BY KELLY PERETZ   |   Wharton High

Which type of college is better for me, public or private? There is, of course, no one answer to fit everyone. Here are some factors to consider.

Price tag
Most think that private universities are more expensive, but some public universities are more expensive than you might think. This homework can save you money: Check out the prices of public and private schools. The University of Michigan, for instance, has an approximate $39,000 out-of-state tuition, not including room and board, books and supplies, any personal expenses or any transportation costs.

For the same tuition, a student could be attending Forbes magazine’s No. 1 private college of 2012 and Ivy League, Princeton University in New Jersey, though the room and board might cost more than a state school.

Also keep in mind that going to a big-name college, whether private or public will most likely cost more than a smaller, lesser known college.

Private schools often have more scholarship and loan money for their prospective students. “I did receive need-based financial aid,” said Cory Goldman, a Northwestern University freshman and Wharton High School 2012 valedictorian. “They were very generous with the amount of money they gave me, and while I will still be paying much more than I would to attend a state school, it will be affordable.”

Bottom line? “When a small private college accepts you, it means they really want you there. So they’re willing to offer great financial aid packages to make it possible for you to attend,” Goldman said.

Brent Benner, director of enrollment management at the University of Tampa, agreed. “Since private universities have many merit scholarships and provide their own internal need-based aid (which public universities generally do not offer), students can often receive this type of quality education at nearly the same cost as their flagship public university.”

Judging worth
The courses offered and what type of learning environment is best for you can help you determine whether the tuition is worth it. “With smaller classes, there is more focus on the success of each individual student. Private colleges offer world-renowned professors who are experts in their field, and a degree from a prestigious private university gives one access to amazing alumni networks,” Goldman said.

“Most research indicates that about 25 percent of all college courses at public universities are taught by graduate assistants, versus PhD. professors,” Benner said. “Many of our professors are practitioners of their profession with connections to the industry. Our students often find UT professors to be their greatest networking asset.”

Most university websites, along with collegeboard.org, offer helpful insights, including statistics on admissions and requirements, as well as a peek at campus life.

Harder to get accepted?
This maxim usually refers to Ivy League schools instead of all private universities. While the Ivies may have extremely high standards and requirements, not all private colleges do.

“When I started filling out the application, I was like 'this is it.’ This will decide my future. I didn’t have the highest test scores, or all-star sports team trophies on my shelf, but I did have passion. I poured my heart into my essay and the admissions people could apparently see that UT was the only choice for me.” said Wharton senior Haley Gonzalez, who was accepted by and will be attending the University of Tampa next year.