What’s the Difference Between Private and Public Universities in the US?
Hey, everyone. I know a lot of you out there are knee deep in college applications right now. Yeah. And let's face it.
Speaker 2:It's a lot.
Speaker 1:It's a pretty huge decision. Totally. So we're tackling a topic that's probably on your minds a lot, public versus private universities.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We're gonna dive deep into this blog post we found called, what's the difference between private and public universities in the US? It's got some great info.
Speaker 2:Yeah. This is a good one.
Speaker 1:And we'll break it down so you can make the best choice for you and your student.
Speaker 2:You know, what I find really interesting about this whole public versus private thing is Yeah. It's not as simple as it seems.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:There's so much more to it than just, like, how much it costs.
Speaker 1:Okay. Done. It's
Speaker 2:about finding the right fit.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about the cost. Okay. Because I think that's the first thing that jumps out at people.
Speaker 2:For sure.
Speaker 1:This blog post mentions some average tuition numbers, and they're kinda scary.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Like, $9,580 for in state public tuition. But then you look at private colleges, and it's, like, $40,700. Woah. That's a huge difference.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And I think that's what makes a lot of families just kinda like, nope. Private schools are out of the question.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But here's the thing they don't always realize. Private universities can have some really big financial aid packages.
Speaker 1:Okay. So not just like a small scholarship here or there.
Speaker 2:Not at all.
Speaker 1:You're talking serious money.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Serious money. A lot of private schools will actually meet a 100% of what they call demonstrated financial need.
Speaker 1:So what does demonstrated financial need even mean?
Speaker 2:Basically, it's like how much your family can actually afford to pay for college.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:They look at your income, your assets, how many kids you have, all that stuff Mhmm. To figure out how much you can contribute.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And if that amount is way lower than the actual cost of going to that school Right. That's when the private schools often step up and fill in the gap with grants and scholarships.
Speaker 1:So you're saying it's possible that a private school could actually end up costing less than a public one?
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Wow. That kinda blows my mind.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Don't rule out private schools just because of that initial price tag. Right. You really gotta dig into those financial aid options.
Speaker 1:It's like shopping for a car.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:You don't just look at the sticker price on the window.
Speaker 2:Right. You gotta look at the financing options.
Speaker 1:Yeah. To see what actually works for you.
Speaker 2:And just like buying a car, you gotta look beyond the price and think about what you're getting for your money.
Speaker 1:Good point. Yep. Speaking of getting your money's worth, this blog post also talks about class size.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:And how much you interact with professors. There's a big difference between public and private.
Speaker 2:It's huge.
Speaker 1:The idea of, like, smaller classes, more one on one time with the professor Mhmm. That's appealing to a lot of people.
Speaker 2:It can make a world of difference, especially for students who do better in smaller groups.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Think about it. The average student to faculty ratio at a private college is 9 to 1.
Speaker 1:9 to 1?
Speaker 2:Yeah. At a public school, it's almost double the it's, like, 18 to 1.
Speaker 1:Woah.
Speaker 2:So that means bigger classes at the public schools, less chance to really connect with your professor.
Speaker 1:That makes me think about those students who maybe didn't do so well in high school Right. But then they get more attention in college, and they
Speaker 2:just blossom. Absolutely. That personal attention can help them realize their full potential. Okay. So we've talked
Speaker 1:about cost and class size. Yep. Now let's get to academics Okay. Because that's what
Speaker 2:college
Speaker 1:is all about. Right? It's a
Speaker 2:big part of it.
Speaker 1:What does this blog post say about how academic programs and research opportunities Right. Are different between public and private?
Speaker 2:So this is where it gets really interesting because both types of schools have their own strengths.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:The blog post mentions how public universities often really excel in certain fields like engineering or agriculture.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Think about schools like UC Berkeley for engineering or Texas A&M for agriculture. They have these massive research facilities and professors who are at the top of their game.
Speaker 1:So if your student's interested in a field that's, like, really research heavy
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:A public university might be the way to go.
Speaker 2:They can be a great choice. But don't get me wrong. There are amazing public universities in pretty much every field you can imagine.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's not like public schools are only good for certain things. Not
Speaker 2:at all.
Speaker 1:What about private universities? What are their strengths academically?
Speaker 2:They often shine in more specialized areas, especially in the liberal arts.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think about those small liberal arts colleges that are known for their philosophy programs Right. Or their creative writing departments. They often have a more focused curriculum, and the professors are super passionate about teaching Yeah. And mentoring their students.
Speaker 1:And even though they might not have those huge research labs Mhmm. They can still offer hands on learning experience.
Speaker 2:Oh, for sure. Private universities often emphasize undergraduate research, so students get to work closely with professors on projects that really interest them.
Speaker 1:So if you have a student who's, like, really driven and wants to dive deep into a specific area, a private university could be a great option.
Speaker 2:It really depends on their learning style and what they wanna study.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Do they want that big research focused environment
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Or something smaller and more focused on teaching and mentorship?
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding the right fit for your student.
Speaker 1:I feel like we're starting to break down those stereotypes about public versus private schools.
Speaker 2:Me too.
Speaker 1:There's just so much more to consider.
Speaker 2:And we've barely scratched the surface.
Speaker 1:I know there's still so much more to talk about. Campus life and culture. That's a big one. What's it actually like to be a student on a public versus private campus? Get into all of that next time.
Speaker 2:Looking forward to it. Okay. So let's talk about campus life because college isn't just about academics.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about the whole experience.
Speaker 2:Yeah. The people you meet, the activities you get involved in.
Speaker 1:5 of the place.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And this blog post does a great job of highlighting how different the cultures can be at public and private universities.
Speaker 1:I remember when I was applying to colleges, I visited both types of campuses.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And it was, like, night and day.
Speaker 2:It really is. Public universities are, like, their own little cities.
Speaker 1:Yeah. With, like, tens of thousands of students. Right.
Speaker 2:There's always something going on.
Speaker 1:Sporting events, concerts.
Speaker 2:Guest lectures, club meetings. It's a lot. It's a very vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Speaker 1:I can see how that would be awesome for some students
Speaker 2:Totally.
Speaker 1:Especially if they come from a big high school and are used to being around a ton of people.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But for others, I bet it could feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2:Definitely. Especially for students who are more introverted.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Or who prefer a smaller community.
Speaker 2:That's where private universities often have an edge. They tend to have smaller student bodies, more like a few 1,000 students instead of tens of thousands.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And that creates a more intimate community feel.
Speaker 1:More like a close knit community.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And because private universities are often residential
Speaker 1:Meaning most students live on campus.
Speaker 2:Right. That sense of community extends beyond the classroom.
Speaker 1:Into the dorms, the dining halls.
Speaker 2:Every
Speaker 1:So if your student thrives in a smaller, more supportive environment Yeah. A private university might be the way to go.
Speaker 2:It could be. But remember, even within these categories of public and private Yeah. There's a lot of variation.
Speaker 1:Right. You have large public universities with huge, sprawling campuses.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And then you have smaller public schools that almost feel like private colleges.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And you have some private universities that are in the heart of big cities.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about public versus private.
Speaker 2:It's about finding the right campus culture.
Speaker 1:The one that really fits your student's personality.
Speaker 2:And the best way to get a feel for that is to visit the campus if you can.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Walk around, sit in on a class.
Speaker 2:Talk to some students.
Speaker 1:See if it feels like a good fit.
Speaker 2:Speaking of fitting in, let's talk about extracurricular activities.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. Those are a big part of college life.
Speaker 2:Totally. Whether it's sports, music, theater, volunteering, whatever they're into, extracurriculars are a great way for students to explore their passions.
Speaker 1:Make new friends.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And there are some differences between public and private universities when it comes to these activities.
Speaker 1:Okay. How so?
Speaker 2:Well, public universities tend to have a wider variety of clubs and organizations.
Speaker 1:Because they have more students.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So you're more likely to find something that really matches your interests.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But private universities often have a more tight knit community feel within their extracurriculars.
Speaker 1:So it's kinda like that smaller, more intimate campus culture we were talking about?
Speaker 2:Yeah. And because they often have more resources per student
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They might be able to provide more support for their clubs.
Speaker 1:Like funding for travel or equipment.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So it's like quality over quantity in a way.
Speaker 2:It can be, but it's important to remember that extracurriculars aren't just about having fun.
Speaker 1:Yep.
Speaker 2:They can also help students build their resumes.
Speaker 1:Develop leadership skills.
Speaker 2:Make connections with professionals in their field.
Speaker 1:Those are all good things.
Speaker 2:It can give them a real advantage when they're applying for jobs after graduation.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've covered a lot about campus life and culture. We have. But there's one more big piece of the puzzle we need to talk about, the admissions process.
Speaker 2:Right. This blog post goes into some detail about how public and private universities evaluate applicants.
Speaker 1:And that can be confusing because the criteria could be so different from school to school. Surely. So let's break it down. Starting with grades, what are the typical GPA expectations for public versus private universities?
Speaker 2:Public universities often have minimum GPA requirements, especially for in state applicants.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:And those requirements can vary depending on the school and the program.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But a GPA of 3 point o or higher is usually a good starting point.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And for more competitive programs or if you're applying from out of state, you might need a GPA closer to 3.5 or even higher.
Speaker 1:So good grades are definitely important for public universities.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But it's not just about the numbers.
Speaker 1:What else do they look at?
Speaker 2:They also look at the rigor of your students' coursework.
Speaker 1:Okay. Meaning, they wanna see that you've taken challenging classes.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Like honors or AP classes if those are available.
Speaker 1:So it's about showing that you're pushing yourself academically.
Speaker 2:Right. Now for private universities, GPA is still important, but they tend to look at the whole picture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They consider grades, but also standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation.
Speaker 1:Extracurricular activity.
Speaker 2:Sometimes even interviews.
Speaker 1:So they're really trying to get to know the applicant as a person.
Speaker 2:That's right. They wanna see students who are passionate and engaged.
Speaker 1:Students who will contribute to the campus community.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And they wanna make sure the student is a good fit for their school's culture and values.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've talked about all the differences between public and private universities.
Speaker 2:Yeah. We covered a lot of ground.
Speaker 1:But now the big question, how do you actually choose the right college for your student?
Speaker 2:Right. It's time to put all this information to use.
Speaker 1:There are so many schools out there.
Speaker 2:I know it can be overwhelming.
Speaker 1:Where do you even begin?
Speaker 2:Well, I think a good place to start is with your students' academic interests.
Speaker 1:Okay. What are they passionate about? What do they wanna study?
Speaker 2:Exactly. Once you have a sense of that, you can start looking for schools that have strong programs in those areas.
Speaker 1:Right. So if they're really into engineering Mhmm. You'd look for schools with great engineering departments.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And don't just stop at the name of the major. Mhmm. Really dig into the course offerings.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Look at the faculty.
Speaker 1:See what kind of research opportunities they have.
Speaker 2:Right. Make sure the program really aligns with your students' specific interests.
Speaker 1:So this is where all that research comes in. Yeah. Checking out college websites, talking to people.
Speaker 2:Definitely reach out to professors or current students if you can.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Get that firsthand perspective.
Speaker 2:It's really valuable.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've got academics covered.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:What other things should we be thinking about?
Speaker 2:Think back to our conversation about campus culture.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:What kind of environment would your student do well in?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Do they like big bustling campuses or smaller, more intimate settings?
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Do they wanna be in a city, a small town somewhere in between?
Speaker 1:These are all important questions.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Because college is about so much more than just academics.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about finding a place where your student feels comfortable and connected.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And don't forget about extracurricular activity.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. If your student's really into music, for example
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:You wanna look for schools with strong music programs or maybe a vibrant music scene on campus.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about finding a school that aligns with their interests outside of the classroom too.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've got academics, campus culture, extracurriculars
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And, of course, we can't forget about the practical stuff.
Speaker 2:Right. Like cost and location.
Speaker 1:How do you balance all of these factors? It's like a giant puzzle.
Speaker 2:It is, and there's no easy answer.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:But here's a tip. Start by making a list of potential colleges.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And then rank them based on what's most important to you and your student.
Speaker 1:So if academics are your top priority
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:You'd rank the schools based on the strength of their programs.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Or if cost is a big concern, you might rank them based on tuition and financial aid.
Speaker 1:And as you learn more about the schools, you can adjust your list.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's an ongoing process.
Speaker 1:And remember, there's no perfect college.
Speaker 2:That's true.
Speaker 1:Every school has its strengths and weaknesses.
Speaker 2:The goal is to find a school that's a good fit overall.
Speaker 1:A place where your student can really thrive.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:This has been so helpful.
Speaker 2:Glad to hear it.
Speaker 1:We've gone from feeling totally lost to having a plan.
Speaker 2:And remember, even with all the research and planning
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Choosing a college is still a leap of faith.
Speaker 1:It is. You're trusting that your student will find their way and make the most of their experience.
Speaker 2:And sometimes the best choices are the ones you least expect.
Speaker 1:That's true. Well, that about wraps up our deep dive into public versus private universities.
Speaker 2:It's been fun.
Speaker 1:If you're looking for some extra guidance on your college journey Mhmm. Be sure to check out College Journey.
Speaker 2:Though they have this awesome AI powered college counselor named Alice?
Speaker 1:It's a great resource. And with that, we'll say goodbye for now. Good luck with your college search.
