Why Consider Studying at A College Over A University

For international students who wish to study in the USA, university and college can be pretty confusing. The two terms are used interchangeably by Americans to refer to institutions of higher learning. This, in turn, creates confusion among students and parents alike.

Both institutions offer undergraduate degrees, but potential international students should understand the difference between these two. It is also suitable for postsecondary education students to know why they should consider studying a college compared to a university.

What Is a College?

Colleges are institutions of higher learning that feature a small population of students. Colleges do not offer graduate degrees. They are more intimate campuses and provide a small number of programs as compared to universities. There are three types of colleges: community colleges, Liberal arts, and Technical and vocational colleges.

Advantages of Studying at A College

Save Time

The first two years of university are all about general education, unlike in colleges. Most people consider all that a waste of time. During the first two years of university, students study courses like mathematics. Some courses are not related to their choice of major in any way. 

Students get to specialize in whatever college degree program they enrolled in from the first day at a college.

 

College Is Cheaper Than University

The amount of fees students pay at colleges is way cheaper than in universities. If you choose to study at college, you will pay almost half the degree program’s price. The same degree program could be more expensive at a university. International students choose colleges for this reason.

Smaller Class Sizes

Colleges offer smaller classes as compared to public universities, where most courses are delivered in the Amphitheater. Since colleges have a smaller student population, their classes often take place in smaller rooms. This is often an advantage for the students who require more attention and access to their faculty.

Easy Access for Everyone

The minimum entry requirements for Colleges are lower, and almost everyone can get a chance to join a college in America. University minimum entry requirements are higher compared to colleges- Universities will more often than not ask for higher grades or GPA. This, in turn, locks out potential students who may have a desire to continue with their education.

Professors deliver all classes

University students may never get to see a professor for the first two years. Students in colleges are taught by professors right from the very first day. 

They receive more attention due to their smaller numbers. Professors in universities are often overwhelmed by their workload and may not have time to attend to their Freshmen. Most first years and second years are often taught by Ph.D. stdúdents or even master’s students in universities.

Better Teaching Methods

Professors at colleges are often more involved with their students and their classes. University faculty is often busy with their research, the Professors at colleges put more time into teaching and problem solving than research.

Easier Access to The Top Universities in the USA

Most top universities in the US, like Havard and UC Berkeley, are always on demand during the first and second years. They have limited places, and for anyone to be selected to join such institutions, they must achieve very high grades. This also locks out most high school students who would wish to join such prestigious universities. 

 

Such students opt to join colleges for the first and two years to join the top universities. This always works in the long run as the demand for admission in such top schools drops later. It is the best time for college students to apply to join the top schools. Situations like students dropping out constantly favor other students that wish to study in those universities.

 

The advantages of choosing to study at a college are many as compared to the disadvantages.  Potential students should also know about the cons before making that critical decision on where to join.

Disadvantages Of Studying at A College

Limited Number of Programs

Two-year colleges offer limited study programs for their students. It is harder for students who want a unique program. Universities tend to provide a wider choice of study programs than colleges.

Lack of Diversity

Most international students realize that colleges are less diverse, with fewer international students than more prominent universities in America. Most colleges feature local students, and international students often feel alone. The college experience is not so pleasant for some students who study at colleges. Universities offer better diversity.

Social Aspect

Students who complete two years of college education and want to transfer are often faced with having to leave their friends behind. You will have to leave your friends behind after two years of college. Transferring from college to a university is often hard for the students who have to start over again. For college graduates, this movement may affect them negatively.

Limited access to student loans

Students who take full-time studies at universities have a better chance of receiving government funding unlike those in colleges. Bachelor’s degree students at universities often have more scholarship opportunities. International students that wish to pursue their higher education in America find scholarships as a good way to finance their studies. Whatever your career path, most universities will always have funding opportunities for you.