In the minds of some, the word 'college' has been narrowed to mean an institution offering four years of post-secondary education. There are many Junior colleges and institutes offering two years of advanced education leading to a diploma or to entrance in colleges or universities offering Batchelors or higher degrees. Few four-year institutions have retained the name 'college', opting instead for 'university'.

Dawson College offers diplomas in a wide variety of subjects, including accounting, electronics, radiation oncology, computer science, etc. etc. Other programs are designed to lead to advanced entrance in universities.
The institution also offers continuing education opportunities and pre-University courses designed to upgrade students to university entrance level. There are similar institutions in the United States and Canada outside of Quebec.

In many Latin American countries, a college is a preparatory school (cf. high school).
In England, Balliol and other Colleges at Oxford provide living quarters and instruction but do not grant degrees.
Originally, a college was a gathering of clergy.