Private Colleges In Every State

Published: Sep 28, 2022
Updated: Nov 29, 2023

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services.

Key Takeaways

Private colleges offer a more intimate experience with smaller classes and more direct attention from professors.

While private colleges may cost more in annual tradition, many are highly reputable schools that award degrees with a high return in value.

Attending a private college in your state may help you build connections, land internships, and start your career close to home.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

What is a private college?

Private colleges are independent, non-profit schools that receive their funding through a combination of endowment income and student tuition fees, rather than from public tax dollars. Private colleges are often smaller than public schools and typically offer more individualized learning experiences, including opportunities for intimate classroom discussions, independent research, and one-on-one relationships with your instructors.

What is the difference between a private and public college?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models . Whereas public colleges and universities receive funding from state and federal tax dollars, private colleges receive their funding through student tuition and endowments. Many private colleges are highly reputable but can also be costly.

The Rising Costs of College Tuition

The cost of college has more than doubled since the start of the 21st Century, with the average cost of annual tuition topping $35,000 per year. Private colleges are often on the higher side of the tuition range, with many private schools costing well over $50,000 per year.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

While private schools do not provide in state tuition discount rates, there may be other ways to get a great return on your investment by attending a private college close to home. The best private colleges in your state will carry a stronger local reputation. Earning a degree from a private college in your state can help you make connections, land internships and even begin your career close to home.