The College Search: Why Choose a Private vs. Public College 

There are so many important factors to consider when deciding where to go to college. Your goal is to choose a school that can fully support your personal and academic goals. While it’s easy to focus on schools’ majors and program offerings, an often-overlooked decision is the choice between a public or private college.  

Public colleges are government-funded, while private schools rely on tuition and endowments for financial support. Though there are certainly good things about public colleges, private colleges, which offer specialized programs and personalized attention, are well-equipped to give you the education you need to thrive after college.  

The Value of Private Education  

Personalized Attention and Small Class Sizes  

Private institutions tend to have fewer students, which means class sizes are usually much smaller as well. Instead of getting lost in a lecture hall crowd of hundreds, private college professors will recognize you as an individual. The student-faculty ratio at Gordon College is 11:1, with 64 percent of classes having fewer than 20 students. With fewer students to juggle, professors can give you personalized attention and enhance your learning experience to ensure you’re getting the most out of your classes. 

Strong Community and Support Systems 

Another benefit of private colleges is that the smaller population facilitates tight-knit communities. Having fewer students on your floor in your residence hall and less competition for academic support makes it easier to find friends, connect with faculty and locate mentors to help you succeed. Creating your own club or group on campus is often easier at private schools as well, with less competition for resources. 

Specialized Programs and Unique Opportunities 

Private colleges offer unique, specialized programs you won't find at public institutions. For example, Gordon College offers the Kenneth L. Pike Honors Program, which allows students to design their own major. Professors are also likely to allow undergraduates to assist in their research, helping them gain valuable, hands-on experience. In 2024 Dr. Oleksiy Svitelskiy received his fourth National Science Foundation grant and invited several Gordon students in scientific majors to do paid research on wave engineering.  
 

Private colleges often have special connections for studying abroad and impactful internships. Gordon College has signature study abroad programs in the Balkans and Orvieto, Italy, as well as connections to schools all over the world. In 2024 faculty and alumni connections helped Gordon students intern at places like Crocs, the New England Aquarium and the U.S. Navy.  

Integrating Faith and Academics 

A downside of choosing a public college vs. private college is that, because they are publicly funded, there are strict limits on official religious affiliations and messaging. Private funding allows schools like Gordon to integrate Christian faith and values into everything we do, from academic curricula to discipleship opportunities to missions trips across the world. Gordon students are equipped to become not just good workers, but difference-makers for Christ as they explore their vocation through the lens of faith. 

Financial Considerations and Outcomes  

Understanding Tuition and Financial Aid  

There’s a big misconception about the tuition costs of public vs. private colleges: Many believe that public college tuition is always less expensive. This isn’t always true. Many private colleges, including Gordon, are so well supported by alumni and private donors that they can afford to give generous financial aid and scholarships to make college affordable. All Gordon students receive some kind of financial aid, from merit scholarships to housing assistance. Our admissions counselors and financial advisors can help you draft a financial plan that meets your needs.  

Long-Term Benefits and Career Preparation  

The benefits of a private vs. public college extend beyond graduation. Thanks to their tight-knit communities, the alumni networks at private colleges tend to be strong and well-connected, leading to job opportunities and resources for further education and professional development. On average 93 percent of Gordon alumni either enter the job market or enroll in graduate school within a year of graduation, and many have gone on to work at prestigious institutions such as HubSpot, Microsoft and BNY Mellon.   

Start Your Private College Education at Gordon 

If you want to ensure you have the best college experience possible, a private college is an excellent choice. At Gordon, New England’s top private Christian college, you will be well known by your professors and community, grown through unique academics and opportunities suited to your interests and prepared to thrive wherever your career takes you. Talk to one of our admissions counselors today to learn more about what Gordon can offer you.