Students face many decisions about college. One of the more pressing questions is whether to attend a public or private university.

Public universities, such as the University of California, Berkeley or Georgia State University, are generally supported through state funds. Most public universities were founded and are operated by state governments. They are considered a part of the government and are thereby subject to the rules and policies set by the state.

Private universities, such as Harvard or Yale, are supported by endowments, gifts and donations from alumni and friends. They operate without the control of a government entity. They have more freedom in setting their admission qualifications and other policies. Some are private not-for-profit institutions and others are private for-profit institutions.

When considering whether to attend a private university or a public one, some major considerations include costs, the quality of education and the benefits and options available after graduation. Many of the United States' most prestigious universities are private, so they tend to be more expensive than state schools.

According to The College Board, in 2022-2023, the average tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $10,940 at public four-year colleges (for in-state students) and $39,400 at private nonprofit schools.

The good news is that financial aid is available at both public and private universities. The National Center for Education Statistics says that 87 percent of all new undergraduate students received some type of financial aid in 2019-2020. The percentage was slightly higher for private nonprofit schools (91 percent) than for public colleges (85 percent).

For that reason, experts say, students shouldn't just pay attention to sticker price, but to net price as well.

Net price is the amount students pay to attend an institution for an academic year after subtracting scholarships and grants. In essence, net price is the final price a family can expect to pay, and it's often lower than the published price, according to USNews.com.

Students should consult financial aid counselors at selected universities to find out what types of financial aid are available to them, and how to qualify for scholarships and grants at public or private institutions. Students and parents should try to be realistic in factoring in financial considerations in order to avoid a heavy debt load after graduation.

There are some differences in the educational content of private and public universities, though some would argue that perceived differences are greater than actual ones. While a graduate of a public university may be well-prepared to enter the marketplace, a student who graduates from a private university, such as one of the Ivy League institutions, may have an edge based upon the reputation of the institution.

Some public colleges and universities, however, may have excellent reputations for graduating students in specific fields of study. That allows those students to be highly competitive and sought after in the marketplace. Ultimately, many employers are able to distinguish between alma mater and actual workplace skills, but prospective students should weigh these issues when choosing between private and public universities.

In terms of typical real differences, at most private universities, the ratio of students to teachers is generally low. There are often well-known and well-regarded figures among the faculty. However, tenured professors are often expected to publish and to teach graduate level courses, and they may not be particularly available to students. In most public universities, there may be a few hundred students in one class. However, faculty may be more approachable. There are also graduate teaching assistants and instructors available for undergraduate classes, employed by both public and private schools.

Students should also consider their personal needs and preferences. A private college may have restrictions that affect an individual student in an unfavorable way. However, a public university is not allowed to discriminate against most diverse lifestyles.

Overall, it is important to look at which school excels in the student's chosen field of study, and is financially accessible and personally suitable. These are more important factors to consider than whether the institution is public or private.

With research, and by carefully weighing the options, the decision will become less confusing. Students can achieve their goals at either type of institution. Determination and drive ultimately establish one's success in the global marketplace.