College Meaning in Ontario

What does the word College mean in Ontario?

“An educational institution or establishment, in particular one providing higher education or specialized professional or vocational training.”

What is the difference between a Degree College (University) and a Community College (Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology)?

Degree College – A university is usually the parent institution to which colleges are federated. Colleges typically provide an undergraduate education. An example would be Harvard College being the undergraduate institution for Harvard University. Or St. Micheal’s College at the University of Toronto. Universities may offer graduate and doctorate programs whereas smaller federated colleges may only offer undergraduate degrees.

In the case of residential colleges, these colleges offer residences, dining halls and tutorials (and maybe some classes or tutorials) for those attending the greater University.

Ontario Community Colleges (Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology or CAAT) – focus on vocational training. Nursing, Plumbing auto mechanics etc. Typically you receive a diploma at graduation.

The College/University relationship is murky in Ontario and admittedly there are colleges which offer post graduate programs. Both Universities and Colleges offer higher education or specialized professional or vocational training leading to diplomas/degrees. Community Colleges are less expensive, shorter in duration and are less intense academically,

Community colleges will teach your hands, Degree Colleges (universities) will expand your mind and provide you a profession. In most cases community colleges provide good hands on training. If you want professional training then you should attend university. Ontario has several Degree Colleges in the Top 100 on the planet (i.e. University of Toronto, McMaster). See Here.

Note: Ontario Community Colleges (CAAT) are not degree colleges in the traditional sense, but there is typically a strong transfer process to allow migration from community college upwards to the degree colleges with the ability to transfer earned credits (in part or in whole) due to the vertical alignment of programs. That is to say that those who perform strongly at community college can continue on to undergraduate and graduate studies at degree colleges (universities).

How many publicly funded colleges are there in Ontario?

There are 48 publicly funded colleges in Ontario (Degree and Community Colleges). There are over 400 Private Colleges in Ontario.