Pondering state colleges vs. private universities in Maryland

I'm a junior thinking about my college application process, and I'm really considering both public and private universities in my state of Maryland. Before I make my choice, can anyone give me an idea of how the two types differ in terms of size, financial aid, campus community, or other factors? It would be super helpful!

Absolutely! It's a smart move to consider both public and private colleges as they do offer quite different experiences.

In terms of size, public universities like the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) tend to be larger than the majority of private colleges. This may mean larger class sizes, especially in lower-level classes, but a more diverse range of courses, clubs, and activities. Contrastingly, private colleges like Loyola University Maryland or Johns Hopkins have smaller student bodies, which can foster a tighter-knit campus community and offer smaller class sizes for a more intimate educational experience.

Financial aid varies greatly between public and private institutions. State schools generally have lower sticker prices for in-state students, but private colleges often have larger endowments, which can allow them to offer more generous financial aid packages. That being said, don't be too deterred by the "sticker price" of a school as many students do not end up paying that full amount. You should use each school's net price calculator (NPC) to get a better idea of what you'd actually pay out of pocket.

Campus culture can also greatly differ. While there's a lot of variation, public universities often boast a more lively sports culture, with Division I teams and enthusiastic student sections. Private colleges, however, may focus more on academic clubs or initiatives over athletics. Of course, there are private colleges with competitive sports programs and public universities with active academic communities, so researching individual schools is a must.

Also, public universities can generally offer a wider range of majors and minors, given their typically larger size. On the other hand, private universities may provide more specialized or niche programs.

Lastly, consider resources and networks. Larger public universities could have more extensive alumni networks, potentially providing more opportunities for internships and jobs. Private colleges, however, could offer more personal career counseling resources by virtue of their smaller size.

At the end of the day, every school is unique, so I encourage you to visit campuses, talk to current students, and do research to find the best fit for you. Best of luck in your college search!