Some people assume that a university is much larger than a college. Though this is often the truth, it is not a defining factor in the difference between a college and university. A university may seem larger because of the various programs and resources offered, but a larger size is just coincidental.
One of the biggest differences between a college and university is the number of programs offered. Colleges often focus on a smaller number of majors and minors to accommodate students, while universities offer a larger array of majors. At universities, it is more common to find specified majors of study such as cultural anthropology versus a generic anthropology degree. Universities are also more likely to offer more post-graduate degrees.
The length of some college programs may be shorter than university programs. Universities offer only four-year bachelor degrees. Colleges exist in the form of two-year colleges, four-year colleges or technical schools. Each type of college offers different majors that may require only a certification or a few semesters, up to a two-year associate's degree.
One difference between many colleges and universities is how you declare a major. Colleges comprise areas of study such as business or art departments. But many universities have colleges built into the system. For example, business majors are students of the business college, as well as students of the university. There may be a separate college within the university for every area of study.