The Benefits of a Private College

http://www.cbt.edu

There are many common myths when it comes to college. For example, the freshman fifteen! While it does happen to some (I have seen some people suffer from the freshman 30), it’s not across the board. Another very common misconception held by most is that private institutions are way too expensive for he regular folk. Let’s just put that one to bed right now, because it’s just not true. What is true is that very often, you get what you pay for.

“Private colleges and universities function independently of any public sources and government funds.” These schools are privately owned and operated, which makes them able to set their own rules and standards (for the most part). Of course, these schools still adhere to their regulations set forth by their accrediting counsel and commissions, but they don’t necessarily have to adhere to state policies for admissions and overall school procedures. It’s actually quite similar to the way private elementary and secondary schools are run. And if you think private colleges and universities are too expensive or “selective” for you, think again…

So what are the big differences between a private college or university and a public university?

Affordable High-Quality Education

As I stated earlier, the common myth is that the cost of attendance at a private college or university is out of reach of most students; “only the rich kids get in because they can pay”. This is completely and utterly false! In fact, most small liberal arts colleges make very attractive financial aid and grant offers to all types of students regardless of financial means. While they may look a little pricey on paper, the truth is small colleges seek well-rounded student bodies, and work hard to include students from all regions, all ethnic backgrounds and all income levels. To hammer this home further, since they are smaller, they have more flexibility with their admissions decisions and are more able to work individually with parents and students to create an affordable college education. They are more inclined to accept a student with learning impairments, lower SAT or ACT scores, and other issues.

Smaller Class Sizes

Since the campuses are typically quite small, private colleges also have small class sizes. This allows for greater student/professor interaction and a more engaging learning experience. The benefit of this is obvious, but I will delve into it a bit. Smaller class sizes mean that the professor has more time to be able to work closer and on a more personal level with students. This benefits students who have more trouble with a subject than others. It also allows students to engage their fellow classmates and professors and feed off their knowledge. It is doubtful that you will encounter this level of help in the gigantic lecture hall on a private campus. When you’re considering type of school, imagine the type of classroom you picture yourself thriving in. What kind of learner are you?

Greater Class Participation

Smaller classrooms and a lower student to professor ratio means much more opportunity for engaged student participation. Timid students are more likely to communicate in a smaller, intimate setting than a lecture hall with 350 students. Also, a small group of students is more able to engage in quality discussions and interact on a more personal level with professors.

Unlike larger universities, private colleges put professors in every class. Large university courses may often be taught by professors’ assistants, or doctoral students instead of professors. In addition, these professors are often times notable members of their field of expertise, and are only employed by that university so that they will publish papers, articles and bring notoriety to the institution. The schools are often given large research grants by major companies because of the expert they have on their staff. The obvious result here is that the professor cares less for the students and the material he/she is teaching, and more for the large pay check that comes from the research they are involved with.

Granted, not all professors in public universities are like this. I, for instance, had great experiences with the professors in my department at FIU (a public university in Miami, FL). More often than not though, students leave fairly dissatisfied with their experience from public universities. Once again, not all public universities are like this. The University of Florida, for example, is full of the best and brightest students and professors. Rarely will you meet someone who has a bad experience at UF. The same can’t be said for Miami Dade College or FIU. Case in point, take a stroll through FIU’s Office of the Registrar, or Financial Aid department the first week of any term. Stand in the 4 hour line and when you reach the end of it, try asking the FA Officer to go through each line of the FAFSA with you. Just wait and see their reaction to that request. Ask the Graduation department why you graduated in December and still haven’t received your diploma in April…..

I speak the truth my friends….

Private colleges offer students a better learning environment and facilitate your education in a way public universities don’t have the ability to.

http://www.cbt.edu