College Focus: Beach Views, Intense Education

There is a common stress going around for seniors in the fall and it all has to do with college. Many people are asking, “What is the right destination, a private or a public university?

In 2016, the average tuition at public schools was roughly $9,650 for in-state residents, while the tuition at private schools was about $33,480. For this reason, many public universities seem to be the right fit for students. It seems to be less costly with a similar education. After all, UC’s are public universities and they seem to be a very popular option for California seniors.

Some find that, if they are going to graduate school, then going to a private school as an undergrad is just not affordable. Others think that if they are not planning on graduate school, that can make private school education more affordable. For those who are fortunate enough to get a scholarship to a private university, it could cut down the cost and become on the top of your list.

However, some private universities have lower of acceptance rates, which sometimes resembles a higher education. Some of the best universities are also private, such as Stanford, USC and Pepperdine. On top of that, there are many private universities that can specialize in a certain major or a hobby that students enjoy. Some colleges are religious and tend to be private, a good destination for those who want to go to a college surrounded with similar beliefs. Many private universities also tend to be strong in sports, so if going to a college to play a sport is in the future, it could add an element to choosing between a private or public university that is the right fit.

No matter what the general benefits and drawbacks are to each, in the end, it is the decision of the potential college student to evaluate which one is right.