What is the difference between a public research university and a regular university?

Hello all! I'm in the process of researching colleges, but I'm having trouble grasping the distinction between public research universities and regular universities. Could you explain the differences between these institutions and what makes public research universities unique? I'm considering schools like UCLA and UC Berkeley, if that helps. Thank you!

Hey there! It's great that you're doing your research on different types of institutions. Understanding the distinction between a public research university and a regular university can help you find the right college for you.

Both types of universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs, but public research universities generally have a stronger focus on research and often receive significant state and federal funding to support this. They tend to have larger campuses with state-of-the-art research facilities and a wide range of research opportunities for students. As a result, public research universities often attract renowned faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

In contrast, regular universities may be private institutions or smaller public universities with less of a research focus. These universities provide a more traditional educational experience, with education and teaching being the central priority.

Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are excellent examples of public research universities, known for their research achievements alongside quality educational offerings. I hope this clears up any confusion!