College is an institution of higher education, essentially composed of a Faculty and Students. A College can be a part of a University or affiliated with a University. A College is governed by set of rules and regulations and functions under a body of authority which can be either governmental or non-governmental. The term College has been derived from the Latin word 'Collegium'. A Collegium was a club or society composed of a number of people living together, under a common set of rules. These Institutes provided facility of libraries and scientific instruments. They also offered salaries to tutors who prepared students to appear for examination and acquire a degree. That was then, Colleges today have a multitude of meanings.
An institution of higher learning, providing a general or liberal arts education rather than technical or professional training.
A constituent unit of a university, furnishing courses of instruction in the liberal arts and sciences, usually leading to a bachelor's degree.
An institution for vocational, technical, or professional instruction, as in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, or music, often a part of a university.
An endowed, self-governing association of scholars incorporated within a university, as at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England.
A similar corporation outside a university.
The building or buildings occupied by an institution of higher education.
The administrators, faculty, and students of a college.
An organized association of persons having certain powers and rights, and performing certain duties or engaged in a particular pursuit.
Based on above definitions it is clear that a College is an institution imparting higher education. To a certain extent a College is also that Institute which lies between a Secondary School Education and a University Education and in that sense provides Post-Secondary Education. It is here that a candidate specialises in a certain field and acquires a degree. For some, College is a place for full freedom while for some, it is a place where one can mould his career. Colleges do provide a varied amount of freedom which is not available in a school environment but if this freedom is abused, it defeats the purpose for which a College has been set up. Irrespective of the freedom, Colleges of the World aren't uniform in their administration, purpose, curriculum, teaching methodology and other factors. Also, Colleges world over aren't uniform in their Terminology, often having several different, unrelated, meanings. This aspect is covered below.
British Education System and the U.S. Education System are the most pronounced one's in the world, therefore many nations follow one or the other or mixture of both educational systems. This is primarily because of the influence of the British Colonial Polices in most parts of the world. Wherever, Britishers established their colonies, they introduce their own education policies in their slave countries. As a result, the British Education System became the predominate one. While some countries imitate the U.S. system of education and others see it fit to have a bit of both.
British Colleges
Village Colleges - Another unique term for 'Colleges' is 'Village Colleges'. These are secondary school located in Cambridgeshire and are community based. |
Sixth Form Colleges - These are another form of secondary schools known as colleges. It is not clear as to why they are known as such but as per British norms, Year 7-Year 11 are known as Forms 1 to 5. Here, students study for advanced school-level qualifications, such as A-levels, or school-level qualifications such as GCSEs. This education generally lasts for 2 years. There are about 90 such colleges in England and Wales. |
United States Colleges
Some of the Community Colleges: |
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Junior Military Colleges:
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Indian Colleges
Undergraduate Institutes - There is no disparity as to 'What is a College in India?'. Barring a few minor exceptions, majority of the colleges in India are educational institutes which provide undergraduate courses in various fields. College level begins after the completion of 10+2 or after the completion of secondary education. Most Colleges offer bachelor's degree and are affiliated with Universities. However, some College do provide post graduate education as well. Programmes are provided by the colleges under the governance of their respective universities. Some of the Colleges are themselves a constituent part of the university and are placed in the campus itself, while others are not. The colleges offer programmes under that university. Examinations are conducted by the university at the same time for all colleges under its affiliation. Indian Colleges are private, government or funded by government. Colleges in India are known for conducting various Competitive examination for admission in various professional courses. Admission to these Colleges is done through all-India common admission tests of which the IIT-JEE, AIEEE, CAT and CPMT are the most popular ones.
Australian Colleges
New Zealand Colleges
Canadian Colleges
Some of the CEGEP's:
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Singapore Colleges
French Colleges
Irish Colleges
Japanese Colleges
University as Colleges and Vice Versa - In Japan, there is no separate distinction as to 'What is a College?' and 'What is a University?'. Both Institutions are considered, one and the same. These institutions impart Four-Year education program. Majority of Japanese Colleges are run by private organisations, a trend opposite in comparison with other countries. There are two categories under which japanese colleges can be divided.
i) Junior Colleges - Junior Colleges usually involve two or three years of training and traditionally have enrolled mostly women. These can be pursued only after completing high school. |
ii) Technical Colleges - These are 5 year institutions meant for students who have completed their lower secondary (middle) schooling. These colleges lay emphasis on specialized subjects which prepare students for a vocational life.
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There are various criteria under which Colleges can be classified. Some have been mentioned above. Since these aren't universal in their terminology, foundation, structure, functioning, teaching methodology and other factors, it is not suitable to rely on this categorisation. But there are certain colleges, which on a wide base can be categorised on the basis of authority, sex, type of education and other factors. The education provided in these colleges can be simply academic, specialised and or vocational.
Colleges can be thus categorised as:
Public Colleges - Public Colleges are those colleges which are maintained for the public by the government. They function in accordance with certain guidelines set forth by the state and federal government. As such, they are closely supervised by one or more governing boards. Education in these colleges is subsidised or is free, especially in Developed Nations. But most of these have fees which is economical for most. Public Colleges are able to educate larger populace as they generally have large infrastructure.
Some of the Public Colleges in the World
Private Colleges - Private Colleges are those colleges which are maintained for the public by the private organisations. They function in accordance with certain guidelines set forth by their founding organisation. They are mostly funded by the tuition fees they collect from the students, donations and or funds granted by government. Education is paid in these colleges. Private Colleges have limited seats and therefore impart education to less people. Most of the private colleges provide quality education and therefore their academic results are better as compared to Public Colleges.
Some of the Private Colleges in the World
Distance Education Colleges - Distance Education Colleges, the term itself is self-explanatory, i.e. to say Education acquired from a distance. Such Colleges deliver course material to students at their home itself. Besides this they may conduct classes for certain period of time. They may even take certain tests during the course period. Such colleges provide convenient and flexible education, in the sense that one can choose his/her time of study and approach. Some colleges, even offer courses which can be studied off-campus anywhere in the world. Distance education Colleges are the most beneficial for people who couldn't get their college education in time or those who are unable to attend due to their busy schedules. Many colleges have a separate department which handles such education. Distance Education Colleges are also referred as 'Correspondence' or 'Open' Colleges. Another form of such colleges are known as 'Online Colleges'. Online colleges are known as such because they provide courses or education training primarily via the Internet. Some of the regular colleges also offer online education. Online colleges are in vogue in developed nation but in developing countries they are still in their infancy. The Thing with Online Colleges is that some of them provide certificate as if they were for sale, so it's important to search for those online colleges which are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. One should also check from the admission counsellor of the online college, about the services, resources and online support offered by it. Not to forget, whether the credits acquired from them are transferable to any other college (traditional or online).
Some of the Distance Education Colleges in the World
Same Sex Colleges - Same Sex Colleges can be either College for Men or Women's College. College for Men are basically meant for Means while Women Colleges are exclusively meant for Women. In spite of their exclusiveness some do give admission to opposite members of the sex, but only in small proportion. Women Colleges were historically established as women were largely ignored when it came to education. To provide advanced education for women, these colleges were established. Today, these colleges are meagre in number and some have even become co-educational. These are structured to benefit the women, the most. The reason why these colleges have been established is that these seem to provide less distraction and there is less bias as compared to a co-educational college. In a man's world, where women seem to be the 'Lesser Beings' these have been apparently established to provide advantage to women in all areas. Colleges for Men are even lesser in number than Women's College. There are like 'Dying Breeds', many of which have become Co-educational. Those that are still functioning have the same notion as those of Women's Colleges or are traditional in terms of providing education to boys or men only.
Some of the Women Colleges in the World
Some of the Colleges for Men in the World
Science Colleges - Colleges which mostly provide education in the field of science and mathematics are known as Science Colleges. These provide various undergraduate and post graduate programs in science and related fields. Science Colleges are well known for providing quality education in the field of science, even though they may provide non-science courses. Because they are renowned for science course they are known as Science Colleges. There are some which provide exclusive science education and related fields and are termed - 'Agricultural Colleges', 'Medical Colleges' and so on.
Some of the Science Colleges of the World
Business and Management Colleges - Business and Management Colleges are those which specialise in education related to Business, Management and related fields. Some of these are also referred as 'Business' or Management Schools'. Business and Management Colleges, Engineering Colleges and Science Colleges are also known as ''Professional Colleges' as they provide occupational or professional skills.
Some of the Business and Management Colleges in the World:
Engineering Colleges - Colleges which mostly offer higher education in engineering course at degree (undergraduate) level are known as Engineering Colleges. Some however may provide Post Graduate programs as well. Here, students can specialise in various engineering branches - civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering etc. Engineering Colleges are the most popular in India as they are highly esteemed and lead to an economical secure future. These may not necessarily include the term 'Engineering' in their name, they may have the term 'Technology' included in the title or both the 'Engineering' and 'Technology' words.
Some of the Engineering Colleges of the World
Agricultural Colleges - Colleges specialising, primarily in offering educational courses in agriculture and related fields are called 'Agricultural Colleges'. These colleges are also referred as 'Land-Grant Colleges' or 'Land Grant Institutions', mostly in U.S. Apart from the regular courses offered, there are host of short term and extension education courses offered by them. These are especially meant for farmers. Research is an important part of these institutions and it is here that various agricultural practices and techniques are developed. These may exist, as part of universities and function as school or faculty or may exist as independent agriculture colleges affiliated to various agriculture universities. In many parts of the world, Agricultural Colleges have been absorbed by the affiliating universities or have themselves gained the status of a Agricultural University.
Some of the Agricultural Colleges of the World
Minority Colleges - Colleges which cater to the education of Minorities in a community or society are known as Minority Colleges. These Colleges are especially meant for those candidates who are comfortable and familiar with ethnic environment in which they have been raised. The reason for this is that the students feel they fit in better, face less discrimination and have more opportunities to take leadership roles. For example the number of Christians in India is less and they are categorised as 'Minority'. In order to benefit the Christian Community at large, certain institutes have been set-up which give admission preference to Christians over others. Similarly there are colleges for blacks and tribals in other parts of the world.
Some of the Minority Colleges in the World
Humanities Colleges - Humanity studies are intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills rather than occupational or professional skills. Humanities Colleges are those whose speciality is in offering courses in disciplines of ancient and modern languages, literature, law, history, philosophy, religion, social sciences, visual and performing arts. These can be exclusive or may provide courses in other disciplines as well. Apart from this there are colleges which specialise in only one or two of the Humanities discipline. In some countries they are also known as 'Art Colleges' or 'College of Arts'. Humanities Colleges have an outlook which isn't impressive and as such are looked upon with an inferior eye, mostly when compared to professional colleges. None the less the courses provided by these have a well-rounded view of the world and the ability to contribute intelligently to a wide range of academic fields.
Some of the Humanities Colleges in the World
Faith Based Colleges - Faith based colleges are those which adhere to a faith or religion in their daily academic routine. They might make it compulsory to visit a chapel or perform certain religious tasks depending upon their respective policies. These colleges provide higher education along with spiritual, moral and ethical study. It is not necessary that these colleges will admit only those students which belong to that respective religion to which the college caters to. Majority of these colleges belong to the Christian community as is evident in U.S.A. One of the example is Saint Vincent College, U.S.A.
Importance or Role of College
Advanced Studies - Colleges are institutions which provide studies which have an advanced form. Firstly, completion of college education is advanced in a manner that upon passing the course one becomes a Graduate. Secondly, the studies are nothing like their counterparts in schools. Educational Courses here have far reaching impact in the course of a student's life. The discourse delivered and the study material provided is formed by the top experts in their fields. These courses are designed in such a way that they stimulate a students mind in thinking, asking questions and exploring new ideas, which allows for additional growth and development. Furthermore, the opportunity to read books and listen to lectures makes one a scholar to a large extent from a mere student.
Specialised Education - Colleges not only provide generalized education, they also provide subject specific courses. Colleges offer a multitude of educational courses in Arts, Humanities, Science, Business Management, Information Technology, Health Care etc. Acquiring education in any of these courses opens gateway to better options and more opportunities from just being a manufacturing-based one's to knowledge-based one's. The variety of subjects, courses and programs available in a college gives an individual, the freedom to chose only those which are best suited to his needs and desire. It removes the barrier of compulsory subjects which one has to study whether he/she likes it or not. It also provides an opportunity to enhance one's capabilities to utmost, as the chosen field is of his choice and not forced upon, as is evident in school environment. Specialised education produces specialised professionals who can really do justice to not only their talents but also to the responsibilities they have been given.
Base for further High Studies - For most of us, passing a college is more than enough as the patience to study starts waning after a few years of study. But for some studious candidates there is no end. For them, studying in a university is a must, not only because of the prestige attached to it, but also because they have a penchant for Post Graduate courses. Such courses provide a master's or doctorate degree which are the highest level of degrees one can achieve. Students who want to pursue Higher Studies in foreign countries also need a graduate degree. If research is one's area of expertise then there's nothing better than acquiring the relevant requirements for further research at an even higher level. Therefore colleges are foundation levels for higher education in a University.
High Earning Potential - It has been proved in various researches that those of us who have studied in a college, tend to earn more than the ones, who have studied only up to the school level. Though, there are a few exceptions but graduates have an upper hand when it comes to employment and for that matter high earning employment. College graduates also earn nearly twice as much as high school diploma holders. It's obvious that the higher the level of education, higher the salaries will be, and not just salaries, other perks related with those jobs also increase manifold. That is why in an Office Scenario, a Clerk gets less salary as compared to a Manager, owing to a much higher level of education, apart from other qualifications required for the post. For certain college goers, a college education may mean just doing the obvious but the potential of his education will be realised in the form of an even more better life in his later years.
Ability to face Job Market Competition - The global economy of today has made the boundaries between countries almost non existent, particularly in the business and job market scenario. More and more people are moving to countries which will fetch them a good value for their skills and education. This the reason why there is a competition in the job market. And the candidates having lower level of education are weeded out or get much less prospective jobs. On the other hand, one of the pre-requirements of an Employing firm is a High degree and not just a higher degree but to a certain extent, the highest level of an educational degree. Apart from education, companies are looking for for well-rounded employees. Today, the job competition demands that a professional be good in communication skills, disciplined, intelligent and other aiding factors. And a candidate, who has attended a college, is already infused with such qualities. Armed with such and having had a certain amount of competitive experience in the college environment, he is familiar with the competitive environment he is entering and the competitive job he is vying for.
Honing of Social Skills - A college is not just an institute, it is a place where cultural exchange at various levels occur. People speaking different languages, wearing varied attires, having varied mannerisms and behaviour meet at one central point. The interaction that takes place in this multicultural environment is rich in cultural exchange. An individual is exposed to such an environment acquires social skills which he might not be able to acquire in any other environment. One not only learns to socialise but also gains an intricate knowledge of interaction and communication which is specific, specialised and flexible with a change in social environment. One also learns how to work with colleagues and deal with social issues.
Personal Development - Personal Development is another attribute one acquires during his/her college life. Whilst studying a chosen course of education, a student gains more and more professional knowledge which further fans the flames of the person’s desire to become better and more competent. With increased efforts whether they result in success or failure, drives an individual to excel and perform the task with utmost skill, as and when needed. When such an attitude settles in, professional competence, social aptitude and a wider understanding of both oneself and the world are gained whose value is unmeasurable.
Emergence of a Better Society - People with higher intellect tend to be well educated, ideal employees and raise better families. This automatically transforms an ordinary citizen to a diligent one. Empowered with such attributes such an individual is peace loving, willing to follow the rules and norms of a society. When a society is composed of a vast population of such citizens that society will function in a much better way than it would, if it's citizens were illiterate or less educated. So, a society where majority of people have higher education, runs very efficiently and smoothly.
Status Symbol - If one isn't aiming for a prospectus job, the mere fact that one has a degree of higher education under his belt is enough to command respect and superiority. The role of a college degree also comes forth in many occasions, one can imagine. A glaring example, is that of Indian matrimony, a person with just basic education will either not mention his education level or will hide it from the prospective bride, which doesn't go in his favour. On other hand an engineer will flash his degree status to the max, to impress the prospective bride or her parents. This works totally as the parents / bride are impressed with label of an engineer. Even if we take another case scenario, a degree holder is considered much superior than an individual with just a high school certificate. It is even more obvious in societies all over the world, as the Society always looks up those who are well endowed, with a superior eye.
College Experience - Whatever is one's reason for joining a college, the experiences gained in a college affect a person's knowledge and abilities. The time spent in bunking classes, dozing off, playing pranks on college mates or teachers, having a girlfriend, picking up a fight, test of strength and innumerable extra curricular activities enrich a students life in many ways. Strictly speaking a college, is an educational institutes but just like a 'Coin has two faces', there is another aspect of college which is vibrant in activities. Some form music bands and may end up becoming a hit band, some may skip their studies to pursue an interesting hobby which may turn ou to be a profitable venture, where the college campus becomes a training ground, some work hard to become athletes and sports-person and so on. So, the magnitude of a college education is very vast, you never know which, how and when the experience gained in a college might come in handy.
Above mentioned points are just few of the innumerable benefits of a college. And yet there are people for whom school education is enough or more than enough. Such a mindset emerges from one's limited outlook, financial condition, health condition or other disabling factors. For some the ability to earn immediately after school is a more prospective than a college education. Many high school students happen to have a tough time during their school life and they take a 'Sigh of Relief' when they have completed their school education. Such barriers do create disinterest and discouragement in an individual. But as mentioned above, the role of college education in a person's life is far reaching than one's handicaps. We all are unequal in one way or the another way and some have to struggle more than the others. But if that's it, then let it be, it is important not to get discouraged as in the long run every effort counts. To sum it all, a college degree will never hurt.