What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
academy
Example
He attended a culinary academy to become a chef. [academy: noun]
Example
The police academy is known for its rigorous training program. [academy: noun]
college
Example
She graduated from college with a degree in psychology. [college: noun]
Example
He transferred to a community college to save money on tuition. [college: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
College is more commonly used than academy in everyday language. College is a more general term that covers a wide range of institutions, while academy is a more specialized term that is often associated with prestigious and selective institutions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between academy and college?
While academy is typically associated with a formal and prestigious tone, college is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.