Public vs Private Univ programs (education)

[alphanso]

I am a prospective candidate for Graduate School of Education.

While selecting universities, I found a conspicuous discrimination made my most of the international applicants: Private Univ vs Public Univ

Looking for reputation, prospects and other merits of a graduate program, I found private universities far better than public universities, with few exceptions.

What's your opinion? Is ''state funding'' or ''affordability'' the only unique characteristic of a public university graduate program?

Do education programs differ significantly between public and private universities? If so, can they be categorized?

Edited November 26, 2011 by alphanso

[litjust]

There are many different factors that come into play. Some private universities are considered very prestigious; however, there are some public universities that outweigh certain privates. It depends on which specific programs you're considering and what your objectives are when you're finished. Private does not always equate "better". It's subjective and should take multiple factors into consideration.

[michigan girl]

It doesn't matter. Obviously, the more well-known programs (both private and public) will have more resources and funding. Apply to schools that have professors in your research and professional areas.

[erbrown]

I agree with litjust and michigan girl. The designation of "private" and "public" has more to do with funding streams and less to do with the quality of the program. There is even variation within public university systems, California and Wisconsin being great examples. UC Berkeley and University of Wisconsin - Madison are just as reputable as many private institutions. These schools also have a great deal of research funding in comparison to their public counterparts within the same public system.

[litjust]

Well said, erbrown. What program are you applying to at Madison?

[firebird24]

I completely agree that it is subjective, and that decisions must be based on the kind of research the faculty at a place is pursuing. Funny thing though is that I really really wanted to work with a couple of professors at Berkeley, but I decided not to apply because they wrote back saying that they have a poor track record funding international students. I was really disappointed.

[litjust]

I completely agree that it is subjective, and that decisions must be based on the kind of research the faculty at a place is pursuing. Funny thing though is that I really really wanted to work with a couple of professors at Berkeley, but I decided not to apply because they wrote back saying that they have a poor track record funding international students. I was really disappointed.

That's unfortunate, but at least they let you know. To an extent, Berkeley has a poor track record funding domestic students as well.

[firebird24]

That's unfortunate, but at least they let you know. To an extent, Berkeley has a poor track record funding domestic students as well.

Ah, I didn't know that. But yes, the professors I wrote to were very helpful, as was the graduate admissions assistant.