In US colloquial English the term 'college' is used to refer to ANY academic (non-trade) schools where a 'college' degree (above 'high' school) can be earned. Like it or lump it.

This is hardly a 'slam' for St Andrews; aluminum is more concise than aluminium, as is 'math' compared to 'maths'.

In the US a 'public' school is -not- elite (fee-charging); the general 'public' is welcome there. Not just stuck-up nit-pickers.