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Last Updated: April 02, 2022

Public vs Private Universities

Students who have completed their schooling will be eventually facing the question of taking up higher education for better career prospects in their life. An undergraduate degree and oftentimes even a postgraduate degree are necessary for people to get specialized jobs in different fields. When choosing the option of higher studies, the factors one will have to consider include the financial requirements, programs offered, and sometimes even research opportunities if one is planning to pursue research in their chosen field of study.

Most of these factors are dependent on the kind of funding the university receives. Public universities and private universities differ mainly in the source of their funding which thereby determines the facilities they offer to candidates. The features of both these institutions differ and students will have to carefully choose from them based on their requirements.

Public University in the US

Public universities in the country are educational institutions that are funded by the state government. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs along with diplomas, certification programs, etc. to all candidates. Most public institutions will have a deep-rooted history that can go decades and sometimes even centuries back. These universities mostly focus on programs in the liberal arts discipline more than professional degrees.

Benefits of Studying in Public University

The benefits of studying in a public university include-

Private University in the US

Private universities are of two kinds with one being non-profit and the other for-profit. The non-profit institutions receive funding from various sources and are solely focused on offering high-quality education to candidates. The for-profit institutions receive funding mainly through the tuition fees that students pay along with alumni endowments and other extra fees levied from students. This results in high tuition fees for all programs offered in such institutions. Private institutions mostly offer professional degrees and other science-related degrees more than liberal arts degrees.

Benefits of Studying in Private University

The benefits of studying at a private university include-

Differences Between Public and Private Universities

Public universities and private universities mainly differ in the aspects of funding, tuition fee, class size, etc. The universities will also differ in the programs that are offered and the financial aid provided to candidates. The differences include-

Choosing Between Public and Private University

The choice between public and private universities can be made by candidates only by focusing on their personal requirements from the university they go to. There is no objectively better place of study since it is dependent on the student and their academic interests and financial condition. Students who are undecided about their major and minor will do well if they attend public universities since they offer plenty of options and allows students to change from one major to another. Public universities can also be chosen by candidates who wish to learn independently without being pestered by their professors.

Private universities are more suited for candidates who are sure about the field of study they want to enroll in. It is also ideal for students who work well in interactive environments and who require extra assistance and care from faculty members. Private universities can also be affiliated with religious institutions, unlike public universities which are all secular. Ultimately, the choice will have to be made based on which of these factors the student prioritizes.

For Students

Universities in the Country

Understanding the Education System