Public & State Universities
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when selecting schools to apply to is whether or not you prefer public or private schools. While private colleges certainly have their benefits, they can also bring a few disadvantages that public institutions more than make up for.
A public college is one that receives federal funding of some sort and may be run by the state. This means that the curriculum must meet certain standards as decided by the state or federal government. Even though this governmental presence may not seem like a good thing, it does carry with it some benefits.
The Benefits of Public and State Universities
Public and state universities have many benefits that those seeking colleges to apply to should know about.
Lower Tuition Costs
Because public colleges are backed by the state or federal government, the cost of tuition and dorm fees are generally lower than private schools. For instance, at a state school in California, as a local resident you may pay about $1500 a semester, whereas at a private school you could pay as much as $10,000 a semester!
Diverse Campus
Public colleges tend to have more diverse campuses than private colleges do. The tuition is more affordable and people from all over the world come to public schools to pursue their desired fields of study. The ethnic diversity is quite high, allowing students to interact will all sorts of people from different backgrounds, countries and financial situations. This helps to balance out the student body and create a more inviting atmosphere for all.
Many Opportunities
Public universities tend to have more opportunities available to students on campus. This is because there are federally funded programs active on campus and companies and corporations use public schools as a means of recruiting students for jobs, internships and the like.
Likewise, public colleges allow students to seek out opportunities more often with abundant career fairs and club days. You can get involved at any point during the year here.
Competitive Atmosphere
Competition is high on public college campuses. For instance, you can join any activity you wish, participate in clubs and even get a job on campus. While you can do these things at a private college as well, you most assuredly will not experience the high level of competition involved as on a public campus. This is the place to make a name for yourself and get in with companies while a student. You can make use of student services to get an internship or a job and secure relationships with professors, especially if you plan on going to graduate school.
Community Based
Even though private schools have a smaller number of students enrolled, public schools definitely foster a great sense of community. You can be a part of large on campus clubs, an organization or take part in community service. You may be going to a college that is close to your hometown, so you may have the benefit of feeling as though you’re providing for your own community in some way. Likewise, students may have grown up in neighboring communities, giving you a sense of a common bond with fellow classmates.
How to Apply to a Public University
Applying to a public college involves filling out an application form. You may be required to write an essay, however, state schools often do not have this requirement. Admission is based on a combination of your GPA and grades received in high school, your standardized test scores and the extracurricular activities you may have taken part in. Even though the costs are considerably cheaper at a public college than a private college, you should still apply for financial aid anyway. A little bit of financial assistance during this very expensive time can come in handy.