The biggest difference between public and private universities in the United States, regardless of the student experience, lies in the source of the universities' funding. Because public universities and colleges are largely funded by state funds, tuition fees are significantly different from those of private universities. Because private universities also rely on private contributions and student tuition fees for their funding, tuition rates are higher.

The biggest difference between international students applying to universities in the US is the tuition fees at public universities, often between students from surrounding states and international students. For students applying to private universities, tuition fees are the same regardless of the student's country of origin or the state in which they graduated from high school. In short, private university tuition is the same for all applicants. However, there are numerous need-based scholarships available to international students who are US citizens or residents.

When evaluating public and private universities, the second biggest difference is the university's student capacity. This significantly impacts a student's experience throughout their university career. Private colleges with a few thousand students offer a personalized education philosophy that addresses individual interests and needs beyond traditional approaches, while public universities with populations ranging from 15,000 to 42,000 offer a diverse range of experiences.

Tuition costs often influence the demographics of the university population. While public universities often have a higher proportion of students who come from the state where the university is located and pay lower tuition, the constant tuition at private colleges and universities increases student diversity.

Every student should begin the discovery process as early as possible to determine the most suitable field of study and institution for them, based on their educational expectations and skills. What used to begin with 11th grade has now been extended to the beginning of high school. The earlier students have the opportunity to explore opportunities, the more they can begin to align this information with their own expectations.

Müge Arman Evren

Certified Overseas College Counselor