The Differences between Private and Public Universities in the US

Ivy League, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, public universities… Do you find the US higher education terms a bit overwhelming sometimes? To start off, let's simplify things: US colleges are either public or private. 

When dealing with American universities, learning the difference between public and private institutions will help you decide which one is right for you. Besides their costs, they also have differences in terms of their funding sources, costs, study fields, sizes, and overall student life. 

Difference one: The way they are funded

Scholarship

How are US public and private universities funded? Well, this is one of the core differences between them. Public universities are funded by the state and federal governments. Private universities, on the other hand, are financed by tuition fees, private donations, philanthropy, endowments, and research funding.

Difference two: What are the tuition fees and available financial aid

Public universities are generally cheaper than private universities, especially for in-state students. Besides lower tuition fees, further financial aid is also possible. For example, 55% of University of California undergraduates don’t pay tuition. As an international student, you need to be an “eligible non-citizen” to apply for federal government-funded scholarships. This means that you need to hold a green card; in other words, you need to be a permanent resident. For more information on financial aid at public schools, contact your country’s embassy or search for other scholarships online.

Private universities have diverse funding sources so they are able to offer more financial aid. Take Harvard University as an example. Since it has its own funding resources for scholarships, both Americans and international students benefit from the same scholarship opportunities.

How much is tuition in public and private universities?

While searching for universities in the US, keep in mind that tuition fees differ a lot, and that there is no one-size-fits-all fee for neither public nor private universities. According to the data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public universities cost $8,573 for in-state and $18,862 for out-of-state students on average in 2021-22. This amount was between $17,730 and $30,596 for private universities.

Difference three: Their size and what are the fields you study

Most public universities are bigger, both in terms of size and the diversity of study programmes. The University of Michigan, for example, offers a wide range of courses, from Afro-Luso-Brazilian Studies to Dentistry. You usually have the possibility to choose between a major and a minor. Your major will be your main area of study whereas your minor is a secondary area you would like to learn about. 

For private universities, it depends. On one hand, you have research universities, like Duke University, that have a diverse range of programmes where you can also choose a major and a minor. On the other hand, you have liberal arts colleges, known for their smaller-sized classes. Focussing on arts and sciences, these colleges target a more specialised student audience.

While both public and private universities have high-quality degree programmes, their curriculums are defined in different ways. In public universities, state agencies define the curriculum, resulting in a more standardised system across other higher education institutes funded by the state. Conversely, each private university sets its own curriculum, independently from the state.

Difference four: What is campus life like

student on campus

Oftentimes, public universities have bigger campuses due to their diverse study programmes and large student bodies. These universities have some of the best campus life in the country, with a lot of facilities such as labs, libraries, research centres, and sports courts.  

While most private universities are known to have smaller campuses, it isn’t always the case. Research universities like Yale and NYU have large campuses with a lot of facilities. A small campus can be associated with fewer students, as is the case with liberal arts colleges. This is not a bad thing — in fact, it makes for a more intimate experience where you can get to know your peers better.

Difference five: The admission requirements

Admission criteria depend on the organisation. Some public universities, such as two-year community colleges, generally have an open enrollment system. Others have stricter requirements, different for in-state and out-of-state students. Especially Public Ivies, which are public universities that are as good as Ivy League colleges, can be more selective. 

Yet, private universities, such as Ivy League universities are overall the most competitive ones to get into. Given their reputation, academic excellence, and the limited number of available spots, they only accept a small percentage of students. Besides a high GPA, they also require candidates to have experience in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.

Difference six: Future Prospects and Networking Opportunities

Both public and private universities have strong alumni networks with opportunities to connect with past and current students as well as lecturers. Given that many students opt for public universities within their state, you might meet more locals in public universities. That said, both in public and private universities, you are also likely to meet international students from all over the world.

While searching for universities, check what the best-ranking universities are for your field. For example, if you want to study Computer Science in the US, you can read about the best computer science colleges. This way, you can apply to the top public or private universities and obtain a reputable degree that will open many doors for future jobs.

Public or private universities: which one is better?

Given the various differences between public and private universities in the US, the question of which one is better would depend on the person. The USA has excellent higher education institutions, both public and private. What is best for another student might not fit your learning style or vice versa.

Public universities might be better if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly university in the US. Thanks to their larger campuses, they are also likely to have more facilities which will be interesting to you especially if you’re involved in sports or research. 

Although private universities are considerably more expensive, they also provide more financial aid opportunities. This is especially relevant to international students who aren’t eligible for federal government funding. Private universities also usually have smaller classes which you might prefer if you enjoy getting individual feedback rather than a more independent learning experience. 

While choosing a university, consider your preferred programme’s availability, the university rankings, and your budget. If funding is an issue, consider using a tool like  ScholarshipPortal which will show you public and private US universities offering scholarships to international students.

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