Deciding between public and private colleges is an important step in understanding the college experience that best suits your needs. The key distinction lies in how these colleges are funded and who owns them.
In short, public colleges are primarily funded by state and federal tax dollars, and they are owned and operated by government entities. Private colleges, on the other hand, are funded mostly through tuition, alumni contributions, and endowments. They are often owned by individuals, religious organizations, or foundations.
This fundamental difference in funding and ownership influences many other factors, including cost, size, campus culture, and admissions processes. Understanding these distinctions can help students make better choices as they explore where they will succeed academically, socially, and financially.
So, what exactly sets these two types of institutions apart? Let’s take a closer look at private vs public colleges.
Private vs Public Colleges
Both private and public colleges aim to educate and prepare students for success, but they differ in size, cost, and campus experience. These differences shape everything from tuition rates to class sizes, making it important to understand how each type of school operates before deciding which fits best.
Cost: Public Colleges Are More Affordable—At First Glance
One of the most noticeable differences between public and private colleges is the cost. As a parent of two prospective college students, this is a major factor I grapple with when planning our family budget.
Here’s a comparison of 2024–2025 tuition rates from some popular schools in Florida:
Public Colleges:
- University of Florida: $6,381 (in-state), $28,659 (out-of-state)
- Florida State University: $5,604 (in-state), $18,749 (out-of-state)
- University of Central Florida: $6,368 (in-state), $22,467 (out-of-state)
- University of West Florida: $6,360 (in-state), $18,628 (out-of-state)
Private Colleges:
- University of Miami: $62,616 (same for all students)
- Rollins College: $60,580 (same for all students)
- Florida Southern College: $44,040 (same for all students)
- Jacksonville University: $46,600 (same for all students)
Cost Analysis
If you’re just comparing sticker prices, private colleges are significantly more expensive than public ones. However, that’s not the whole story.
Private schools often have smaller student bodies, which can lead to more individual attention for your student, something public colleges may not offer until upper-level classes or graduate school.
Also, private colleges tend to offer generous financial aid packages, especially to strong applicants. For example, my daughter will be attending a private school in Florida next year. The listed cost was $71,000, but after scholarships and aid, our out-of-pocket cost is $25,000, which is much more manageable for her two educator parents. This is why families should use online college affordability and net price tools to compare public and private colleges to understand what they’re likely actually to pay.
Size: Public Colleges Are Often Much Larger
It makes sense that public colleges, which tend to be more affordable and serve a broader population, often have much larger student bodies than private colleges.
Here’s how undergraduate enrollment compares among the same schools:
Public Colleges:
- University of Florida: 34,924 students
- Florida State University: 32,217 students
- University of Central Florida: 59,548 students
- University of West Florida: 9,661 students
Private Colleges:
- University of Miami: 12,883 students
- Rollins College: 2,297 students
- Florida Southern College: 2,626 students
- Jacksonville University: 2,662 students
Size Analysis
As you can see, there are exceptions to every rule. The University of West Florida is relatively small for a public institution, while the University of Miami is a mid-sized private school.
Smaller schools may provide more personalized attention, while larger schools can offer more diverse academic programs, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities. I recommend visiting both a private and a public college early in your student’s college search process to figure out which environment feels like a better fit.
Admissions: Process and Priorities Can Vary
In addition to cost and size, admissions processes can also differ between public and private colleges.
Because large public schools receive thousands of applications, they often rely heavily on GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores to make decisions. Private colleges, which may receive fewer applications, tend to take a more holistic approach, placing more weight on essays, extracurricular involvement, and recommendation letters.
Here’s a look at acceptance rates and test score ranges for our sample schools:
Public Colleges:
- University of Florida: 24% acceptance (SAT 1300–1480, ACT 28–33)
- Florida State University: 25% acceptance (SAT 1240–1390, ACT 27–31)
- University of Central Florida: 43% acceptance (SAT 1190–1350, ACT 25–29)
- University of West Florida: 57% acceptance (SAT 1020–1230, ACT 20–27)
Private Colleges:
- University of Miami: 19% acceptance (SAT 1330–1470, ACT 30–33)
- Rollins College: 41% acceptance (SAT 1190–1360, ACT 26–30)
- Florida Southern College: 59% acceptance (SAT 1170–1310, ACT 25–30)
- Jacksonville University: 57% acceptance (SAT 1110–1270, ACT 24–28)
Admissions Analysis
While you can’t make sweeping generalizations, you can see some patterns. For instance, in this sample:
- Average acceptance rate for public schools: 37.25%
- Average acceptance rate for private schools: 44%
Interestingly, the three most selective schools on this list are a mix of public and private: University of Florida, Florida State, and University of Miami.
FAQ
Is it better to go to a public or private college?
There is no one right answer to this question. It entirely depends on your academic goals, financial situation, and preferred campus experience. The best choice is the one that fits your personal criteria.
Are private colleges always more expensive than public colleges?
If you’re comparing sticker prices, yes. But, many private colleges also provide generous financial aid. In many cases, a private college education can end up costing the same or less than a public one.
What are the advantages of a private college?
Private colleges typically offer smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and strong alumni networks. They may also provide specialized programs and unique campus communities.
What are the advantages of a public college?
Public colleges typically have lower in-state tuition, a wide range of academic programs, and large-scale resources like research facilities, student organizations, and athletic programs.
Final Thoughts
As your family navigates the college search process, it’s important to understand the core differences between public and private colleges—especially in terms of cost, size, and admissions. Each student is different, and what works best for one might not suit another.
Whether your student is aiming for large lecture halls and big football games or small seminar-style classes and close faculty relationships, understanding the landscape can help you make a smart, informed decision.
And remember: the sticker price isn’t always what you’ll actually pay.
Looking for additional helping building your college list in a smart and strategic way? Our counselors are experts at matching students to prospective schools where they are sure to thrive. To learn more, book a free consultation today.
