Advantages of private schools
There are many great reasons to attend a private school. Maybe you’re interested in the liberal arts experience, or you want to attend a school with a religious affiliation, or a specific private school has just caught your eye.
Private schools tend to offer more generous financial aid, both merit and need-based, than public schools. So, even though their price tag is higher, they can end up actually being cheaper for many students.
Many of the country’s most prestigious schools are also private. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, and many others are all private options. That’s not to say there are no prestigious public options; schools like University of California Berkeley are known around the world for their strong academics. However, to some, a private education carries more prestigious connotations.
Also see: What’s the difference between a private and public university?
Why you should apply to public schools too
Even if you are primarily interested in private colleges and universities, it’s a good idea to apply to an in-state public school as well. Private schools may be your first choice, but in-state public schools can serve as excellent financial safety schools, and your application may end up coming in handy.
Will Geiger | Scholarships360 Co-Founder, Former Associate Director of College Counseling at Hopkins School
Advice From a College Access Professional
Other college lists to consider
Frequently asked questions about private colleges
Are private colleges more expensive than public?
Are private colleges better than public?
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.