Jessica Martin
Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising Coordination
Clemson University
One major advantage of public colleges and universities that have larger enrollments is they also have more resources and opportunities that represent their diverse student bodies. Rather than thinking of a state school as large and impersonal, think of it as a place with a varied geographic and ethnic population. As a result, these schools’ activities, student organizations, and on-campus resources are often quite varied, giving you the opportunity to seek out new experiences and different extracurricular offerings.
Public colleges won’t always have huge lecture hall classes either. A university with a big student-faculty ratio likely offers smaller classes with fewer students too. You and your professors will still have the opportunity to get to know each other one-on-one, which can be helpful for things like assistance outside of the classroom and recommendation letters. Public colleges and universities often offer high-caliber research opportunities as well. It’s up to you to investigate whether the colleges on your list have the resources you need to succeed—and then take advantage of them after you enroll.
If you’re still torn between attending a public or private college, maybe you need a school that blurs the lines! Consider these Public and Private Colleges That Think Outside the Box.