What is the difference between College and University (USA)

[thomasgreenezru]

I know I could probably just google this, but I wanted to know from Americans what they personally think the difference is between a college and university (in the USA).

In South Africa we distinguish between Colleges and Universities this way:
1) Universities are PUBLIC GOVERNMENTAL institutions that offer higher certificates, diplomas, undergrad and postgrad degrees. (University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria.)
2.a) Colleges can be PRIVATE institutions that follow the same degree structure of South African or international curriculums, however private institutions can legally not refer to themselves as "universities" since that term is reserved for PUBLIC institutions only. (Varsity College, IIE MSA, Eduvos) 
2.b) Colleges can also refer to alternative "trade" schools, where you obtain an NQF qualification for learning certain practical skills. By the way, here I found some information about emergent norm theory, which is actually very interesting. For example: mechanics, plumbing, welding, etc. These forms of colleges can usually be attended the moment you have your SC (Senior Certificate) qualification (grade 9 equivalent) and are usually common alternatives for those not wanting to do a matric (NSC- National Senior Certificate).

Now I've noticed that this is not the case for the USA as I see the term college and university being used quite interchangeably. For example, on some sites I've seen "Harvard University" on other sited I've seen "Harvard College". I know Excelsior recently changed from College to University, however does that signify anything other than just a name change? 

In South Africa the moment you hear "(institutions name)_College", it's usually never a good thing, since South Africans typically don't respect degrees that come from private institutes. This is mostly because they have the connotation of being "buy my degree" institutions. I believe it's common for Europeans to also frown down upon private institutions. In South Africa at least, people have the argument that our education is relatively cheap and of high standards so why would you attend an "university" that charges quadruple that of a public institute.

So what is the difference in the USA?

using a simple language - an university is just something more "serious" than a college.