Exploring The University and College Pathways

What is the difference between college and university, and which one is right for me?

Introduction

This guide is one puzzle piece in your journey toward the future. Use it to explore different pathways, build your confidence, and take one step closer to discovering a career that’s right for you.

Are you thinking about your future after high school? Whether you're feeling excited, confused, or somewhere in between, you're in the right place. This guide is here to help you explore your options and feel more confident about what comes next.

We will walk through what each pathway is all about, the kinds of careers they can lead to, how to apply, and how to decide what feels right for YOU. You don’t need to have it all figured out, but the more you know, the better choices you can make.

Learning Goals

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:

🎯Understand the differences between college and university pathways

🎯Identify the types of careers that align with each path

🎯Discover how to apply to programs in British Columbia and across Canada

🎯Reflect on your interests, strengths, and goals to choose the best next step

How

🎓🤔What is the main difference between college and university?

Trying to figure out whether college or university is right for you?

You’re not alone! Both are great options that can lead to a future full of opportunities, it just depends on how you like to learn and what kind of career you’re working toward.

❓🧭How do I know if college or university is right for me?

Use these guiding questions to help you reflect on what matters most to you and explore how college and university compare, so you can choose the path that’s the best match for your goals.

Question	College	University
What will I learn?	College mixes classroom learning with hands-on training to prepare you for specific careers. Think practical, real-world skills.	Dive deep into ideas and theory. University helps you think critically, analyze deeply, and communicate clearly. This involves writing, researching, and solving big-picture problems.
What do I earn at the end?	A Certificate, Diploma, or Associate’s Degree, depending on the program.	A Bachelor’s Degree, and later you can pursue a Master’s Degree or even a Doctorate (that is, PhD level!).
How long is it?	A few weeks to a few years. Most diplomas are 2–3 years long.	3–4 years for a Bachelor’s Degree, plus 2+ more for grad school (Master's Degree).
How do I learn?	Small classes, hands-on projects, and lots of practical experience.	Larger lectures, lots of reading and writing, and deep thinking. Some programs include labs or fieldwork.
Will I get work experience?	Yes! Many programs include co-ops, internships, or work placements. Some are even paid.	Some do, especially in sciences or business, but not all. Look for programs with a “co-op” to gain experience while studying.
What is the cost?	The cost varies per program. Some programs are a few hundred dollars, others a few thousand. Average: $2,500/year	More expensive than college. A Bachelor’s degrees usually cost $4,500–$6,000/year. Grad school costs more.
What do I need to apply?	You will need a BC Dogwood Diploma and some programs may require specific courses or portfolios.	You will need a BC Dogwood Diploma, English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, and four additional approved Grade 12 courses.

✅🌟What are the benefits of college and university?

Both college and university come with great benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes each awesome:

💼➡️What kind of jobs can I get with university and college?

Choosing between college and university isn’t just about the classroom. It is also about the career you want after graduation!

College programs are typically hands-on and career-focused, helping you gain practical skills that lead directly into the workforce. Many college grads start working soon after finishing their program in fields like:

💇 Hairstyling and esthetics

🧰 Trades like plumbing, electrical, or welding

💻 IT support and web development

🏥 Healthcare roles like medical office assistants or licensed practical nurses

🎥 Media and design (graphic design, broadcasting, animation)

University programs usually focus on academic and theoretical learning and can lead to careers that require a degree. Depending on your major, you might go into:

🧠 Psychology, social work, or counselling

🧑‍⚖️ Law, government, or public policy

📊 Business, finance, or marketing

🔬 Science, research, or engineering

🎓 Education, academia, or professional schools (like medicine or law school)

💡Pathway Tip!💡

Some careers might require both pathways.

For example, you could start at college for hands-on experience, then transfer to university later for more advanced opportunities. You could also complete a Bachelor's degree at university first and then attend college for a more specialized certification or diploma in your field. Your path is unique to you!

📝🏫How do I apply to college and university?

In British Columbia, most colleges and universities use a central application platform called EducationPlannerBC (EPBC).

Here’s how to apply:

Go to https://apply.educationplannerbc.ca/

Create an account and explore programs at colleges and universities across BC.

Applications can be submitted beginning in October of your last year of high school.

In some cases, a program may require additional information, such as a portfolio or personal interest statement.

Submit your application and pay the application fee (ranging from $30–$100 per school).

Watch for email updates and follow up on any required documents, like transcripts, portfolios, or reference letters.

✍️ Tips for writing supplementary documents (Like essays or statements)

Some programs want to get to know you beyond your grades, and this is your moment to shine!

Here’s how to stand out:

✅ Answer the question clearly, don’t go off-topic

✅ Be authentic, but also professional, check for grammar and spelling

✅ Be concise, review your writing for long sentences or repetitive ideas

✅ Highlight YOU, showcase extracurriculars, volunteering, work experience, or awards

🍁 Out-of-province applications

Are you thinking of studying outside of BC? No problem! Here’s where to apply:

Ontario: Use ontariocolleges.ca for college and ouac.on.ca for university.

Alberta: Visit applyalberta.ca.

Other provinces: Go directly to the college or university’s official website for application details.

🔄 Are you considering both college and university?

Did you know you can mix and match your post-secondary experience? BC offers pathways and transfer options so you can start at one school and finish at another. Use the BC Transfer Guide at bctransferguide.ca to see how credits can move between institutions!

Apply My Learning

🤔🧭What pathway fits me best?

Now that you’ve explored the differences between college and university, it’s time to reflect on what feels like the right path for you and explore real programs that match your interests using myBlueprint.

🤔 Reflect on these guiding questions, ask yourself:

🎓 Is university the right fit?

Do I enjoy exploring big ideas or a wide range of topics?

Is there a subject I’m passionate about and want to study in depth?

Am I good at writing, researching, and presenting my ideas?

Am I interested in a career that may require a professional degree (like teaching, medicine, law, psychology, or engineering)?

If you're nodding “Yes,” university could be a great path for you!

🏫 Is college the right fit?

Do I prefer learning in a more hands-on, practical way?

Am I excited to focus on a specific job or skilled trade?

Do I want to enter the workforce with job-ready skills?

Do I like applying what I learn to real-world situations?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these, college might be the right fit for you!

I Can Statements

✅ Use the following "I can" statements to check your progress and recognize the skills you're gaining as you develop your knowledge of pathway opportunities.

I can describe the main differences between college and university

I can name a few careers that require a college diploma or a university degree

I can list the key steps and deadlines for applying to post-secondary programs

I can reflect on my interests and think about which path fits me best