| When a student goes about the momentous task of | | | | "flagship" that unofficially represents that state and is |
| searching for colleges and choosing one to apply to, | | | | nationally recognized as the state's school. An |
| many considerations and facts formulate the final | | | | example of a flagship school would be Florida State |
| decision they make in a college. One of the | | | | University. |
| considerations that a student must consider is whether | | | | In addition to the type of college that is attended, there |
| or not to attend a public or private university or college. | | | | are also many comparisons that can be made |
| The distinction between these two types of schools is | | | | between public and private colleges. Public and private |
| sometimes minuscule, and yet many times there are | | | | institutions in the same state might have very different |
| vast differences that need to be measured carefully. | | | | academic departments and courses offered, even |
| Private and public colleges are both legitimate | | | | though they are both liberal arts colleges. Knowing |
| institutions of higher learning. However, there are subtle | | | | what specific needs a student has in a school can be |
| differences between the two that need to be | | | | the determining factor of whether or not a student |
| appreciated by prospective students. Public colleges | | | | chooses to attend a public or private college. |
| and universities receive funds from the state in which | | | | The costs related to attending school are a very real |
| they're housed. That is why, by and large, public | | | | concern for students and especially parents. |
| universities cost less to attend compared to private | | | | Unfortunately the load of paying tuition can |
| colleges. | | | | overshadow whether or not a school is right for a |
| Private colleges, on the other hand, aren't funded by | | | | student. Public schools are by and large less expensive |
| the state and are funded by tuition money, gifts from | | | | than private schools, however the curriculum of that |
| former students, or alumni, and private citizens. Since | | | | particular school may not be right for everyone. Public |
| theses colleges aren't under the auspices of state | | | | schools do, however, offer a better chance of |
| funding, they don't afford the student the same access | | | | acceptance for in-state students. Also, tuition is less |
| as public institution. Although it is easier for the average | | | | costly for residence of that state when applying to |
| student to gain acceptance to a state college, there | | | | public schools. All of these financial considerations are |
| are sometimes academic advantages, like smaller | | | | important and must be measured against other facts. |
| classes, at private universities. | | | | When comparing private and public colleges, it's |
| All advantages and disadvantages related to different | | | | important to note that most higher learning institutions |
| school need to be considered on an individual basis. | | | | are suitable for most students. Putting a premium on |
| Some students may thrive in a larger school setting | | | | prestige or cost can ultimately limit a student's choices. |
| that a public university brings, while others might require | | | | Whether public or private, the college that is chosen |
| more personalized instruction in college. Different | | | | should be the one that best represents the student's |
| states have numerous public and private college | | | | interests. |
| options available to choose from. Most states have a | | | | |