely different school programs. Before you decide to apply to a certain school, it's good to know what distinguishes one from the other.

College vs. University: The Degrees Offered

A common misconception is that colleges are private while universities are public. This is not the definition that distinguishes the two. Instead, it is quite often the difference in the level of degree programs offered.

In general -- and, of course, there are exceptions -- colleges only offer and focus on undergraduate programs. While a four-year school may offer Bachelor's degrees, many community and junior colleges only offer two-year or Associate's degrees. Some colleges do offer graduate studies as well.

Most universities, on the other hand, offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Prospective college students who wish to obtain a Master's or Ph.D. will likely need to attend a university.

Many university structures also include colleges that specialize in undergraduate programs or in a specific profession. This is most often a law school or medical school that is under the umbrella of the larger university.

Two well-known schools in the U.S. offer perfect examples:

Harvard College is the undergraduate school of Harvard University. Students may earn their liberal arts Bachelor's from the college and move into a graduate program at the university to pursue a Master's or doctorate.

The University of Michigan offers both undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees. Students could, for example, get a Bachelor's degree in Politics and then a law degree without changing schools.

If you aren't sure how things work at your particular institution or at an institution you're thinking of attending, do some investigating on the campus website. They will most likely break down programs based on the kinds of degrees they offer.

University and College Sizes and Course Offerings

In general, colleges tend to have a smaller student body and faculty than universities. This is a natural result of the limited degree programs they offer. Because universities include graduate studies, more students attend these schools at one time and more staff is required to handle the students' needs.

Universities also tend to offer a greater variety of degrees and classes than a college. This leads to a more diverse student population with a wider array of interests and studies.

Likewise, students will find smaller classes within the college system than they would in a university. While universities may have courses with 100 or more students in a lecture hall, a college may offer the same course subject in a room with only 20 or 50 students. This offers more individual attention to each student.

Should You Choose a College or a University?

Ultimately, you need to decide what field of study you want to pursue, and let that guide your decision about what institution of higher learning you attend (if any). If you're trying to decide between two similar schools, it's good to consider your own learning style.

If you want a personalized experience with smaller class sizes, a college may be your best option. But if a diverse student body and a possible graduate degree are on your must-have list, then a university might be the way to go.