Can someone explain what private colleges are?

I've heard people talk about private colleges versus public colleges, but I'm honestly not sure what the real difference is. I'm a junior trying to narrow down where to apply, and I want to consider all options, which include understanding private institutions.

Could someone break down what defines a 'private' college and how it might affect the experience, cost, and opportunities compared to public colleges? Are they better for certain majors or types of students? I’d appreciate any detailed insights or personal experiences!

It's great that you're exploring the differences between private and public colleges as part of your college selection process, as understanding these can help you make a more informed decision. The primary distinction between these two types of institutions lies in their funding source, which can influence their philosophy, budget, admissions process, and student experience.

Private colleges, as their name implies, are primarily funded through private means such as endowments, tuition, donations, and private grants. Hence, they are independent and not under the direct control of the state or the federal government. Because of their private funding, these colleges can have a hefty price tag associated with them. However, they often have substantial financial aid resources that can significantly defray the cost. For instance, some top-tier private colleges such as Harvard offer generous need-based financial aid packages that can make them as affordable as, or even more so than, public colleges for students from low-income and middle-income families.

Private colleges are usually smaller which may mean smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio. This can translate to a more personalized educational experience with more opportunities for one-on-one interactions with professors, mentorship, and research opportunities. It's noteworthy that many liberal arts colleges, that emphasize a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach to education, fall under this category.

Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate learning environments might find private colleges appealing. Likewise, if you're looking for a school with a specific focus or unique institutional mission, private colleges often fit this bill due to their independence. For example, religious colleges or niche programs like art and design institutes are typically private.

To answer your query about majors - the offerings can vary greatly depending on the institution. Liberal arts colleges often shine in humanities subjects like Philosophy, English Literature, or History, while larger private universities like Stanford or Caltech are renowned for their STEM programs. However, this is a broad oversimplification and you should research on a school-by-school basis.

That being said, it's also important to remember that a great education can be had at many kinds of institutions, public or private. Different students will thrive in different places. Use these factors as guidelines, but at the end of the day, choose a school that feels like a good fit for you, both academically and culturally.