WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLLEGE AND A UNIVERSITY? THIS CONFUSES ME BECAUSE THE WORDS SEEM TO MEAN VERY DIFFERENT THINGS IN MY HOME COUNTRY. Answer: In the United States, the word "school" describes any place where people learn. You can call a college a "school." You can even call a university a "school." You can use the word "school" for any English language institute, undergraduate or graduate program, or secondary ("high") school. U.S. university or college follows