Every student wishes to study in the best college or university so that they can have access to the best faculty and resources. The success of an institution is determined by the success of its alumni.
Many people are always confused about the basic difference between a college and a university.
Key Takeaways
- Harvard College is one of the schools within Harvard University specifically focused on undergraduate education, while Harvard University encompasses multiple graduate and professional schools besides Harvard College.
- Harvard College is known for its liberal arts curriculum, while the graduate and professional schools at Harvard University offer a wide range of specialized programs.
- Admission to Harvard College is highly competitive, while admission requirements vary by program for Harvard University’s other schools.
Harvard College vs Harvard University
Harvard College is the undergraduate college of Harvard University and provides AB and SB degrees along with the Faculty of Arts of Sciences. Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge that was founded in 1636. It is the oldest higher education institution in the US.
Harvard College is one of the prominent colleges that has a very bright past, and it offers a large number of undergraduate programs and courses. It is a higher secondary institution where students from all across the world come and study.
It was founded in the year 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Harvard University is one of the most renowned and well-known universities in the world, where students from all over the world wish to study and pursue a degree here.
It includes a large number of colleges that are affiliated with this university. Harvard University is also an Ivy League Research University.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Harvard College | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Courses offered | Harvard College offers all possible undergraduate courses, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are some of the famous courses that are offered. | Harvard University offers a wide range of postgraduate and research courses in every domain. It also offers a few undergraduate courses as well. |
| Status | Harvard college is located within the main university campus due to which it cannot be termed as an Independent Ivy League College. | Harvard University is classified as an Ivy League Private University which signifies that it is one of the top 8 distinguished universities in the world. |
| Admission process | The admissions in Harvard College is based on students previous academic record, extra-curricular activities, and personal qualities. | Harvard University accepts admissions based on the ACT score. |
| Academic Life | The four-year undergraduate program at Harvard college is basically focused on liberal arts and sciences. | The academic life at Harvard University is basically focused on research and master’s programs. |
| Notable alumni | The notable alumni of Harvard College are Dean Norris, David Souter, and Chuck Schumer. | The notable alumni of Harvard University are some of the prominent faces of the world that includes the former President of the United States Barack Obama. |
What is Harvard College?
Harvard College is one of the biggest colleges affiliated with Harvard University. According to a survey, Harvard College is one of the toughest schools to get accepted for pursuing an undergraduate program.
It has only a 3.4% acceptance rate. Around 9900 students are pursuing an undergraduate degree at Harvard University at the present moment.
Harvard College offers close to 3300 courses in a wide range of 50 fields. The most famous courses are the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.
The four basic fields of courses are Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Engineering.
Harvard College is a place that offers the first degree to the students in their career. Harvard College was founded in the year 1636.
Initially, this college was male-dominated as no women were allowed to study here, but now there is a 1:1 gender ratio in the college.
Most majors of Harvard College are Artium Baccalaureus and Scientiae Baccalaureus. In the first year of college, students have to live in the hostel itself, whereas, after one year’s competition, students can live in rented houses and other PG rooms.
The library here is very big.
What is Harvard University?
Harvard University has ten distinct academic facilities and is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Harvard University has 14,215 postgraduates and 20,500 faculty members, including 10,400 academic staff.
Originally, it was known as the New College and was later renamed Harvard in the year 1639.
Many famous colleges are affiliated with Harvard University, and each college specializes in a particular field like law, medicine, and science.
The various things that one must keep in mind for getting into Harvard University are:-
- One must have a very good GPA in their past high school and undergraduate degree.
- One must get a high score on the SAT, ACT, or AP tests.
- An individual must also have taken part in various extra-curricular activities in the past.
- A person must also have volunteered with various NGOs and Organizations.
- One must prepare an amazing application and SOP to get into this amazing University.
It is situated as a landmark along the famous Charles River. It is also one of the most famous universities, beauty and architecture-wise. This is the university where every person wishes to study.
Main Differences Between Harvard College and Harvard University
- Harvard College offers undergraduate programs like Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, whereas Harvard University offers some undergraduate programs but most prominently postgraduate and Research programs.
- Harvard College is not an Ivy League Private College, whereas Harvard University is an Ivy League Private University.
- The admissions at Harvard College are based on past academic extracurriculars of students, whereas Harvard University gives huge weightage to ACT scores.
- Harvard College admits students who have just passed out of their school, whereas Harvard University admits students for courses in Research for which an undergraduate degree is required.
- The four-year undergraduate program at Harvard College is focused on liberal arts and sciences, whereas Harvard University majorly focuses on master’s and research degrees.
- https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=LONdI8l5-JwC&oi=fnd&pg=PA23&dq=harvard+university&ots=Abz9qaPhGi&sig=PIqeh0nCcV2fGEC5tIhmEntpdQQ
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.4159/harvard.9780674423626/html
Last Updated : 27 August, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
This is a great insight into the differences between Harvard College and Harvard University. The post provides detailed information that sheds light on the distinctions between the two institutions and their specific programs. Truly illuminating.
I couldn’t agree more, Martin. The thorough explanation of the admission processes is particularly enlightening.
I appreciate the detailed comparison between Harvard College and Harvard University. It offers valuable information to those considering applying to either one.