Public vs. Private Universities: Which One's Better?

Are you thinking about studying abroad? Based on data from the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey, postsecondary enrollment in the U.S. decreased by 2.9 million between 2019 and 2020. This drop has significantly impacted small private colleges, which rely heavily on tuition, and public colleges are also feeling the effects.

Public universities are especially about in-state students, wider programs, and lower tuition fees. On the other hand, private universities are more about smaller classes, specialised programs, and heftier price points. So, which one is right for you? In this article, we delve into the difference between public and private universities, what public and private universities are, and which one you should choose. 

What is a Public University?

A public university, also known as a state university, is an institution for higher learning, acquiring most of the funding from the government. To decode the debate over public vs private universities, you should know that the former is large and provides academic facilities to thousands of students at expansive campuses. Due to in-state tuition, many public institutions will have a sizable local student body. 

Some of the public university common characteristics are that these institutions have fewer spaces available for out-of-state or international students because they are obligated to admit a particular proportion of students from their state to maintain funding. Although public institutions generally have more students, their goal is to ensure education is accessible and affordable to a wider population. 

What are Private Colleges?

Private colleges may be for-profit or non-profit institutions, as the government never funds them. Instead, private universities rely on various financial sources other than the state government. Plus, some of them manage investment portfolios to generate income and receive donations from alumni, corporations, foundations, and other private donors. 

Moreover, to choose between a private university vs public university, you should understand that private institutions are smaller due to more selective financing sources, frequently resulting in fewer students and smaller class numbers. Some of the common characteristics of private universities are that they draw students from and around the nation since they charge in-state tuition. Due to fewer students vying for the same possibilities, some private universities may also offer more options for students willing to participate in sports or the arts. 

Public vs Private University: Differences

What is the difference between private and public universities? Which one does cater to your educational needs? Going by the private and college definitions, you already have a vague idea. Understanding the debate over public university vs private university might feel like navigating the academic crossroads. For this reason, you should consider the following factors, along with public and private university common characteristics to understand the differences. 

1. Funding Sources

The main difference when it comes to public vs private university is from where the institutions gather funding. Usually, public universities get funding from the state government, whereas private universities get funding from private sources, investors, and student tuition fees. 

To understand private vs public universities, you should also know that funding for public universities comes from federal funds, state appropriations, grants, and revenue generated from state taxes. Private universities, however, rely on donations, endowments, and fundraising. 

2. Tuition Fee and Cost

There are differences between public vs private universities, in terms of tuition expenses and the price of their academic programmes. You already know that public universities will likely cost less and can be typically funded by part-time student internships; it's the same throughout the world. As affordable tuition fees are charged at public universities, a high level of competitiveness and admission requirements might pose a challenge for students to get into. This is one of the factors to keep in mind for public vs private universities. 

Private universities, on the other hand, have greater tuition fees but more lenient admission standards. Even if governments and bureaucratic initiatives support government schools, they occasionally charge higher prices. In contrast, other private schools charge a reasonable fee, keeping in mind the student's calibre and the likelihood of success.  

3. Scholarship & Financial Aid

Scholarship is an essential factor in the debate over private vs public college. Public universities offer more need-based scholarships funded by federal and state grants. However, private universities offer more merit-based scholarships to attract students with extracurricular activities and exceptional academic achievements. 

Federal financial aid is available to students attending both public and private universities. However, because of their substantial endowment assets, private universities typically have more money that is available to offer as grants and scholarships and usually provide larger tuition discounts, unlike public universities.

When it comes to private universities, the selection process for scholarships is more crucial with a large pool of applicants. In contrast, private universities might be less competitive in terms of the selection process of scholarships – especially as they focus on attracting high-calibre students. 

The NACUBO reports that private universities offered undergraduate students an average tuition discount of 48% for the 2020-21 academic year. Financial aid is one of the important factors to gather answers to the debate over public vs private universities. 

4. Accreditation 

The public vs private university debate can be associated at the regional level and is typically accredited by the state or federal governments. Private universities must get national government accreditation, i.e., from the department under the government at the national level or university commission. 

If it is not done so, the government has the right to award degrees and educate students may be revoked in the absence of this accreditation. Therefore, it is crucial to verify if the university you have chosen has the required accreditation from the government or not while deciding between public vs private universities.

5. Admission

The road to higher education feels like a maze, especially when you have yet to find the answer to public vs private universities. Public institutions rely on standardised tests such as SAT and ACT and require applicants to meet the minimum requirements. You can embrace a few tips on how to study smarter not harder, while preparing for the tests. 

The majority of private institutions, especially Ivy League universities and colleges in the USA, like Columbia, Brown, Harvard, etc., have strict admission and academic requirements. A student must fulfil all qualifications before applying, and after being admitted, they must maintain their high academic standards. So, in comparison, public universities have fewer requirements and more lenient entrance standards.

Private universities, on the other hand, are discovered to be stricter regarding qualifying requirements and the selection procedure, as well as more restricted in terms of seat availability. This is a key distinguishing feature between public vs private universities in their entrance standards.

While finding answers to public vs private universities, you should consider the personalised attention the intuitions offer. Besides, public universities focus on public service and community engagement, and private institutions boast unique academic opportunities. Of course, private universities have lower acceptance rates than public universities. 

6. Programs Offering

Private universities, especially liberal arts colleges, have comparatively fewer academic majors than public colleges in areas of study. However, private universities that offer a focused study in their area of interest can be advantageous for students who already know what they want to study. 

The range of major or specialisation courses is another important distinction between public vs private universities. Public universities offer various majors and degrees for their study programmes, whereas private universities may be specialised educational institutions offering specialised study or a limited range of majors. 

Since public institutions often enrol a larger number of students, they can offer more degree options. For instance, Purdue University in Indiana offers more than 200 majors in almost every degree category you can imagine. Students who are unsure about attending university or choosing a major may prefer a public university with a broader range of major and minor subjects to choose from. 

For specialisation courses, some private universities have entrance exams. By using the best study planning apps for students, you can crack the entrance. With the mission and set of values, the private universities offer and the large student body the private universities offer, you can choose between a public and private university. 

7. Research Opportunities

Government funding of public universities also allows them to offer a wide range of laboratories and research facilities, making it easier for students to get materials for all the required research. One good example is the University of California, Los Angeles, which is home to hundreds of research labs and institutes. The most opportunities are found at public universities for students who are dedicated to their craft and using the research tools for academic research. 

On the contrary, many private institutions have fewer resources for students and less space for research. But there are some exceptions, like Cornell University and John Hopkins University, which have an annual budget of billions of dollars. There are a lot of private research universities, but some smaller ones cannot match the research effort. To conclude the debate over public vs private universities, you need to consider the research opportunities you can receive. 

8. Campus Size and Culture

While the most beautiful university campuses in the US, UK, or across the world are a driving force for some, there’s more to understanding the answer to private vs public universities. Many thrive in an energetic environment, while others prefer a quiet, comfortable setting that isn't overwhelming, so campus size can be a crucial factor in selecting the right college. Many public institutions have larger campuses in order to accommodate a larger student body. 

Private universities take pride in their uniqueness and still maintain a more intimate, smaller campus. It all depends on the student's preferences and the setting they feel to be supportive of learning and letting them play to their strengths. Before choosing between private vs public universities, consider the student body, too.

Top 10 Public and Private Universities

When choosing a college, selecting the right university is crucial. Here's a look at the 10 best public colleges and private universities that excel in academics, research, and overall student experience, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Difference Between Private University and Public University 

Now, to conclude the debate over public vs private universities, there are some pros and cons to consider. Both have their advantages, along with some features that may not cater to your academic needs. Here is the summary:

Now that we know all there is to know about public vs private universities, you need to check various colleges, consider all the above differences and compare your choices. In case you are unsure if you want to study right after you graduate high school, don’t worry;  there are many benefits of a gap year for college admissions and beyond. After all, you know what best fits your needs. Of course, to find the perfect student accommodation near your university, early book your home away from home with amber. Best of luck!