The difference between American public and private universities may not be obvious at first. If you are an international student planning to study in the US, here is what you need to know.
With so many colleges and universities in the US, it can be challenging to figure out which one is right for you. It can be helpful to understand how they are all different â and one of the primary differences is whether they are public or private.Â
Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a student. An important factor to consider is whether you want to attend a public or private institution. While both offer quality education, public and private colleges have some significant differences that could impact your college experience and career prospects.
In this article, we’ll compare public vs private colleges across 9 key areas to help you determine which type may be a better fit
- Cost
- Class size
- Academics and majors
- Campus life
- Athletics
- Student support
- Career resources
- Alumni networks
- Financial aid
Understanding how public and private schools differ in these aspects will help you make an informed choice when applying and comparing options
Public vs. Private Colleges: Cost
One of the most notable differences between public and private institutions is cost. Public colleges and universities receive government funding, which helps subsidize the cost of attendance. This makes public schools much more affordable especially for in-state students.
Private colleges do not receive this government support, so they depend primarily on tuition and donations for their revenue. That leads to significantly higher sticker prices at private institutions.
Here’s a comparison of average annual tuition and fees:
- Public in-state: $8,487
- Public out-of-state: $18,809
- Private nonprofit: $30,065
Of course, the amount you actually pay depends on financial aid. Private colleges often offer generous aid packages to make themselves more affordable. But on average, you can expect to pay less at an in-state public school versus a private alternative.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Class Size
Another major difference is class size. Public universities generally have much larger enrollments. That means lecture-style classes with hundreds of students are common, especially for introductory courses. You may only interact with the professor and receive individual attention during office hours.
Meanwhile, private colleges emphasize small class sizes, averaging around 10-20 students. This fosters more direct engagement between students and faculty. You have greater access to professors and academic support when needed.
If one-on-one mentoring is important, private colleges often provide a better learning environment. But some students thrive in large lectures and are more independent. Consider your own learning preferences.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Academics and Majors
With student bodies in the tens of thousands, public universities offer an immense range of academic programs and degrees. No matter your field of interest, you’ll likely find multiple related majors and concentrations at a large public school.
Private institutions tend to offer fewer total majors, though they provide excellent education in their specialty areas. Liberal arts colleges in particular focus on undergraduate education in the arts and sciences.
Public schools also invest heavily in scientific research. Their labs provide extensive hands-on research opportunities across STEM fields and more. Top private research universities offer similar resources, though most smaller privates cannot match this scope.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Campus Life
You’ll also find variances in campus culture and student life between public and private institutions:
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Public schools have more students, so they offer a wider array of clubs, events, and recreation options. Their larger scale leads to a more lively social scene as well.
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Private colleges foster tighter-knit campus communities. Student activities may be smaller, but there are more opportunities to take on leadership roles and get involved.
Think about the size of student population you’re comfortable with, along with the extracurriculars that matter most to your college experience.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Athletics
For major college sports fans, public universities are the place to be. Most athletic powerhouses with massive fan bases and stadiums are public schools. The majority of Division I sports programs are based at public institutions.
There are certainly strong private college athletic programs too, especially at the Division I level. But public schools’ vast resources give them an edge for fielding national contending teams across multiple varsity sports.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Student Support
How available student services are, and how personalized they are, also tend to differ between public and private colleges.
Larger public schools often take more of a DIY approach – giving you tools and resources, but making you responsible for seeking them out proactively. Private colleges emphasize close advising relationships and take a more hands-on role in student success.
Consider whether you want profs and staff readily available, or prefer more self-directed learning with greater independence.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Career Resources
Both college types offer career service support like resume reviews, interview prep, job/internship listings, and more. Public schools will have a wider range of employers recruiting on campus, while private colleges focus on developing connections within their niche industries.
You can get a world-class education for any career at either a public or private institution. Assess the specific career prep offerings at colleges you are interested in.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Alumni Networks
A significant benefit of attending college is gaining access to an alumni network after graduation. Public universities have massive pools of alumni across all fields, though networking may be less personalized.
Private colleges have smaller but very engaged alumni networks. Fellow alums often provide enhanced support and career connections down the line due to strong institutional affinity and tight community bonds.
When researching schools, see if you can connect with current students or alums to get their perspectives.
Public vs. Private Colleges: Financial Aid
As mentioned earlier, sticker prices are higher at private institutions. But financial aid also factors heavily into the equation. Private colleges often provide substantial need-based and/or merit-based aid from their budgets to make attendance more affordable. Large endowments give them significant resources for generous aid packages.
Public colleges focus financial aid on need-based awards and have less overall to give out. Even with a high sticker price, a private school may end up being comparably priced to a public option once aid is factored in. Be sure to apply and compare financial aid offers.
Key Takeaways: Public vs Private College Differences
To recap, here are some of the most significant differences:
Public Colleges
- Lower tuition, especially for in-state
- Larger class sizes
- More extensive academic offerings
- Vibrant campus and social life
- DIY approach to student services
- Huge alumni networks
Private Colleges
- Higher tuition, but generous financial aid
- Small classes and accessible professors
- Tight-knit campus community
- Hands-on student advising and support
- Networking within niche industries
- Engaged, loyal alumni community
Of course, these reflect general trends – individual colleges may vary. As you search for your college match, prioritize the elements most important to you as a student by taking time to thoroughly research each option.
Campus visits can provide invaluable insights as well. By understanding public vs. private college key differences, you can find the type of school that aligns with your needs, interests, and academic goals.
Examples of Strong Public and Private Colleges
To see these differences in action, here are a few examples of excellent public and private institutions in various categories:
Strong Public Universities
- Research – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- STEM – Georgia Tech
- Business – Indiana University, Bloomington
- Liberal Arts – William & Mary
- Career Prep – Purdue University
Leading Private Colleges
- Research – Stanford University
- STEM – MIT
- Business – UPenn Wharton
- Liberal Arts – Williams College
- Career Prep – USC Marshall School of Business
Key Takeaways
Determining whether to attend a public or private college is a major choice when searching for your perfect school. Keep these essential differences in mind as you explore your options:
- Public schools are more affordable, while private colleges offer more financial aid
- Private institutions emphasize small classes and alumni communities
- Public universities provide expansive academic offerings and research
- Each college type can provide an excellent education and student experience
By understanding how public and private colleges differ, you can find an institution that provides the right balance of academics, campus culture, and career preparation to meet your needs. Taking the time to thoroughly research schools and visit top contenders will ensure you make the best possible decision for your future.
What Is a Public University?
In addition to receiving government funding, public universities tend to be big. Many public universities have large campuses and thousands of students. Because of in-state tuition, many public universities will have a large number of local students. Some public universities are even required to accept a certain percentage of students from their state in order to keep their funding, which means fewer spots are available for out-of-state or international students. This can make public universities highly competitive, even though there are more students overall.
What Is a Private University?
With more selective funding sources, private universities are generally smaller, which often means fewer students and smaller class sizes. This also means fewer degrees, majors, and professors. However, since private universities do not offer in-state tuition, they will often attract students from all over the country. Smaller private universities may provide more options for students looking to participate in athletics or fine arts, since there are fewer students competing for the same opportunities.
Comparing public vs. private colleges
FAQ
What are the pros and cons of a public college?
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Public College
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Private College
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More research opportunities
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Typically fewer research opportunities
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Larger class sizes
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Smaller class sizes
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More degree options
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Typically fewer degree options
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Less 1 on 1 time with professors
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More 1 on 1 time with professors
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What is the difference between public and private universities?
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.
Why do private colleges cost more than public schools?
Private colleges are funded mostly by private donors and tuition dollars, so the sticker price is typically higher than that of public schools to make up for the lack of state funding. Since the school doesn’t receive aid from the government, there is also no difference between tuition rates for in-state or out-of-state students.
Are private colleges better than public colleges?
Private colleges are often smaller than public colleges and universities, with smaller student populations and more personalized attention from faculty and staff. Private colleges may also have a higher tuition fee compared to public colleges, but they often have more generous financial aid packages available to students who qualify.
Are private universities more expensive than public universities?
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.
