Public, Private, For-Profit Colleges - What's the Difference?

In the search for your best educational fit, you've probably seen schools described as "private," "public," and "for-profit." Each type of school offers different opportunities and drawbacks for students. What's the difference between these colleges and universities, and how can those differences affect your education?

Ultimately, the type of school you choose should have more to do with your educational and career goals than the structure of the institution. There is no singular, one-size-fits-all choice for students, and elements such as financial situation, personal life, and time commitment should all be taken into account.

Public Colleges: State-Funded Education


Every state offers students at least one choice for public school. Public colleges and universities are regulated by the state, which offers funding and support. In return, public schools increase the state's image with research, career opportunities, and a more educated populace.
  • Pros: Potential students may find opportunities for financial aid within public schools, which typically offer a lower tuition than private or for-profit institutions. Students can often stay close to home while completing a traditional education.
  • Cons: Students must remain within their home state in order to receive the most tuition benefits, a fact which sometimes greatly reduces the choice of schools. The state of Wyoming, for example, has only one public college.

Private Colleges: Name Recognition


Because they're not controlled by state or local government, private schools rely on tuition, gifts, and other sources of funding. Students who attend private schools must often pass rigorous entrance exams and meet other qualifications.
  • Pros: Private schools often have the benefit of exclusivity, and graduates may enjoy the power of name recognition among potential employers. Additionally, private schools often draw high-quality faculty across the disciplines.
  • Cons: Because they rely heavily on tuition to maintain programs and faculty, private schools are often the most expensive for students. Students should consider whether the debt they incur at a private school will be offset by their potential careers.

For-Profit Schools: Vocational Goals

Profit-seeking companies are behind for-profit schools, a growing group across the country. For-profit schools generally have a focus on vocational and technical training, and students are less likely to seek a general, liberal-arts style of education. Students hoping to update existing work skills may be most likely to choose for-profit options.
  • Pros: For-profit schools offer an opportunity to students who may not live near other private or public schools. Instructors at for-profit schools are often professionals or retired professionals in the fields they teach, adding an extra level of experience.
  • Cons: Though it is decreasing, the stigma of for-profit schools means that students should be sure that potential employers will accept their degree training. Career placement may be more difficult outside of vocational and technical professions.
Your educational needs and career goals should help determine which type of school is right for you. Continue your research by speaking with the individual departments and financial aid offices within a variety of colleges and universities.