Harvard College vs. Harvard University — What's the Difference?

Harvard College is notable as the initial foundational school, originating in 1636, around which Harvard University eventually developed. Harvard University, as an overarching institution, encompasses all of its undergraduate and graduate programs, including those provided by Harvard College. Despite their intertwined histories, the distinction between Harvard College and Harvard University is important in discussions pertaining to the specifics of educational programs and organizational structures.

Offering a broad liberal arts education, Harvard College dedicates itself primarily to undergraduate education. Harvard University, conversely, encompasses a multitude of graduate and professional schools, such as Harvard Law School and Harvard Medical School, which span a vast array of disciplines and professional fields. The diversity of educational opportunities and academic foci between Harvard College and Harvard University demonstrates a clear institutional hierarchy and academic demarcation.

When considering application and admissions processes, Harvard College manages its own admissions, separate from the other schools within Harvard University. Harvard University, given its larger umbrella of schools, sees each school manage its own admissions process independently, demonstrating administrative autonomy despite being under the wider Harvard University banner. Both entities, while interlinked, operate with significant degrees of autonomy in certain administrative domains, such as admissions and program management.

In discussions of alumni or student life, someone who has graduated from Harvard College will often specify that they attended the college, despite technically also being a graduate of Harvard University. On the other hand, graduates of Harvard University’s various graduate schools might specify their particular school of graduation (e.g., Harvard Business School) instead of generally attributing their degree to Harvard University. The specificity in nomenclature serves to clarify and honor the varied and distinct experiences and trajectories offered by Harvard College and Harvard University’s various schools.

From an external perspective, Harvard College is sometimes used interchangeably with Harvard University by those unfamiliar with the particularities of the institution's structure. Harvard University, in its broadest sense, represents the entirety of the institution’s academic, research, and social entities, showcasing a diversified but interconnected academic ecosystem. Thus, while the two names might be used synonymously in casual conversation, accurately distinguishing between Harvard College and Harvard University ensures clarity and respect for the institution’s rich and varied academic landscape.