PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

While choosing to attend a public or private institution can affect your educational experience in many ways, the main difference between them is actually quite simple.
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THE DIFFERENCES IN FUNDING

Public universities and colleges are funded by their state government, whereas private institutions are funded mainly, if not entirely, from tuition costs and donations.

This difference in funding can affect student experiences in many ways, the biggest, of course, being the cost of attendance. Public universities and colleges were founded in order to make higher education accessible to state residents, with state legislatures funding most of the cost of operation. This public funding translates into lower tuition rates at public universities, especially for in-state students whose tax dollars help support costs of operations.

Private colleges and universities, on the other hand, don’t receive any public funding meaning they rely heavily on tuition, private contributions, and donations. This, of course, is reflected in significantly higher tuition rates at private colleges. However, attending a private university doesn’t necessarily have to be a luxury. Private universities and colleges typically have enough funding to offer generous financial aid packages to their students, especially those who demonstrate financial need. In many cases, generous grants and scholarships can make private college tuition costs comparable or even lower than attending a public university.

So, cost of attendance aside, how will you know if a public or private university might be a better fit for you?HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER:

SIZE
Public universities tend to be larger and serve more students than private colleges and universities. A private, liberal arts school like Swarthmore College has about 1,500 students, whereas a large public university like Penn State enrolls upwards of 40,000 students in undergraduate programs alone.

A smaller student body at a private college can mean smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning experience. Large, public universities, however, can offer a wider selection of courses, majors, and degree options.
DEMOGRAPHICS
A larger campus and wider program selection can attract a great diversity of students a public university, however, lower tuition rates for in-state students means you’ll find a large number of in-state residents. Private universities attract students from in-state, across the U.S., and even around the world. However, the students on these campuses might be less diverse in other ways, such as socioeconomic background or pursued interests.
OPPORTUNITIES
Public funding and diverse programs make public universities a great source for research opportunities, especially through their large graduate programs. These opportunities can be helpful if you are interested in getting ahead in a particular field your school specializes in. Private colleges, still, are known for providing students with the resources they need to succeed in and outside of the classroom. Students can develop close relationships with their professors and make meaningful connections.
When deciding between a public or private college/university, you should keep in mind what fit will be best suited for you. Each school is different, so you should do your research and find which offers you the best opportunities to grow and succeed.