Settling the public-private debate: Which university is right for you?

When I put 'private' before words like life, property, time, or even playlist, no one raises an eyebrow. Yet the moment I mention that I study at a 'private university,' relatives living abroad and even ancestors visiting me in dreams seem to get disappointed.        

Bite-Sized: Public vs private universities: Which one should you choose?

On the other hand, when I put 'public' before words like place, washrooms, or transport, everyone instantly slips into unintelligible language. But the moment my next-door neighbour's son declares he got into a 'public university,' people seem ready to undertake a pilgrimage just to catch a glimpse of him. 

This naturally raises the question: are public universities better than private ones?

The honest answer is that neither is inherently superior to the other. In fact, the quality of education is often comparable, since the same professor who lectures at a public university may also teach as an adjunct at a private one. Moreover, private universities today boast a strong and diverse pool of qualified faculty, ensuring that their students receive a high-quality education. 

The public-private debate should not hinge solely on academic quality, but also consider infrastructure, policies, flexibility, and the overall student experience. Rather than choosing a side blindly, it is crucial to select the institution that best meets your individual needs. 

The credit system could be a decisive factor

If you're wondering what a credit system is, think of it as a way to measure your academic progress. It refers to the number of points you need to earn to graduate from university. 

Public universities follow a closed credit system, which means everything—from your courses to the number of credits you earn each semester—is fixed. It's a bit like your school routine: a pre-constructed timetable that you're expected to follow.

Private universities, on the other hand, use an open credit system, giving students the freedom to design their own course schedules. This provides much greater flexibility, allowing students to adjust their workload based on stress levels, part-time jobs, internships, or personal preferences. In fact, by taking more courses in a semester, students can even graduate earlier.

One of the most notorious issues in public universities is the 'session jam'—a situation where a student's academic progress is delayed due to political unrest, sudden campus closures, or irregular class schedules. Consequently, what is meant to be a four-year programme can often stretch into five or even six years.

In contrast, private universities rarely experience session jams. Their administrations generally adhere strictly to the academic calendar, ensuring classes, exams, and breaks stay on schedule. When unexpected disruptions occur, private universities are usually quick to adapt and implement corrective measures, making it far more likely that students graduate on time.

Academic support

In public universities, faculty members are often deeply involved in research, administrative duties, and national projects, which can make it challenging for students to access academic support when needed.

However, private universities usually have policies requiring faculty to set aside dedicated consultation hours each week. This makes it much easier for students to seek one-on-one guidance, whether for academic clarification, career advice, or personal concerns.

Additionally, students at private universities are typically assigned an academic adviser from day one, ensuring they receive individualised support and timely guidance throughout their academic journey.

Another key advantage is that core classes in private universities usually have smaller student groups, making them more interactive, friendly, and engaging. This setup allows students to participate and communicate more freely, fostering better relationships with their instructors.

At the end of each semester, students evaluate faculty members, creating a system of accountability.

Campus facilities and environment

To some, tuition at private universities might seem excessive. But it's precisely these so-called 'unreasonable' fees that allow them to invest in modern infrastructure and student resources. From state-of-the-art laboratories and licensed research software to digital libraries and access to top scientific journals, private universities are often better equipped to provide up-to-date academic tools and learning environments.

In terms of campus atmosphere, private universities typically enforce strict limits on political activities. Some may argue that this curbs students' opportunities to become politically aware or engaged citizens. But it's also true that unchecked campus politics has often disrupted the academic environment in public universities. The goal, therefore, is to create a focused and stable space for learning.

Moreover, many private universities have proctorial committees and anti-harassment cells to address issues like bullying and sexual harassment, helping ensure a safer and more responsive campus environment—particularly for female students.

In the end, there are countless factors to consider, and it's difficult to cover them all in one article. A good place to start is by looking at your budget. From there, you can figure out which type of university fits you best. Remember that tuition fees and scholarships can vary at each institution.

More than an institution's legacy, the best university is the one that brings out the best in you.