Public vs. Private Universities

Monique Williams

Graduating from high school and choosing the right college is a personal decision that requires research and planning. The type of university a student chooses is going to vary based on their specific needs and attraction level to the university. There are some general differences between the two types of higher education institutions, but they have many similar attributes. 

Financial Aid Packages

When it comes to funding and tuition, public colleges are funded primarily through state taxes, while private universities rely on tuition, endowments, and donations, leading their initial price much higher compared to a public institution. Residents who decide to remain in-state can attend at a lower cost compared to out-of-state applicants. Along with a lower cost of tuition, going to an in-state college has the advantage of most often being close to home. According to Discover, the students who pay the least for college (under $10k) are those who can live at home. Though the initial price of a private university is daunting, don’t let this deter you from applying, because although these universities have higher tuition, they can offer generous financial aid packages. The cost of attendance after financial aid is extremely important when deciding between any university and can be a determining factor in accepting admission. A private university may offer a student a more significant financial aid package, leaving the final cost of attendance less than an in-state college based on the needs of the student. 

Class Size 

In terms of the student body and class size, public universities tend to have larger student body sizes and larger class sizes. Private universities offer smaller class sizes than public universities, which can be an attractive feature for some students who want the chance to develop close relationships with their professors. The student to professor ratio at a private university is around 20 students for every professor on campus, and with smaller class size, professors have the chance to offer more one-on-one support to students if necessary.

Campus Life

Private and public universities each have the potential to offer a multitude of clubs, organizations, and events to their students. Every university is going to be unique, and based on what a student is seeking for their college experience, either option could be equally beneficial. Public colleges are known to attract a lot of in-state residents, which can be appealing to students looking to stay close to home, or near friends and family. Private universities can attract students from around the country, or around the world, offering greater geographic diversity than a public university. The opportunities presented to students at the undergraduate and graduate level are going to vary based on each institution, but both university types will have their own array of research, career building, and networking opportunities. 

Public and private universities both have advantages and the best way to decide between choosing a public college over a private university is on a case-by-case basis. Each student should consider their options and tour the campus of their top colleges virtually, or in-person. The needs of a student are of the utmost importance when choosing a university to attend.