Collage of College: Harbinger staffers debate whether private or public universities are better

Whenever people asked me about my post-high school plan, my answer was typically “anywhere but here.” 

I wanted a completely new post-high school experience, so in my junior year, I started compiling a list of out-of-state options. The list included more public than private schools. But as I did more research, I realized that a private university would better suit my high ambitions.  

Though public colleges can provide quality education, private universities are the superior option for students seeking robust student aid along with a specialized, supported education. 

And private universities don’t just mean snobby students at Princeton and Harvard. They’re more accessible than people think, with an average national acceptance rate of 70%, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

At first, I strayed away from private universities because of their higher tuition, but I discovered that their actual cost of attendance is much lower, thanks to the generous amount of financial aid they offer because of private donors and large endowments. Public universities offer an average of $9,650 a year, while private universities offer almost three times that, with an average of $25,630, according to a 2023 College Board Study.

All my fears about the costs of private universities vanished after the University of Kansas — the local, supposedly “affordable” option — only gave me $5,000 a year, and Emory University, where I’ll be attending in the fall, gave me $68,000 a year. 

No matter where you go to college, it's going to come with a hefty price tag, but at least by attending a private university, you’ll get your money’s worth with a more focused, supportive and comprehensive educational experience. 

Public schools are often overcrowded, making it easy to fall through the cracks if you get confused in class. Private universities, on the other hand, often have smaller class sizes, and the average student-to-faculty ratio is about 10:1, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This means students get a more individualized education and don’t have to compete for the professor's attention.

Private colleges also excel in specialized fields by providing unique programs, research opportunities and internships. Their combination of smaller class sizes and tailored resources for specific disciplines creates an ideal environment to support students' individual interests.

As the May 1 National College Decision Day is just around the corner, a lot of seniors have an important decision to make. And while public universities play an essential role in creating more accessible education, private universities are the better option for a unique environment where talent is fostered into success.

Sitting on my grandparents’ porch amidst the Spanish moss and sticky air, I can feel the immense purple pride. As their Kansas State University flag swayed in the wind, my grandparents radiated Wildcat energy, despite being 1,000 miles away from Manhattan, Kansas. 

While one can argue that alumni from private universities like Princeton, Dartmouth and Duke can all share this same loyalty to their school, it’s truly not the same. 

My grandparents didn’t attend K-State, but they raised their kids in Manhattan, while my grandpa was a professor at the university. Now, my extended family’s whole identity revolves around K-State. 

As one might expect, the idea of going to K-State  was drilled into my brain from a young age. It’s affordable, has a big-school culture and offers a wide variety of programs.

But like all kids, I wanted to do the opposite of what I was asked. While I was exploring private universities, I considered enrolling at Belmont University, a small private school in Nashville, to pursue graphic design and a new environment. 

Yes, the campus was beautiful, and the people were charming. But that didn’t mask the debt I would be in after graduating. I was so invested in the sparkle and shine of a private university I was distracted by the realities of college.

Why would I go to a school with a graphic design program with the same strength as K-State, but at four times the cost?

I needed to find a place with a campus I loved, a strong, affordable program that seemed like a fit for me. 

Thankfully, the University of Missouri-Columbia — Mizzou — checked all the boxes. 

Immediately when I walked onto campus I felt welcomed. There was such a variety of majors, incomes, extracurriculars and Greek life. 

And to top it all off, it was affordable. While they don’t offer in-state tuition, I received a hefty scholarship because I lived in a border county. And it’s not K-State, but the tailgates and people still carry the same midwestern charm and friendliness. 

Now, at the ripe age of 18, I can confidently say that state schools will always have my heart. Their inclusive and family-like environment is incomparable to anything a private university can offer.

So in 60 years, don’t be surprised to discover the University of Missouri-Columbia flag proudly swaying outside of my house. 

My grandparents taught me well.