Every discussion among the group chats of studying abroad students ends up coming to the question of public or private. The pros of the public option are always consistent – “It’s less expensive, and a degree is still a degree.” This is true only up to a certain extent since it overlooks all those things that surround the degree itself and determine your experience abroad.

Here is a more comprehensive answer than “choose the one that is less expensive.”

Advantages of Public Universities (and the Disadvantage Thereof)

Public universities get subsidized; therefore, the cost of tuition is lower. And that is the whole point, and it is a valid point to those who care about their money first and foremost. However, there is a downside to the subsidy – public universities are big places where tens of thousands of students learn from the same lecturers and get advice from the same career counsellors.

Case For Private Universities

Private universities rely on tuition payments and private funding, which affects how your tuition actually makes an impact.

· Less crowded classrooms, which means you have personal access to your professors rather than being one among a hundred in a lecture hall

· Career services – recruiter collaboration, placement cels and interview preparation, which cannot be offered by overburdened public universities

· More up-to-date curriculum – private universities have the ability to alter courses according to industry demands without going through all the bureaucratic layers that public universities have

· Better student support – visa consultation, international student support and mental health support that is adequate for the amount of students in need of such assistance

And this is where the question of “which is better” is answered. The degree itself is just the paper degree. It is everything else around it that ends up on your resume when you apply for your first job.

But What About the Fact That Private Is More Expensive?

Well, on paper, yes, but not in reality, usually not to the extent that people expect. The reason behind this is the fierce competition among private institutions to attract good students, as a result of which merit scholarships of 20-50% (or even more) are typical. When you take into account what scholarship will actually reduce the difference in the prices of studying at a public and private university, then the latter ends up being significantly cheaper – and offers all the benefits of smaller class sizes and better placement help.

It is the calculation that is usually missed. People are comparing the advertised cost of education, not the cost after receiving financial aid.

In Which Place an Online Private University Fits?

If it comes to pure cost as a decisive factor, then it might be helpful to consider a third option, which sometimes does not receive enough attention – an online private university based abroad. Here, you get all the advantages: the degree is accredited, the curriculum is always up-to-date, and the career services infrastructure is provided – but the expenses on moving, living and visa arrangements are eliminated. For students who seek to get private university benefits at public one costs, this way is usually the most effective one.

This way can be beneficial for those who have work or family obligations while studying – an online private university allows enjoying all its benefits without interrupting your life by relocation.

Which Is It Really?

If all you care about is paying as little as possible no matter what, then public makes sense. But for most students, the real comparison isn’t “which costs less” but rather “which provides more bang for my buck?” In terms of that criteria, the private university (again, traditional or online, depending on your budget) wins out: smaller classes, better-updated courses, and career assistance that works to land you a job.

One critical point: don’t forget to calculate your realistic scholarship eligibility before you do any cost comparisons. The reality, not the advertised price, determines which is “better” for your budget.

Compare Your Own Shortlist For Free

Each student will have his/her own data and list of preferences. Admit Gate allows comparing particular public and private universities, as well as private universities’ distance learning programs, based on financial issues, scholarship availability, and placements, without having any commercial interest in particular university.

Contact Admit Gate counsellor to learn which one would be more suitable for you.

FAQs

Does a private university really exceed a public university in terms of quality? For the majority of students who consider placement assistance, current curriculum, and class size as their priorities, the answer is yes, once they take into account scholarships which reduce the price difference significantly.

Is an online private university as good a choice as a traditional private university abroad? Yes, but only if it is duly accredited; otherwise, it is the same in terms of curriculum and career assistance but costs substantially less due to the lack of relocation costs.

Do private universities provide more scholarships than public universities do? Mostly yes, since private universities use scholarships as a competitive tool to attract prospective students.