Determine the type of college you're looking for

Jessica Dorcelien
Staff Writer

      The terms ‘college’ and ‘university’ are often used interchangeably. The overarching difference between the two is that the programs of a college are narrower and oftentimes have no graduate study options. Universities, on the other hand, are composed of multiple colleges, schools, or departments, making them typically larger institutions with broader alternatives for majors and degree options in both undergraduate and graduate programs. For example, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro houses seven schools and two colleges, including the Lloyd International Honors College. The four-year programs of both, universities and colleges, progress towards the fulfillment of bachelor’s degrees.

Public vs. Private

      There are two overarching types of colleges or universities: public and private.

Other Types of Colleges

     Colleges and universities can also be categorized under a variety of titles including, but not limited to the following: liberal arts, church affiliated, same sex, arts, and special mission institutions. 

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University of North Carolina System Schools

      There are only a handful of public universities in the state of North Carolina. All of the public universities are under the parent organization of the University of North Carolina System.