These three words—school, college, and university—all refer to places of education but differ in level, purpose, and usage.
- School is a general term for any place where people go to learn, usually from early childhood through high school.
- College typically refers to a post-secondary institution that offers undergraduate degrees or vocational training; in some countries, it may also refer to a part of a university.
- University is a higher education institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and is involved in research.
Differences
The main differences lie in the level of education provided, the age of the students, and the scope of programs offered.
| Aspect | School | College | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Primary/secondary | Post-secondary (undergraduate) | Higher education (undergraduate & graduate) |
| Age Group | –18 years old | –22 years old (varies) | + years old |
| Degrees Offered | None (diploma/certificate) | Bachelor's or associate degrees | Bachelor's, master's, PhD, and more |
| Focus | General education | Specialized/ vocational | Specialized + research |
| Usage in US | Any pre-college education | Undergraduate institution | Higher education institution |
| Usage in UK | Any education | Further education or part of university | Higher education institution |
Examples
- School: "I have a meeting with my son’s school teacher."
- College: "I’m attending college to study nursing."
- University: "She’s pursuing a master’s degree at the university."
Usage Tips
- Use school when referring to education before college.
- Use college for undergraduate studies or vocational training.
- Use university for higher education that may include graduate studies and research.
When is it appropriate to use the word ‘college’?
For undergraduate studies or vocational training.
“College” is used for post-secondary undergraduate education or vocational training but not for primary education or advanced research.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
