How to decide to attend a private university or not

Take this video tutorial in-depth look at attending private colleges and universities. Private institutions have a great deal of advantages, such as smaller class sizes, easier access to professors and a higher percentage of on time graduation rates. Within this educational video, students will learn to weigh these advantages with the high tuition costs generally associated with private institutions and decide for themselves whether attending a private college is right for them.

Pros and Cons of Attending a Private University Video Overview

1. Advantages

There are large private universities, such as USC or NYU, but generally private colleges and universities are more intimate and have a smaller campus experience rather than that of public universities with 400 students in a class.

Lower enrollments mean smaller class sizes, an intimate campus feel, more access to professors and greater networking opportunities.

At most private universities, it is easier to get classes because of lower enrollments, so it is much easier to graduate on time. Also smaller classes mean you can get to know your classmates and professors better in a family environment.

2. Major Disadvantages

The higher cost of tuition at private colleges and universities is the major disadvantage, but with smaller classes sizes making it easier to get the classes needed to graduate on time, that cost difference might be offset by getting done quicker. If it takes five or six years to complete a degree at a large public university, such as one in the University of California system, you are paying additional tuition for the extra semesters.

Another disadvantage might be the type of student you are. If you like to come in late, not be noticed or called on by your professor, then a private college might not be for you. Professors often take roll call, and it is important that you are there.