public vs private college compare and contrast essay

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category

College Admissions

• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

Public Vs. Private Colleges: Where Should You Go?

While you may end up deciding to apply to a mixture of public and private colleges, you should be aware that each type has its own general set of characteristics that may be more or less aligned with your preferences.  Which type of school is cheaper? Which colleges are bigger, and what opportunities exist in private vs public universities?

In this article, I’ll discuss the differences between public and private colleges that you should consider in your search.

What Are Public and Private Colleges?

Before we get to the main differences, let’s take a second to define public and private colleges. Public colleges are higher educational institutions that are  set up and funded by state governments.  Well-known public colleges include the University of California, Ohio State University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Texas.

Private colleges are higher educational institutions that are  set up and funded by individuals outside of the government.  Private colleges may be either “non-profit” or “for-profit”. 

Non-profit private colleges are solely focused on providing a quality education for students and helping them to achieve academic and career goals. They answer to a financially disinterested board of trustees, not an owner and shareholders. 

For-profit private colleges exist as businesses at the mercy of shareholders. Their goal is to turn a profit first and foremost. Though they strive to provide a quality education, if a program isn’t making them money, they will cut it even if that's not in the best interests of their students. 

Most reputable colleges are non-profit. This includes big names like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. For-profit schools like University of Phoenix, Devry, and ITT Tech generally have poor reputations for helping their students and delivering a quality education. For the purposes of this guide, when we refer to private colleges we'll be talking about non-profit colleges only.

What Are the Main Differences Between Public and Private Colleges?

Funding and tuition costs.

Public colleges are mostly funded by state governments.  The government pays for the operating costs of public colleges and universities and oversees the operation of public colleges through boards and trustees. This influx of government money means that students do not pay the real cost of attendance - they pay the cost after significant subsidies from the government.  For this reason, public universities can afford to offer lower tuition prices on average.  Average tuition at public colleges for the 2014-15 school year was $9,139 for in-state students and $22,958 for out of state students.

Private colleges, on the other hand, are not funded by the government in any way.  They rely on alumni contributors and tuition to pay for their programs.  This usually forces students to carry the full cost of their education, leading to higher tuition prices.  Average tuition at private colleges for the 2014-15 school year was $31,231.

Class Size and Demographics

Public colleges tend to have larger class sizes , especially at the introductory level.  This may result in less direct access to professors and fewer class discussions. Many students come from in-state because of the lower tuition prices and higher admissions rate, so there may be less geographical diversity in the student body.

Private colleges have smaller class sizes on average.  This means closer relationships between students and professors and more class discussion opportunities. There will also be more geographical diversity in the student body since in-state and out of state students are not given different tuition prices.

Degree and Program Offerings

Public colleges tend to have a larger student body and offer a wider variety of degrees and programs.   The largest universities in the US are public, and some host undergraduate populations of over 40,000 students. At a public college, you'll be able to find pretty much any type of major program you want. However, you'll usually have to be more of a self-starter because there is less direct guidance from advisors.

Private colleges don't have the same large range of major choices as public colleges, and they tend to have smaller student bodies overall.   There are some private colleges that have less than 500 students total. Private colleges make up for their lack of scope with more specific curriculum requirements or a specialized focus in liberal arts or engineering. They are also more likely to have excellent advisory systems and allow students to design their own courses of study.

Research Opportunities

Public universities, due to their abundance of government funding, often have cutting edge research facilities and virtually endless resources.   Even with all of these possibilities, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and get the support of professors for your research efforts. But if you’re willing to put yourself out there, public universities have some of the best opportunities in the country for intense academic research, especially in the hard sciences.

Private colleges may have less resources and facilities overall, but they make up for it with easy access to professors and individual encouragement of student research efforts.  Many private colleges institute specialized research programs and opportunities for students. With small class sizes, you’ll have more of a chance to get close to your professors and potentially work with them on projects.

Campus Life

Public colleges usually have vibrant communities with a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities and a thriving party scene.   There’s something for everyone within the social scene, and you’ll find many people who share your interests no matter how obscure they are. At public colleges, there's always something going on.

Private colleges may still have very diverse communities and lots of extracurricular opportunities, but everything typically exists on a smaller scale. 

Those are just some basic differences between private and public colleges. Remember, they're generalizations. Some private colleges are very large and may have more of a public college atmosphere. It’s up to you to research specific schools and learn more about their characteristics.

Which Type of College Is a Better Fit for You?

You may be more suited for private or public colleges depending on your academic goals and social preferences.  Many students apply to both types of schools, so don’t assume that you have to choose one or the other yet. Here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to decide whether private or public colleges will be a better fit: 

Do You Enjoy Meeting Lots of New People? 

If you’re an outgoing person, you may be happier in the social environment of a large public college.  At these types of colleges, you'll constanly meet new people and be presented with opportunities to try different activities . You can expect a wide variety of social experiences with lots of on-campus events and parties. 

At most private colleges, the student body is smaller, so the social scene may offer fewer options and feel more claustrophobic. However, this can also result in familial feeling amongst students and a more comfortable, friendly atmosphere.  If you’re less outgoing and enjoy seeing people you know around all the time, the private college scene may be more your speed.  Keep in mind that some private colleges are on the larger side and some public colleges are on the smaller side, so it’s important to consider each school’s characteristics on an individual basis. 

Are You Interested in a Specific Program?

If you have a particular course of study in mind, make sure the colleges where you apply have the appropriate programs and resources. As outlined in the previous section, public colleges may have more advanced research facilities that will be useful if you plan on going into the hard sciences.

If you think you're more interested in the humanities, it may not make a difference whether you go to a public or private college. Even if public colleges have more extensive libraries, private colleges usually have the wherewithal to request materials for students from other off-site libraries. Since private colleges offer more flexibility in their programs, you might think about attending a private college if your interests are diverse and might not fit neatly into one premade major track.   

Are You an Independent Learner?

In general, if you're more of a self-starter, you will thrive at a public college. Even though public colleges have many resources, it's hard to know where to begin if you want to take full advantage of these opportunities. If you're naturally a resourceful person who's willing to go after what you want rather than waiting for it to come to you, a public college could be great for you.

On the other hand, if you think you'll need more guidance to navigate your college experience, a private college could be a better fit for your personality. In a less overwhelming atmosphere with more direct supervision from professors and academic advisors, you'll have a better chance of realizing your full potential.  

Public vs. Private Colleges: Doing Your Research

Now it’s time to actually research some schools based on your preferences. You can  start with College Navigator , which is a search tool that allows you to look for schools based on location, program type, and, of course, public or private status. If you’re looking for private schools, I would recommend checking the box for non-profit schools. 

You’ll get results that show all the public or private schools in the area of the country that you’ve specified. You can look at the statistics for these schools and add them to your favorites if any of them strike your fancy.  You can also compare them side by side to see what the best options are.

After searching on College Navigator, you might consider creating a profile on Cappex , where you can find more colleges and get statistics about campus life alongside student reviews.   This is also a great place to create a list of colleges that interest you and compare them. If you complete your profile on Cappex, you’ll also get more recommendations for colleges that match up with your preferences. Remember, many students apply to both public and private colleges, so if your list includes a few of each type that’s totally fine!

Public and private colleges differ in the ways they are funded: public colleges are funded by state governments, while private colleges are funded by private individuals and organizations.  Public and private colleges also have many characteristics that set them apart including tuition, enrollment size, social scene, and program offerings.

You may decide to go to either a public or private school based on how well your personality and academic goals align with the general characteristics of each type of college.  Make sure that you do your research and get the specific facts on each school before judging just based on whether it's public or private.  You may end up applying to both private and public schools because there are so many great options in each category!

What's Next?

You'll have to make a lot of other decisions in the college admissions process besides whether you want to go to a public or private school. Check out my articles about whether you should go to college close to home and whether you should go to a large or small college.

If you think you might be interested in going to a small college, take a look at my list of the best small colleges in the US.  If you're interested, you should also check out these articles on the biggest and smallest colleges in the country.

For a complete overview of the college search process, read my comprehensive guide on how to choose a college.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Private vs. Public Colleges: What’s the Difference?

• Public colleges are government-funded, while private schools rely more on tuition and endowments.
• Though often costlier, private schools may offer generous financial aid.
• Many public universities boast a wider array of program offerings.
• Private and public universities offer distinct campus and residential experiences.

Listen to this article:

Both public and private colleges have faced significant challenges in recent years. A college education is still a requirement for a majority of jobs, but it’s becoming increasingly unaffordable for many students. This obstacle is just one of several that’s led to a drop in higher education enrollment.

According to data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, postsecondary enrollment in the U.S. dropped by 2.9 million from 2019 to 2020 . Small private colleges, which are extremely tuition-dependent, are particularly affected by this decline. Public colleges aren’t immune either.

Despite these struggles, millions of students across the country are getting ready to apply to college , and many are likely wondering how private and public colleges differ. Each school type has its own general traits and qualities that may better suit your learning style and desired college experience.

What’s the difference between private and public colleges? And which type of school is right for you? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Public and Private Schools?

Public colleges and universities are higher education institutions that are mainly funded by state governments. In contrast, private colleges and universities rely more heavily on student tuition fees, alumni donations, and endowments to fund their academic programs.

Private colleges can be either for-profit or nonprofit. For-profit colleges are run like businesses and are most concerned with generating a profit, while nonprofit private colleges focus on providing students with a quality education. As a result, nonprofit colleges generally boast better reputations than for-profit schools.

4 Key Differences Between Private and Public Colleges

There are a few key differences between public and private colleges that you should consider when choosing a school.

1. Cost of Attendance

Arguably one of the biggest differences between public and private schools is cost of attendance.

Since public schools are largely funded by state and federal governments, they can afford to charge lower tuition rates — especially to in-state students. In other words, government subsidies cover a portion of the costs so students don’t have to pay the full price.

For 2020-21, the average cost of tuition and fees at public, four-year colleges was $18,809 for out-of-state students but only $8,487 for in-state students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics .

Because private schools rely on tuition for a larger portion of their funding, the cost of attendance is usually much higher. Currently, the average tuition price at private, four-year colleges is $30,065.

2. Program Offerings

When it comes to program offerings, private colleges — particularly liberal arts colleges — tend to offer fewer academic majors than public colleges. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Students who know what they want to study can benefit from private colleges that offer a specialized focus in their field of interest.

Public colleges typically have a larger student body and therefore offer more degree programs. For example, Purdue University — a large, public school in Indiana — offers nearly every degree field you can think of, with more than 200 majors .

Students who are undecided going into college may prefer to attend a public university with a wider variety of majors and minors to choose from.

3. Research Opportunities

Another benefit of public universities’ government funding is their ability to provide a large array of research facilities and labs.

UCLA, for example, contains hundreds of research institutes and labs across campus. Students who are serious about leveraging their school’s resources to carry out academic research will often find the greatest opportunities at public schools.

By contrast, many private colleges have fewer student resources and research facilities. One exception to this is private research universities, such as Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University , which spend billions of dollars on research and development each year.

Though dozens of private research universities are similar in this regard, most smaller private colleges simply can’t match public schools’ research efforts.

4. Financial Aid

Both public and private colleges provide federal financial aid to students. Private institutions, however, often have more money available to award grants and scholarships due to their large endowment funds . In addition, they frequently offer more sizable tuition discounts than public schools.

According to the National Association of College and University Business Officers , private institutions extended a record average 48% tuition discount to undergraduates for the 2020-21 school year.

In short, while private colleges are often more expensive than public schools, financial aid packages and tuition discounts can sometimes make them more affordable than public schools.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Private vs. Public College: Which Is Right for You?

Although your education should be your top priority, your social and campus preferences should also align with your chosen school. Public and private schools can differ sharply in terms of the environment, extracurricular activities, and overall campus experience they offer.

Keep in mind that these generalizations don’t apply to all colleges equally. When you’re searching for universities to apply to, it’s important to research specific schools and assess each institution’s unique attributes.

Learning Environment

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between a private and public college is the learning environment.

Students who are independent learners typically fare better at public colleges. While professors still hold office hours and are willing to provide extra help outside class, students are entirely responsible for reaching out and seeking assistance .

Private colleges, on the other hand, are better suited for students who may need a little extra direction and supervision. The smaller campus and class size allow academic advisors and professors to form close relationships with their students, which, in turn, results in more direct guidance and assistance for students throughout their college careers.

Campus Life

Public colleges and universities are typically larger in size, contributing to a greater number of student clubs and campus activities. They also tend to have bigger, more vibrant social and party scenes . Places and events like concert venues, bars, and tailgating are commonly found on large, public campuses.

That’s not to say private schools don’t or can’t have a thriving campus life — it’s just usually smaller in scale. As such, private colleges are better options for students looking for a tighter, more close-knit community.

Campus Diversity

Over the last decade, both public and private colleges have become increasingly diverse .

Since private colleges charge the same tuition rates regardless of state residency, their student bodies are often more geographically diverse. Meanwhile, public colleges tend to be more demographically diverse due to their higher acceptance rates and more affordable tuition costs.

While these factors can certainly influence a college’s level of diversity , they do not determine it. What this means is that you shouldn’t exclude a college from consideration simply because it’s public or private. If a diverse student body is important to you, you should research each school you’re considering applying to in order to determine how diverse it is and in what ways.

Class size is another important factor to consider when deciding between public and private schools.

Public colleges typically have larger class sizes, with less one-on-one interaction between students and professors. Depending on the college, you may take classes with a few hundred students in them.

Private colleges tend to have much smaller class sizes, which creates a more intimate learning environment between students and instructors. If you prefer smaller classes and more direct access to professors, you may want to prioritize private schools in your college search.

Athletics and Extracurriculars

Although there are plenty of Division I private colleges, such as Baylor University and Harvard University, the majority of Division I athletic teams are based at public colleges.

In addition to larger athletic programs, public colleges tend to offer a more diverse selection of extracurricular activities due to their larger student bodies. If college sports and campus events are an important part of the college experience for you, you may prefer a public institution.

Explore More College Resources

College vs. University: What’s the Difference?

Discover the key differences between “college” and “university,” and find out which type of higher education institution is the best fit for you.

by Jennifer Cuellar

Updated March 27, 2024

The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents

The Ivy League is well known for its academic prowess, which is why many other colleges use the “Ivy” label to showcase their prestige.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated August 16, 2024

What Is the Ivy League?

What are the Ivy League schools? Learn about how the Ivy League was formed, how much Ivy League tuition costs, and how selective these colleges are.

Updated March 21, 2023

Private and Public Universities Compare and Contrast Essay

Introduction

            Various factors determine the choice of a university, including the location, program of study, costs involved, and the environment (Department of Homeland Security, 2013). These factors are therefore essential in choosing to join either a public university or a public university. The premise of the current essay is to explore the similarities and differences between a public university and a private university. 

Similarities

            One major similarity between private and public universities is that both are characterised by a diverse student body. In this case, students from ethnic minority races, those with learning difficulties, and/or intellectual abilities are likely to be admitted to either of these types of learning institutions. Both private and public universities also share similarities in terms of programs or courses offered (Bentley University, 2015), not to mention that they both offer diverse cutting-edge equipment and learning facilities to enable students realise their academic success.  Another similarity between public and private universities is that in boost type of academic institutions, there is emphasis on student learning and self-improvement. This is because the purpose of education is to challenge the student intellectually, regardless of whether you attend a private university on a public one (Bentley University, 2015). However, some private universities are renowned for their rigorous academic programs which they take pride in, although many public universities also carry more prestige for their strong academic achievements.

Differences

            Private universities and public universities differ in terms of funding. This often affects students as the source of funding is associated with tuition fees. For most public universities, the state governments act as the main sponsor. State and federal governments thus pay the tuition fees of students in public universities, in addition to also offsetting their operational costs.  Consequently, public universities tend to have much lower tuition fees than private universities. This leads to a heavy subsidy on the cost of attending public universities. In contrast, private universities are largely dependent on tuition fees charged to their students for their operational needs, as well as the occasional funding from affiliated organisations, such as religious affiliates. This explains why private universities have to charge higher tuition in order to cater to their educational needs (Peterson's, 2017). However, the issue of cost is equally tricky, especially if there is out-of-state public tuition involved. In this case, some private universities may actually be cheaper than public universities (Bentley University, 2015).

            Public and private universities also differ with regard to the size of the student population and the degree offered. Public universities are relatively larger with some public universities having a student population that runs into hundreds of thousands. For example, the University of London has a student population of over 170, 000 (The University of London, 2017). Conversely, private universities are relatively smaller, with some having only a few thousand students.  Public universities also give students a wide range of majors to choose from. A large public university enrols undergraduate students in varied academic programs including liberal arts and highly specialised disciplines like engineering. Private universities, on the other hand, offer only a handful of majors, with most sticking to a specific academic focus. For example, some private universities may focus on computer science or fine arts (Peterson's, 2017). The average public universities in the United States have a student population of 43,186 (Friedman, 2016) whereas the average private university in the United States has a student population of 1,920.  

            Both private and public universities also differ in terms of class size and demographics. Private colleges retain small classes. The smaller, student-professor ratio in private universities encourages the development of a close-knit study environment where students can get one-on-one attention from their professors (Bentley University, 2017). This environment is absent in most public universities where 200 or more students could be enrolled in a single class, and more so in lower-division courses. However, classes in public universities mean that students have access to more facilities for their social and educational purposes, more networking opportunities, and increased diversity (Fortenbury, 2013).  The demographic ratio of students enrolled in private universities is different from that of students in public universities. For instance, public universities are more likely to admit a higher number of in-state students who also pay lower tuition in comparison with the out-of-state students admitted to the same university (Peterson's, 2017). On the other hand, private universities are not overly concerned about the state residency of students seeking admission and for this reason, the student body in private universities is characterised by enhanced geographical diversity.

            The debate of whether private universities are better than public universities and vice versa is an old one. However, various factors determine the choice of attendance, including cost, location, and environment. That said, private universities differ from public universities in terms of source of funding, size of student population and courses offered, and class size and demographics. All of these factors determine the academic performance and prestige of a university and by extension, the choice by student on which of the two to attend. 

Bentley University (2015). Public vs. Private Universities: Which Is Better for Grad  Students?

Department of Homeland Security. (2013). What is a Public University? What is a Private University?

Should you choose a public or private college?

Friedman, J. (2016). 10 Universities With the Most Undergraduate Students .

Petterson's (2017). Public University vs. Private College .

 The University of London (2017). About us .

• High School
• College Search
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• College Life

Should I Go to a Public University or Private College?

As you start applying to colleges, you may wonder: Should I go to a public university or private college?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But before you make this important decision, you should understand the key differences between public and private schools. Both types of colleges have their advantages, and we’ll discuss them in this article.

What Are Public Universities and Private Colleges and Universities?

Let’s start by defining public and private colleges and universities.

Public universities are institutions of higher learning funded by state governments. Top public universities include:

• University of Michigan
• University of Virginia
• University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA)
• United States Military Academy at West Point
• University of California – Berkeley
• Georgia Institute of Technology

As you can see, universities named University of [State] are public universities. The same is true for universities like Florida State University, Michigan State University, and so on. In fact, public universities are also called state universities.

On the other hand, private colleges or universities  are institutions of higher learning funded by private donors and individuals who are not part of the government. Top private colleges  include:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania

The Ivy League universities and many other prestigious institutions are private universities. Now that you know what “public” and “private” mean, let’s explore the key differences.

Tuition Costs

State residents pay taxes that help fund their state’s public universities. As a result, the government covers part of the cost of attendance at public colleges. This is why tuition is cheaper for in-state residents than it is for out-of-state residents.

Private universities receive no funding from the government. Since all programs and operating costs are funded by private individuals, students must cover the full cost of attendance (without subsidies from the state).

The end result is that tuition at private universities is more expensive than tuition at public universities. The average cost of tuition and fees at private universities for first-year students is $25,914. At public universities, the average cost is $5,897 for state residents.

Remember that attending a public university out-of-state is more expensive. For out-of-state residents attending public universities, tuition and fees totaled $12,383 on average.

The bottom line is this: Public universities are significantly more affordable than private colleges and universities. However, don’t let that deter you from applying . Scholarships and other forms of financial aid can help cut costs.

Class Sizes

Public universities typically have a larger student body than private colleges. The largest colleges in the United States are public universities, some with an enrollment of over 60,000 students.

Of course, this translates to larger class sizes at public universities. Especially in entry-level courses, classes at public universities may take place in an auditorium with up to 200 students.

On average, private colleges and universities have smaller class sizes. This allows for more discussion and closer relationships with professors.

Ask yourself:

• Can I learn independently, or is it important for me to work closely with professors?
• Do I learn better in discussion-based courses?
• Will I enjoy large class sizes, or will I find them overwhelming?

Opportunities

Since public universities serve so many students, they tend to have a wider range of degree offerings. You can find just about any program or degree at a public university.

Private colleges and universities have fewer students and therefore fewer choices. However, many private colleges offer the opportunity to customize your program of study by working closely with advisers.

In addition, public universities often have better facilities due to government funding. This includes innovative research facilities and massive libraries. If you’re interested in scientific research , public universities offer fantastic resources. Private colleges, on the other hand, may give you the chance to work on research with a professor in the field.

• Is my major available at most private colleges?
• Do I want the ability to work closely with advisers and customize my program of study?
• What is more important to me: cutting-edge facilities or collaboration with faculty?

Demographics

Not surprisingly, public universities are mostly filled with in-state students. Private colleges, on the other hand, attract students from across the country and around the world.

If a geographically diverse student body appeals to you, you might be interested in attending a private college.

Campus Life

Public universities tend to have more spirited, energetic campuses. They may have a huge variety of extracurricular activities, a thriving Greek life , and especially competitive sports teams (although this is true of some private colleges as well). Public universities are more likely to have a “party school” reputation.

Private colleges are smaller and quieter, although they strive to offer varied activities as well. Because elite private colleges and universities often attract more scholarly students, the focus is typically more on academics than on sports, partying, and Greek life.

• Do I want the “college experience” of a vibrant, social campus with a wide variety of activities?
• Will a “party school” atmosphere be distracting to me?
• Do I want to be around a lot of people all the time, or do I prefer a quieter, more personal setting?

Student Outcomes

When it comes to graduating on time from a four-year college (note: within six years is considered “on time,”), private universities are leading the way. About 51.3% of private university students graduate on time, in comparison to 45.4% of students at public universities.

How about life after college? Degrees from top private universities can be more marketable because of their reputation. These universities also tend to have highly successful alumni networks, which can be valuable for graduates.

Additionally, according to Nerdwallet , recent public university graduates report earning 80% of the salary brought home by their private college peers. However, your field of study has a more significant impact on your salary than what school you attend.

PayScale reports that Return on Investment is significantly higher for public universities than it is for private universities. Basically, this means that the huge tuition gap does not lead to an equally large salary gap.

• Is significantly higher tuition worth it to me (and my family)?
• Will an increased chance of graduating on time, a more marketable degree, and a potentially higher salary pay off?

The Bottom Line

When it comes to deciding between public and private colleges, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s look at a quick summary.

Public Universities:

• Significantly more affordable
• Larger class sizes
• Lack of close relationships with professors and advisers (at least until your studies become more specialized)
• Less geographically diverse
• More degree programs, extracurricular activities, and cutting-edge facilities
• More vibrant campus environment

Private Colleges:

• More expensive
• Smaller class sizes
• Classes more discussion-based
• Closer relationships with professors and advisers
• More geographically diverse
• Fewer degree programs and activities
• Degree programs may be more customizable
• Students more likely to graduate on time
• May lead to a more marketable degree and higher salary

The final decision comes down to your personal preferences. Would you like a larger or smaller college? Is it important that you’re able to work closely with professors and advisers? Do you need a large selection of degree programs and activities? Is the steep price of private education worth it to you?

Also keep in mind that the differences outlined in this article are generalizations. You can find a smaller public university or a larger private college or university. You can also do your research and find a private university that offers the exact major you’re interested in, or a public university that gives you the option to customize your program of study.

Whether you choose to attend a public or private college, there’s a school out there that’s just right for you.

Author: Jason Patel

Jason Patel is the founder of Transizion, a college counseling and career services company that provides mentorship and consulting on college applications, college essays, resumes, cover letters, interviews, and finding jobs and internships. Jason’s work has been cited in The Washington Post, BBC, NBC News, Forbes, Fast Company, Bustle, Inc., Fox Business, and other great outlets. Transizion donates a portion of profits to underserved students and veterans in of college prep and career development assistance.

More Articles By Niche

Discover the ins and outs of Niche Direct Admissions® with our top 10 FAQs. Learn how this innovative approach simplifies college admissions, offering immediate acceptance and scholarships based on your Niche Profile. Get answers to your questions and streamline your path to college success.

While many current college students tout the importance of being able to actually step foot onto the campus you might go to, sometimes the circumstances just do not work out.

At Niche, we know a college is more than its stats or buildings. We also know it can be hard to figure out a college’s vibe or how students feel about it from its website alone. Using our comprehensive college profiles and social media accounts, you can get a sense of what life at a college is really like. Here are three simple ways to do that.

Comparing Public Universities vs. Private Universities

Writing a public university vs. private university essay can sometimes prove to be a daunting task. There are many times we think that physical tasks are more scary and daunting than mental tasks. Is this true? Probably not. It’s true to say that physical tasks have their own challenges. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that mental tasks are any less challenging. 

I trust you already know public universities are funded by the state, federal, and local authorities, while private universities are not. What other information do you have about these institutions? As a student, which of them should you choose? Why?

To compare and contrast between public and private university, you need to take your time and do extensive research to gather the latest information about these two groups of institutions. Research shows that most students who fail in writing custom essays have challenges crafting unique and plagiarism free essays, meeting assignment deadlines, using correct referencing styles, or have little knowledge about a given subject.

This shows that many factors influence the marks you’ll get in your essay. Writing isn’t anyone’s forte, and that is why you should always seek assignment help. Custom essay writing service will not only ensure you get good grades but also help you learn from essay writing professionals.

Visit Here to;

Buy custom essay about public universities vs private universities from writing experts.

Here are some things our writing experts will cover when writing your public University Vs. private university essay:

The Difference between Public and a Private University

What is a public school.

Public school is a college or university that is generally funded by the state. However, federal and local governments can also fund these institutions. Historically, it’s the state that carries the bulk of financing these schools, although federal spending has been increasing in the recent past. Since taxpayers support these schools, they often offer cheaper tuition rates.

What is a private school?

A private school is a privately funded institution that can also view as an educational non-profit organization. Much of the funding for these institutions comes from tuition fees and donors. Although not always, these institutions are smaller compared to public schools. They also operate independently. This means that they set their own school rule and policies.

Let’s compare and contrasts between public and private university:

Tuition fee.

Funding is the major difference between these universities. Funding directly affects parents and students because it has a direct link to tuition fee. Most public institutions are very old, and since their inception, the state has been the one overseeing their operation as well as their management. Most of them have trustees and appointed board members that report to the state on various matters that affect these institutions.

Due to this continuous state funding, tuition fee has always been less expensive. The small tuition fee raised can’t enough for college expenses like remunerating the faculty and staff. However, in a private university, all donations and tuition fees are the primary sources of funds necessary for the smooth running of the school.

It’s important to note that this is not always the case. Some private universities are cheaper than public universities. For instance, there are private schools that boast of a fee as low as $ 5,000, while some public universities are as high as $ 17,000. Moreover, there are private schools that are entirely free.

Number of Courses offered

Private universities generally have fewer courses to offer students compared to private universities. The small number of students has a direct influence on the number of courses provided. If an institution has few scholars, it does not need many courses. This is because there are not many students that demand various programs.

On the other hand, a public university offers very many courses to ensure the needs of the vast number of students looking for various courses are met. Moreover, most public universities offer postgraduate study programs while only a few private universities offer these programs.

Size of University

The size of a university has a lot of influence on a student’s school life. Private universities are generally smaller compared to public ones. A private school has smaller classes that take students from as low as 500 to about 3000. This means students are likely to meet most of these students. However, a state institution may have thousands of students in a single class, most of whom you might never meet. For example, a class can have over 10,000 students.

A smaller class means that every student is likely to get individual attention, although this isn’t necessarily true. Due to there small size, it’s more common for students to graduate on time. The smallest public university in the United States has over 60,000 students-Arizona State University, while the largest private university has about 20,000 students-New York University. 

Wait, Do You Want a Professional Essay From Writing Experts, Order It Here

International popularity and global ranking .

Every student looks forward to having a globally recognized degree. It’s for this reason that most students check the ranking of various universities before applying for a degree program. Generally, private universities rank better than most state-owned universities. Most private universities are famous, both locally and internationally. They are also among the world’s best universities.

Graduate employability

Other than acquiring knowledge, students go to school to get a brighter future, with the ultimate goal of getting a degree that can help them build a successful career. Although the university you study doesn’t really affect your employability, students from private schools tend to be favorites for most firms.

This is because private universities have a low capacity that ensures they get the most out of their class. So, why do some public universities rank highly but don’t get jobs for most of their students? It’s simple. These days, employers are looking for more than just grades. They are looking for personalized skills and graduates who live up to the tasks easily get employed. It’s for this reason that most employees resolve to hire graduates from private universities. 

Although some public schools can rival private schools when it comes to prestige, most of them fall short of that for different reasons. This is because private institutions are more focused and ensure their resources are fully utilized. For instance, a private university can employ influential academic experts, professors, or faculty members. In general, people tend to attach less prestige to public universities. 

The mere fact that professionals teach students rather than adjunct professors or graduate students helps students feel more eager and comfortable to learn. Besides, private universities are known to conduct some of the best research studies. Some examples include Harvard, Yale, John Hopkins, and Stanford. I believe you know how hard it to get into these universities. 

 However, it’s important to understand that a simple fact that your degrees came from a prestigious university doesn’t mean that you’ll fair better in an interview. If you’re thinking about improving your resume, a well-known university will help you do that. But is it really worth it if you lack the right skills? Remember, interviews are more concerned with your skill and what you have learned instead of your former school.

Private universities are known to have some of the most rigorous academic programs. They also have more than one curriculum. Although this is true, many well-organized state-owned schools produce some of the best graduates yearly.

If a student wants to enroll in a university, it important that they consider their ability and interest in a particular course instead of choosing between a private and public university. Your focus and interest must align with the kind of program you want to take. This will help you do what you like and thus perform highly.

Application Deadline

Every university has its own application deadline. Some groups of schools receive applications throughout the year, while others have a fixed application deadline. However, most state-owned universities tend to have application deadlines at almost the same time. This ensures those who want to apply for programs are always aware of the dates.

International study programs

The number of international programs being offered in various universities keeps increasing yearly. Public universities offer most international study programs, although a few are programs also offered by private institutions. 

Private universities offer international programs that may not be provided by public universities. Generally, private schools tend to offer international programs in fields that are less competitive-with the majority of them being innovative courses.

Teacher-student ratio and its effect

As earlier mentioned, public institutions have larger classrooms compared to private schools. As such, public universities have a high teacher-student ration. For instance, one professor can teach a class of about 700 students.

A low teacher to student ratio brings about a better learning environment since most of the students receive more customized teaching methods as well as more personalized training. In the case of group work, classes with less number of people can work more efficiently than those with many students. Therefore, if you are looking for personalized leaning and a small class where you can interact with everyone, private universities might be you need. 

Work availability in Universities

Since state-universities offer a lot of training programs, the amount of work available in these institutions is more than that of private universities. Other than jobs for professors and lecturers, state-owned universities can employ students while they are still learning. This helps most of them to pay their fees. Moreover, most of the surrounding community of a public school is likely to have a lot of jobs compared to other institutions.

Although private universities also offer jobs, they are very few. Private institutions always try to ensure you concentrate on your studies; thus, they don’t prefer students working while in university.

Campus Life and Amenities

There is also a difference between public university life and private university life.  Public schools tend to have more school-sponsored events and also lets you hang out with a wide variety of students. You are also likely to interact with international or non-state students. Due to their large numbers, most students live off-campus, where there are fewer restrictions compared to when they live on campus.

Private schools host events buts after a few weeks or so. There are plenty of activities that get students involved. Moreover, private school students tend to have weekend parties, just like public universities. 

Demographic variation

Most of the students in state universities are from within that state, and most of them live near these institutions. This is especially important for parents who prefer their children to come back home every day. On the other hand, private universities attract students from different parts of the country or world. This is largely due to their personalized way of teaching.

If you’d like to study in a different geographical location, it will be better if you go for a private institution instead of a state-owned university.

Interacting with students from other states or countries helps students learn about different cultures and believes. For instance, Yale students can learn how to prepare Chinese food, while Chinese international students can learn how to make American foods.

Click Here to See Samples From Our Writing Experts

Need custom essay writing help.

Writing quality and plagiarism-free essays can be challenging. At times, even finding time from your busy schedule can be a problem. So, how can you ensure you always write your essay in time as well as meet all your professor’s instructions? Well, it’s simple.

You need to get essay writing help from essay writing experts. At Custom Writing Bee, we take pride in offering remarkable custom essay writing services. Our team of essay writers are professionals in their fields of work. This is why we have been gaining trust from many students in the recent past.

Why should you submit a low quality or plagiarized essay to your professor? Order a high-quality custom essay today!

• View writers
• View Samples

Grade writers

About Author

Do you need help with an online class, essay or assignment?

Find the right expert among 500+.

We hire Gradewriters writers from different fields, thoroughly check their credentials, and put them through trials.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Essay Writers!

We have subject matter experts ready 24/7 to tackle your specific tasks and deliver them ON TIME, ready to hand in. Our writers have advanced degrees, and they know exactly what’s required to get you the best possible grade.

Staff Level Intermediate

Total orders 7134

ProfWriter1

Total orders 3848

Revaz Pataradze

Staff Level Elite

Total orders 1020

Pro. Nicole

Staff Level Advanced

Total orders 1026

Nicole Ashton

Total orders 1197

We hire Custom Writing Bee writers from different fields, thoroughly check their credentials, and put them through trials.