Public vs. Private

[John Abraham]

What do you think are private Universities really much better than public in US? Most of students prefer going to private, while sometimes they can get the same level of education by going to public school and for much lesser costs.

[krokobazuka]

What do you think are private Universities really much better than public in US? Most of students prefer going to private, while sometimes they can get the same level of education by going to public school and for much lesser costs.

They are. Just look at the rankings. :) There aren't many public schools that can compete with private universitites. Besides, with decrease in budget for education in many states, p.u.'s can't offer competitive salaries anymore, and the quality of admitted students / faculty is deteriorating. Take for example, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UVa - all of them currently aren't having a good time.

Yes much less costs, but the salary that you will get out of the private school will pay off for higher costs.

[Prince]

Well
Private Univers are better ( check the ranking)
Public Univers are cheap&crappy education
P.S If u have money go to Private Uni with Good ranking , if not just apply to Public and try to get scholarships , easy , huh!?
Peace ,

[Maroon]

The private Universities part is debatable. Maybe in the US it is different but here in Europe, Private Uni does not always mean better.

When it comes to schools (elemantary, middle, high) Private school is preferable.

Ciao.

[coolio]

Yeah, public ones in words are crappy ones. Varsity slacker members go to pub ones, so they can party all the time. I dunno if you guys know it, but in New England there is a rumor that Arizona has the best party schools.

Duh, private ones are much better. Education leverl, student body are the most considirable factors.

[Martingale]

of course, private schools. Private means more money, so that they can finance more projects, support researches etc.
On the other hand, public schools are cheap:D, and most of them are party schools. Howver, not anymiore tutioin is considered as the only external source of financing for public schools. For example, some universities issue their own long term bonds, which is becoming quite practical in the south.
Everything depends on your choice. There are also advantages of public schools over private ones. good luck!;)

[moroti]

What do you think are private Universities really much better than public in US? Most of students prefer going to private, while sometimes they can get the same level of education by going to public school and for much lesser costs.
John A, it really depends what you mean when you say "better".
It could be approached either from "pure knowledge/skills" or "cost-effectiveness" perspective.
In undergrad, it really doesn't matter from "pure knowledge" perspective and therefore, public schools would be more cost effective (less expensive).
At this level, all you get is introduction and not much of applicable skills. so, it really doesn't matter who are you taught by, Nobel winner or a fresh lad just out of doc program. if public and private comparable schools are considered.
Most noticable/palpable difference could be observed at doctoral level, much less so at masters.
look up rankings, any top schools listings in any given subject include at least equal number of public schools.
besides, money the schools would get mostly comes from either research or consulting. Tuition fees are not major budget item, that is considered as social good.
so, if you don't have millions stashed:D , go for nice public schools.

[WASP]

You guys don't understand one thing... it's not the University that makes one successful, but the person him/herself. Do you really believe all Harvard graduates drive Porsches and live in mansions? Think again!

[John Abraham]

Well, Don't you think that public Universities get lots of help from government and donations? And it is not surprisingly that prof.-s in Public schools do get paid more, because the major funding in private schools comes from tuition, while public are funded by government. Besides, public school are non-profit organizations and invest all their resources in upgrading equipment hiring good professors, etc. And if you look at the rankings, there are bunch of public schools like state or city universities which have high admission standarts and good level of education(E.g. SUNY or CUNY).
I think you are right that it does not really matter what school you go to at undergraduate level. What matters is where you get your Master's. So it is the best way to save money by going to public, unless you have a scholarship. And get the master's at some private one.
And do you guys know how master's degree can increase your paychek, I mean how much you get paid more by having master's? And is it really worth spending 2 years to get it?

[WASP]

The major funding for private schools come from so-called "external sponsors." I agree tuition is a part of it, but top private schools try to recruit the brightest, not the richest. Thus, they financially assist the majority of their students. Also, I disagree that in public institutions professors get paid more... mm, NO! Otherwise, the best professors would have been working for public institutions, but we all know that it is the otherwise. That's not to say, that professors in public universities are educationally inferior to, say, Harvard professors. No. It's just those who teach in Harvard are more successful. However, successful isn't always, ironically, characterized as the smartest! (ie. G.W. Bush?). True, expensive private schools are the best for Master's degree. Why? Purely because of networking. Again, if you are good enough to network outside of your classes and very persistent at what you do, you don't necessarily have to get your Master's from the best of the best spending $100 (in thousands) in just two years. Master's degree is a subjective matter; it may work for one and not for the others.

Well, Don't you think that public Universities get lots of help from government and donations? And it is not surprisingly that prof.-s in Public schools do get paid more, because the major funding in private schools comes from tuition, while public are funded by government. Besides, public school are non-profit organizations and invest all their resources in upgrading equipment hiring good professors, etc. And if you look at the rankings, there are bunch of public schools like state or city universities which have high admission standarts and good level of education(E.g. SUNY or CUNY).
I think you are right that it does not really matter what school you go to at undergraduate level. What matters is where you get your Master's. So it is the best way to save money by going to public, unless you have a scholarship. And get the master's at some private one.
And do you guys know how master's degree can increase your paychek, I mean how much you get paid more by having master's? And is it really worth spending 2 years to get it?