---
title: A Comprehensive Guide to College vs. University in Canada
description: Explore the differences between colleges and universities in Canada to make an informed decision about your higher education. Find the right path for you:
image: https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/college%20vs%20university.jpg
---

- English
- Français

- News / Blog
- [Contact](https://www.herzing.ca/contact)
- [Student Login](https://student5.campuslogin.com/(S(l5qa1i55nvojjoragnier23j))/StudentLoginDefault.aspx?OrgID=12200)

[![herzing-logo@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/herzing-logo@2x.png?width=164&height=33&name=herzing-logo@2x.png "herzing-logo@2x")](https://www.herzing.ca)

- [PROGRAMS](https://www.herzing.ca/programs-page/)
- [ONLINE PROGRAMS](https://www.herzing.ca/online-programs/)
- [CAMPUS SERVICES](https://www.herzing.ca/campus-services/admissions/)
- [INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.herzing.ca/international-students/)
- [WHY HERZING](https://www.herzing.ca/why-herzing/why-choose-herzing/)
- [LOCATIONS](https://www.herzing.ca/locations/)

![menu@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/menu@2x.png "menu@2x")

## Herzing Blog

Expert advice to help you choose the right training program and succeed in your career.

# College vs. University in Canada: Find the Best Fit for Your Future

**Sep 28, 2023, 11:40:01 AM**

![Smiling student on city street looking at camera](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/college%20vs%20university.jpg)

# College vs. University in Canada: Find the Best Fit for Your Future

**Sep 28, 2023, 11:40:01 AM**

- [Herzing College \>](https://herzing.ca)
- [Blog](https://blog.herzing.ca)

### Book a Tour

X

Visit a Herzing College Campus!

### Ask a Question

X

Want to Learn More?

### Explore

X

### Is Career Training right for you?

[TAKE OUR CAREER TRAINING READINESS KIT](https://yourcareerexploration.ca/?lead_src=w-cta-box&mid=18419)

Live Chat

 

Tour

 

Ask

 

Explore

 

- [All Campuses](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/national)
- [Montreal French](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/montreal-fr)
- [Montreal](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/montreal)
- [Ottawa](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/ottawa)
- [Toronto](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/toronto)
- [Winnipeg](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/Winnipeg)
- [Herzing Skilled Trades Training](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades)
- [Kompass Professional Development](https://blog.herzing.ca/kompass-online-training)

#### SELECT A CATEGORY:

- Categories 
    - [All Campuses](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/national)
    - [Montreal French](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/montreal-fr)
    - [Montreal](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/montreal)
    - [Ottawa](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/ottawa)
    - [Toronto](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/toronto)
    - [Winnipeg](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/Winnipeg)
    - [Herzing Skilled Trades Training](https://blog.herzing.ca/trades)
    - [Kompass Professional Development](https://blog.herzing.ca/kompass-online-training)

![Smiling student on city street looking at camera](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/college%20vs%20university.jpg)

Colleges and universities are both part of the landscape of higher education in Canada. While they are alike in some ways, they have several important differences and, in fact, serve distinct purposes.

To help you decide which type of institution is right for you, we put together this detailed comparison. Keep reading to see how colleges and universities stack up in terms of program offerings, career prospects, costs, and suitability for different career goals.

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

- [Why Your Higher Education Choice Matters](https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada#why-your)
- [Overview of Colleges vs. Universities in Canada](https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada#overview)
- [Curriculum and Programs](https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada#curriculum)
- [Career Prospects](https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada#career)
- [Cost Comparison](https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada#cost)
- [Suitability for Different Career Goals](https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada#suitability)

 

## WHY YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION CHOICE MATTERS

Certain industries or roles have specific educational requirements. So, depending on your career goals, your choice of college vs. university may already be made for you.

Some regulated professions require a university education. For instance, if you’re hoping to become a doctor, lawyer, architect, teacher, or chartered professional accountant, you’ll need a degree.

But if you’re aiming at a career like personal support worker, legal assistant, architectural drafter, or payroll clerk, a college diploma or certificate is more appropriate. And if you’re interested in the skilled trades (i.e., plumbing, electrical, HVAC), you will need some college training, typically as part of an apprenticeship.

However, in many cases, you are free to choose either path—so it’s important to understand Canadian higher education options.

 

## OVERVIEW OF COLLEGES VS. UNIVERSITIES IN CANADA

While both types of institutions provide quality post-secondary education, colleges are more career-focused and universities are more academically focused.

It used to be that colleges offered only certificates and diplomas while universities offered degrees. But today, the lines are blurrier, with some colleges offering bachelor’s degrees.

There are other similarities. Both colleges and universities frequently offer:

- Online classes
- Internships, work placements, or co-op terms
- Assistance with creating your resume

However, there are some key differences.

### **Universities**

Universities are degree-granting institutions that emphasize research, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Programs are designed to give you in-depth training in your chosen field of study as well as broad exposure to other areas—in other words, a well-rounded education.

Key features of universities:

- Classes can have 100 or more students, especially in the early years
- Faculty are involved in both teaching and conducting research
- Admission is competitive; you must meet certain academic standards

![Students in university lecture theatre](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/university%20lecture.jpg?width=1254&height=836&name=university%20lecture.jpg)*University classes can be quite large; students are more independent*

### **Colleges**

Colleges grant diplomas and certificates (and sometimes bachelor’s degrees). They emphasize hands-on training and practical skills. Programs are designed to boost your skills and get you ready for immediate entry-level employment in your chosen career.

Key features of colleges:

- Classes often have less than 40 students
- Instructors are typically experienced professionals who still work in the industry
- Entrance requirements are not as strict; in some cases, a high school diploma is enough

Related: [The Benefits of a Private Career College](https://blog.herzing.ca/private-college-benefits)

![Instructor addressing students](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/college%20class.jpg?width=1254&height=836&name=college%20class.jpg)*College classes tend to be small; students get more interaction with the instructor*

 

## CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMS

Although their program offerings sometimes overlap, colleges and universities take distinctly different approaches to education.

### **Program Offerings at Universities**

Universities offer a wide range of degree programs in areas such as:

- Arts
- Humanities
- Business
- Law
- Sciences
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Engineering

Undergraduate (i.e., bachelor’s) degree programs typically take three or four years.

Graduate (i.e., master’s and PhD) degree programs require more time. Master’s programs usually take another two years, and PhD programs can take an additional four years or more.

University programs tend to go deep into research and theory. And because they focus on comprehensive education, you will take electives outside of your area of study. For instance, as part of a business administration degree, you may also take classes in literature or psychology.

### **Program Offerings at Colleges**

Colleges also offer a variety of programs in areas such as:

- Business
- Design
- Culinary arts
- Legal studies
- Media
- Healthcare
- Information technology
- Trades

College programs are typically two years or less and can be as short as a few months. They tend to go lighter on theory in favour of practical skills. In career colleges especially, the focus is on employability, so every course you take will be applicable to your chosen field.

For instance, in an interior design diploma program, you take classes in space planning, architectural drawing, and industry software. The hands-on training in career colleges allows you to learn the skills employers want through real-world-type projects.

 

## CAREER PROSPECTS

When it comes to the job market and career prospects, how do Canadian higher education options compare?

### **Job Prospects After University**

Plenty of job postings call for university graduates. A degree can be especially beneficial if you’re aiming for managerial or research-based positions.

Government statistics show that in the [first quarter of 2023](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410032805), there were 85,300 job vacancies across Canada that required bachelor’s degrees. In occupations related to management or natural and applied sciences, there were significantly more jobs requiring degrees than requiring diplomas or certificates.

University graduates do take longer to enter the workforce, but they tend to earn more. Statistics for the [class of 2016](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2019031-eng.htm) indicate that five years after graduation, the median income for those with bachelor’s degrees was $63,700, compared to $46,700 for those with college diplomas.

![Smiling businesswoman shaking the hand of a hiring manager](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/degree%20graduate.jpg?width=1254&height=836&name=degree%20graduate.jpg) *University students spend more time in school but tend to make more money after they graduate*

### **Job Prospects After College**

Because college programs focus on specific career skills and quicker entry into the job market, career prospects after college in Canada are positive. Institutions often establish relationships with local employers to provide a talent pipeline; industry connections in career colleges frequently lead to internship and employment opportunities.

In the [first quarter of 2023](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410032805), there were 213,040 job openings in Canada that required a non-university certificate or diploma—more than double the number of jobs requiring a degree. Each of the following sectors had far more openings for diploma and certificate holders than for those with degrees:

- Business, finance, and administration
- Health
- Education, law, and social and community services
- Art, culture, recreation, and sport
- Sales and service
- Trades
- Natural resources and agriculture
- Manufacturing and utilities

Some management or higher-level roles do call for a degree, but in many cases you can qualify for entry-level roles as a college graduate and then work your way up to more senior positions. It depends on the industry and the individual employer.

![Young businesswoman standing in office holding tablet](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/diploma%20graduate.jpg?width=1254&height=836&name=diploma%20graduate.jpg)*College students graduate sooner and can work their way up in many industries*

 

## COST COMPARISON

It’s also important to consider how the costs compare between universities and colleges.

### **Tuition and Fees**

In 2023-2024, the average [tuition fees](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3710000301) for Canadian colleges and universities that grant degrees were $7,076 for undergraduate programs (for domestic students). However, fees varied greatly by area of study. For instance, on average, education programs cost $5,358 while engineering programs cost $8,879.

Multiply those figures by four years, and you can see how expensive education can be.

There is no hard data on average tuition fees at non-degree-granting Canadian colleges. However, since college programs are shorter than university programs, they typically cost less overall. They also let you graduate and start earning a paycheque sooner.

### **Scholarships and Financial Aid Options**

Both college and university students can qualify for financial aid to reduce their educational costs.

Scholarships and grants are free money that doesn’t need to be repaid. They are frequently offered by industry associations and community organizations as well as educational institutions themselves, so be sure to look around.

Government-sponsored student loans are also available. Loans must be repaid, but the federal government does not charge interest on them. You may still have to pay interest on the provincial portion of your loan, however.

Related: [How to Get Help Paying for College in Canada](https://blog.herzing.ca/financial-aid-how-to-get-help-paying-for-college-in-canada)

 

## SUITABILITY FOR DIFFERENT CAREER GOALS

As noted off the top, some professions require a university degree and others are more commonly entered after receiving a college education.

The thing to remember is that universities teach theory and critical analysis, while career colleges teach vocational skills for specific professions.

One of the benefits of university education is the opportunity to explore a number of different areas. If you’re interested in a particular field but are not sure exactly what career you want, a university program could be a good option.

On the other hand, one of the major advantages of colleges is that they offer short, career-focused training. If you know what job you want and are aiming to get workforce-ready relatively quickly, a career college could be the way to go.

 

## LEARN MORE ABOUT WHERE A CAREER COLLEGE CAN TAKE YOU

Herzing College offers a variety of career-driven programs in business, design, education, healthcare, media, technology, and the skilled trades. All programs can be completed in two years or less, and most include internships for real work experience before you even graduate.

Click below to explore our programs and see what we have to offer.

[![Explore Herzing College Programs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/386626/20bf0d0a-5a48-4a07-b3e5-e0d93677a2f6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/386626/20bf0d0a-5a48-4a07-b3e5-e0d93677a2f6)

Tags:

[training](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/training)

![hard hat icon](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/ic-hard-hat.png "hard hat icon")

## Herzing Skilled Trades Training

[![SKILLED TRADES BLOG](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/386626/67ee5376-52fa-4e5b-9b81-a6ec00f6e798.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/386626/67ee5376-52fa-4e5b-9b81-a6ec00f6e798)

 SHARE THIS POST

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

### Categories

- [News and Events](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/news-and-events)
- [Training](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/training)
- [Careers and Employment](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/careers-and-employment)
- [Student Services](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/student-services)
- [Business](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/business)
- [Design](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/design)
- [Education](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/education)
- [Healthcare](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/healthcare)
- [Legal Studies](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/legal-studies)
- [Media](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/media)
- [Technology](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/technology)

- [Toronto Campus Blog](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/toronto)
- [Winnipeg Campus Blog](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/winnipeg)
- [Ottawa Campus Blog](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/ottawa)
- [Montreal Campus Blog](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/montreal)
- [Blogue du Campus de Montréal](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/montreal-fr)
- [Kompass Professional Development](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/kompass-professional-development)
- [Business and Affairs](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/business-and-affairs)
- [All Campuses](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/national)
- [scarborough](https://blog.herzing.ca/topic/scarborough)

### Most Read

### READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL?

## TAKE THE NEXT STEP

#### Fill in the form bellow and one of our representatives will help you with documents and requirements to enrol in this program.

![ballot-check@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/ballot-check@2x.png "ballot-check@2x")

## YOUR NEXT MOVE

## ARE YOU CAREER TRAINING READY?

The fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you'll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you're best suited for.

[![Try the Career Exploration Kit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/386626/81ed767d-18d4-4a37-81be-52ed95ec12bc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/386626/81ed767d-18d4-4a37-81be-52ed95ec12bc)

- [WHY HERZING](https://www.herzing.ca/why-herzing/why-choose-herzing/)
- [PROGRAMS](https://www.herzing.ca/programs-page/)
- [LEARN ONLINE](https://www.herzing.ca/online-programs/)
- [LOCATIONS](https://www.herzing.ca/locations/)

- [STUDENT LOGIN](https://student5.campuslogin.com/(S(l5qa1i55nvojjoragnier23j))/StudentLoginDefault.aspx?OrgID=12200)
- [ONLINE STUDENT LOGIN](https://herzingcollege.lambdasolutionscloud.net/)

[![her-ic-facebook@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/her-ic-facebook@2x.png?width=15&height=30&name=her-ic-facebook@2x.png "her-ic-facebook@2x")](https://www.facebook.com/herzingwinnipeg)

[![her-ic-twitter@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/her-ic-twitter@2x.png?width=37&height=30&name=her-ic-twitter@2x.png "her-ic-twitter@2x")](https://twitter.com/herzingcolleges)

[![her-ic-youtube@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/her-ic-youtube@2x.png?width=43&height=30&name=her-ic-youtube@2x.png "her-ic-youtube@2x")](http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsOQ0vItHHWK1echfbQPgkQ?sub_confirmation=1)

[![her-ic-blog@2x](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/her-ic-blog@2x.png?width=30&height=30&name=her-ic-blog@2x.png "her-ic-blog@2x")](https://blog.herzing.ca)

[![instagram\_white](https://blog.herzing.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/instagram_white.png?width=64&height=64&name=instagram_white.png "instagram_white")](https://blog.herzing.ca)

- [Careers](https://www.herzing.ca/why-herzing/careers-at-herzing/)
- [Policies](https://www.herzing.ca/privacy-policy/)

### Herzing College is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Herzing University, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.

### Copyright © Herzing College

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Herzing Blog",
    "url" : "https://blog.herzing.ca/author/herzingblog"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-10-26T15:38:37.657Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-09-28T15:40:01.000Z",
  "headline" : "A Comprehensive Guide to College vs. University in Canada",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.herzing.ca/hubfs/college%20vs%20university.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.herzing.ca/career-college-vs-university-canada",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4081/img/vast.png"
    },
    "name" : "Herzing Canada"
  }
}
```