The Different Types of Universities
- Phillip Nguyen
- Aug 12, 2020
- 4 min read
According to the United States Department of Education, there are over 4,000 universities in the United States. With this amount of universities, which institution is the right choice for you? This question may leave students feeling overwhelmed by the number of choices that they have as they decide on the institution that they will be attending. A primary factor that the majority of students consider when applying to a university is cost. Students certainly want to graduate with as little debt as possible. Although most universities offer financial aid to help reduce the cost of college, there may still be an amount that you would have to pay. However, there may be more financial aid available, depending on whether you attend a public university or a private university.
Public Universities
Public universities are educational institutions that are funded by the government, mainly using taxpayer dollars. By law, public universities are secular (they cannot be religious). There are 1,626 public universities in the United States. Most public universities in the United States are state universities. Some examples of public universities include the ten universities in the University of California system, Arizona State University, and Missouri State University. Public universities often cost much less than private universities, as public universities offer lower tuition rates (especially for students who are a resident of the state that their university is in) and need-based scholarships (scholarships based on financial need). This allows students to receive a reliable education at a low price. Public universities also have more diverse student populations and even businesses on campus (restaurants, bus services, Starbucks, movie theaters, you name it!). However, public universities may not be suited for you because connecting with professors can be difficult. This is the result of large class sizes at public universities, with some classes having hundreds of students at once. Furthermore, public universities may have competitive and stressful environments, due to the number of students.
Private Universities
On the other hand, private, non-profit universities are educational institutions that receive little to no funding from the government. There are 1,687 private, non-profit universities in the United States. Many Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.) are well-known private, non-profit universities. Although private, non-profit universities tend to have higher tuition costs, don’t let that scare you! Private, non-profit universities can offer large tuition discounts with the money they receive from donors, which could potentially lead private, non-profit universities to cost less than public universities. Private, non-profit universities offer smaller class sizes, allowing for more interaction with professors. Another advantage is that private, non-profit universities may be religious or specialize in a certain subject (business, arts, law, etc.), allowing you to join an inclusive community of like-minded peers. A downside to private universities is that they can offer fewer majors or classes than public universities, especially if they specialize in certain subjects. Private universities may not have well-known athletic teams and may not have diverse student populations like public universities.
Community Colleges
When searching for public and private universities, don’t forget about community colleges! Community colleges are often funded by the government and most community colleges have lower tuition rates than universities. You can also receive financial aid from the government, which could potentially lead to paying nothing. Additionally, community colleges could have smaller class sizes and a wide variety of courses. Some community colleges have agreements with public universities, where students can receive priority or guaranteed transfer admission to public universities if they take a certain sequence of courses in community college. Most community colleges offer two-year degrees and some offer four-year degrees. If you’re not ready for university or the cost of public/private universities is too high, community college may be suitable for you!
Private, For-Profit Universities
Finally, a word of caution - beware of private, for-profit universities. Unlike private, non-profit universities, for-profit universities want, as the name suggests, your money. Many for-profit universities take money from their students before leaving students in the dust with poorly taught classes and little support. Many for-profit universities are not accredited and can leave their students in massive amounts of debt. However, some for-profit universities are accredited and can provide students the skills they need to succeed in their future careers, often through trade schools and certification programs.
In the end, the college that you attend is your decision. If you’re still struggling to figure out what university or college you want to go to, you are encouraged to schedule a tour at your university. If the “vibe” and the environment of the university doesn’t feel right, it may not be the best choice for you. College is one of the best times in your life to explore, socialize, work hard, and pursue your dreams! The university that you go to can have an extraordinary impact on your career, future, and your life.
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