A college is an educational institution that offers academic degrees. Colleges can be private institutions, part of a university, or offer vocational education. They can offer a variety of programs or specialize in a specific area. Colleges can also be secondary schools.
College can also refer to any education that takes place after high school and leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree. Community colleges, career technical colleges, business colleges, and some four-year colleges offer certificates and diplomas.