You’ve decided to attend a post-secondary institution. Congratulations! Great choice. Now the question is: university or college? Before you make that decision, you might want to rethink some common myths about these two post-secondary options.

MYTH: Colleges are only for those who want to gain an education in the skilled trades or other vocation program.

FACT: Colleges offer a wide variety of program options. While they do offer top-notch trades and vocational programming, they also offer a wide variety of university-level courses, programs, and even full degrees. College of the Rockies, for instance, offers three four-year bachelor’s degree programs as well as numerous Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

MYTH: The quality of education you receive at a college is inferior to what you receive at a university.

FACT: You receive a comparable education whether you attend a college or a university. Your college instructor will have a minimum of a master’s degree in the subject matter, and many will have PhDs. Most university level courses at colleges transfer directly into university degree programs, which speaks to the equality of the education received. And at College of the Rockies, you can apply for dual admission and be a student at both the College and either University of Lethbridge or University of Victoria at the same time, an option that comes with its own set of perks.

What you might not think of, however, is the other gains that come with attending a college. Rather than lecture halls filled with hundreds of students, most college classrooms are significantly smaller. That means you get actual individual attention from your instructor. You also get more access to lab time and are more likely to make friendships with your classmates.

MYTH: My education won’t be looked upon favourably in the workforce if I attend a college.

FACT: More and more employers are realizing the high-quality employment prospects that come from colleges across Canada. However, if graduating from a specific university is your goal, starting your education at a college and then transferring to that university will lead you on the path to earning a degree at that university – and it just might increase your chances of success while you’re there.

Physicians, veterinarians, chiropractors, business owners, physiotherapists, marine biologists, teachers, and so many others have started their post-secondary journey at College of the Rockies. We hope you will too.