Each year, students across the country are met with many decisions. And one of them could be choosing between a private or public university.
But the first question they will ask is, “Does it matter whether or not the school is public?” In some ways, it does. Keep reading as we cover both intuitions to decide which one is right for you.
What Is The Difference Between Public And Private Colleges?
Let’s break it down. Public universities are educational institutions that the government primarily funds. This includes assistance from state and federal governments.
On the other hand, private higher education will rely on student tuition and endowments. Depending on the type of private college, it will be either nonprofit or for-profit. The difference between these two stems from running the college like a business versus running it based on quality.
Tuition And Housing
The most known difference between these institutions comes down to the cost of tuition and housing. Since private schools receive a large portion of their money from tuition, they tend to raise the price of the overall cost of attendance. This includes housing, cost per credit hour, and other amenities.
In contrast, public universities are primarily funded by the state and federal governments. This assistance allows the insinuations to offer lower tuition rates.
Financial Assistance
Both types of colleges provide federal financial aid to their students. However, private universities will offer more grants and scholarships from their endowment funds. Additionally, based on the student’s income, they are more likely to give their students tuition discounts. Since public institutions do not offer these perks, some private schools will cost the same, if not less, than those that are public.
So if you’re deciding between schools based on cost, it’s essential to crunch the numbers and determine which school makes the most financial sense.
Diverse Programs Offered
When it is time to choose a college, it should be based on what you want to learn. Most private colleges offer fewer academic majors than public institutions. Public colleges tend to have larger attendance rates, which allows more funds to invest in other degree programs.
This isn’t to say that private schools won’t have the degree you’re looking to earn. But it does mean that if you’re trying to get into a specialized field, it might be easier to find at public universities.
Campus Life
Campus life may not be a big deal for all. However, if students look to make friends and broaden their social circle, it may be a factor to consider.
Public colleges will typically have a greater number of students, hence why there are more clubs and campus activities available. This means there will be more of a social scene, where students will tailgate, hold large get-togethers, and have more to do in the university’s town.
By no means does that mean private schools won’t have an exciting campus life. However, it won’t be as substantial as public institutions. But there is an advantage to small college communities. If you’re looking to make tight friend groups that last a lifetime, you’ll find it easier at these locations.