by Tom Bannon

Created on: April 06, 2009

No one can honestly answer to this question without having attended, worked for, or otherwise had extensive interaction with both types of schools. What follows is largely my opinion based on attendance at a public school. And to those who dismiss public education as inferior, at least this graduate knows to qualify conjecture with the word "may" and also realizes that many of his statements could be proven or disproven by consulting the existing results of research. In giving my answer I assumed that the word college also refers to larger universities. While there are excellent, large private universities, many private shool are small colleges. I began my college search by visiting small, schools with the classic ivy covered buildings, a small faculty, and limited course options. I ultimately decided to attend a meduim-large university and have always been thankful that I did. I made changes to the direction of my education several times as I became aware of the options available and gained an understanding of my field that let me narrow my focus to their niche I enjoyed. This was something I never could have done at a small college. The courses, faculty, and facilities were simply not there. And while community colleges may be an affordable way to start your education, I always urge any student attending a "commuter college" to move to a school with on-campus housing as soon as possible. That is the only way to totally integrate the school into your life and get the true "college experience". No private school can compete with the facilities and range of faculty expertise available in a statewide public university system. Private schools may be more selective in choosing students, but admissions are not based solely on academic excellence. And public schools are likely to have a population of students that are just as intelligent and talented as the best students of a private university. While the average student in a selective private school is likely to be more capable than the average public school student, those at a public school who want the best education can find it if they make an effort. The exclusivity of a private school may make public schools more reflective of the real world. Having been a student and, after graduation, an employee I recognize that academia often exists in a bubble, separate from the real world. The more sheltered you are, the less likely you'll be able to deal with the outside when you leave. That said, those that are lucky

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