Private research university vs public research university: What's the difference?

As I was going through my list of potential colleges, I noticed some are classified as private research universities while others are public research universities. I'm looking to study computer science at a research-intensive institution, so I was wondering what the main differences are between these types of institutions. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hi there! Great question. One main difference between private and public research universities is their funding sources. Private research universities typically rely on private donations, endowments, and tuition to fund their research, while public research universities receive a significant portion of their funding from state governments and other public sources.

Additionally, public research universities often have a larger student body and offer a wider variety of majors and programs compared to private research universities. Public universities tend to have more in-state students, given their mission to serve the local state population. Tuition at public universities is generally lower for in-state students, though out-of-state and international students often pay higher rates.

That being said, you'll find top-notch computer science programs at both private and public research universities. Keep in mind that the quality of programs can vary across institutions, so I recommend exploring the faculty, research opportunities, and facilities when making your decision. Good luck!