In the United States, this question is rather difficult to answer. While the terms are not exactly interchangeable, there are not consistent factors that always distinguish one from the other. In general, universities tend to be larger in physical size and student body. They usually offer a substantial range of academic programs, including ones at the graduate level leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. Many universities place a good deal of emphasis on research. Both four-year colleges and universities award bachelor’s degrees and commonly offer students a range of housing and social options.