Post date: Aug 24, 2015 12:15:09 AM
I am often asked about the advantages of public college education vs. private. It is a lot to discuss, but I will put the basics out here.
Public schools are funded in part by the state they are in. They usually have to give some admission preference to residents, so are rated as "less selective" than private schools. They are also usually bigger as they have to accept more students to cover costs. Tuition (or "Student Fees" if you live in Idaho) is usually less than private schools but they also have fewer resources for financial aid. They have different prices for residents and non-residents. Classes will be bigger, but there will also be more options for majors and research tools.
Private universities and colleges get little to no public money (from the state). They generally have higher admission criteria because they can set their own and can decide for themselves who they want to accept. Their cost of attendance is usually higher (though there are exceptions) but they have more ways that students can get help covering those costs. Campus size and average class size will be smaller but they will not have nearly as many courses of study.
Often, private schools are considered more "elite" and therefore a "better" educational experience. That is not always the case, though, and many public universities offer a top-notch education for a bargain price. Your lists should include a few of both. Look for schools that have what you want to study, first and foremost, and don't worry much about selectivity or costs. Those are factors to consider but should not rule a school completely out. There are so many things to consider when starting, or finalizing your list, take a look at both kinds of schools, visit at least one of each, and evaluate them on their individual merits.