Do you think it is worth paying for private university, or go to a public school (in my case a UC)?

Question

I would like to go to a private university. But it is like 10,000 more then a public university.

Answer 1

If you don't have or can't get the money for the pivate school you can do the first two years at a public school to get your general ed out of the way. You can also take some classes on what you would like to concentrate on. You could always try to switch to a private school later. Talk to a public school counselor about this but it is going to depend a lot on what area of study interests you besides the money factor.  

Answer 2

It depends on what you're looking for. Private schools have less resources, but are generally smaller, tighter-knit communities, and they sometimes have great specialized programs (an example would be architecture at Rice university). Public universities are likely to have more resources from the community and alumni (ex: free wireless internet, internships, on-campus research, ect.), but it can be pretty easy to feel lost for a bit. Oftentimes, it comes down to the program you are interested in, or the environment you want. I'm a nursing major at a public university that has the best, most competitive, best-equipped nursing program in my state. My boyfriend is a business major at a small university. We couldn't be happier with our choices. :)

Additionally, it's important to note that scholarships are sometimes easier to come by with private schools- you can get scholarships for having the same religious affiliation (if the school has a religious affiliation), and the GPA required for academic scholarships is generally lower. The prices usually end up being pretty equivalent...And really, after college, the cost won't be what you remember. Best of luck!

Answer 3

go with a public school, they are usually more diverse and less uptight. it teaches you the same things and it is a lot cheaper. with public schools you get a lot of different experience instead of just everyone being almost the same as it is in private schools

Answer 4

There are definitely benefits to going to a private college, but I don't think you can go wrong with a UC school.

Answer 5

Going to a private university always has a high tuition. However you could always apply for scholar ships with the university. There are several scholarships and grants that you can get. Start by looking for Perkins, Stafford loans and the Pell grant. Just by looking for these they will provide you with all types of information on grants and loans. Talk to the university to see it they have a scholarships or grants. If you have a high enough gpa you may get scholarship from them. Also inquire to find out if they have a board of governors ie. scholar ships or grants. These do not have to be paid.

Answer 6

UC has, academically, some of the countries finest schools. unless there is something at a private school that you can't get at UC it would be sensible to take the less expensive option.

Answer 7

hmm...if you want to be in great debt, then go for the private school.

a UC school is pretty good though, so if you don't have much money to spare, then go to the public school.

i want to go to a private college but it's about $50,000 a year, which i cannot afford...so i'm just going for the UC system :]

Answer 8

It all depends on what you're looking for. Each has their pros and cons. I go to a private school and love it and wouldn't happier anywhere else.

Private schools = considerably smaller, instead of having 300 students in your history class, you'll have 30. The professors will know your name and care and you're more appreciated as a student then you would be at a large public. You often get scholarships/grants easier as well and the school will work harder to keep you as student. You won't feel overwhelmed or lost or invisible in your classes, you'll probably make better relationships with your peers and teachers and administrators, there are often a lot of neat projects for students to participate in. If you have a strong religious sense, then there are lots of schools that cultivate that and are a great enviroment for christians. I pay about 5,000 more a semester for tuition, but it almost works out to be the same as a public, between board and meal plans and commute, it all equals the same. My school is 9,000 a semester, public is 8,000 when you had board/meals/commuteing.

What it really comes down to however is 1. Whats your major? And which school has the better program. 2. Can you afford to go to private without getting into an absurd amount of debt? No school is worth being 40,000 in debt for. Couple thousand sure, but if you have to go to private lenders, then go to public. Private lenders will eat you alive in interest. If stafford loans/plus loans can't pay for it, then go to a cheaper school. You want gov. set interest rates.

Answer 9

public schools sgive u teh same ammt and same education as privaet school just for a cheaper price.