Are colleges and universities the same thing?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, colleges and universities are not exactly the same thing, though there's significant overlap. The key difference lies in the scope of their offerings:

* Colleges typically offer undergraduate programs (Bachelor's degrees) and may or may not offer some graduate programs (Master's degrees). They tend to be smaller and more focused in their academic offerings.

* Universities offer a wider range of programs, including undergraduate, graduate (Master's and Doctoral degrees), and often professional degrees (like law, medicine, dentistry). They are generally larger institutions with more diverse research opportunities and a more complex organizational structure.

Essentially, all universities are colleges, but not all colleges are universities. A university is a more comprehensive institution. The distinction is often blurry, however, and many institutions call themselves "universities" even if their graduate programs are limited.