Private or state schools? What's the difference

During her college application process, Amanda Bowden made the conscious decision to send her application letters to state universities in Pennsylvania. For Bowden, the choice was as much about academics as economics.

Bowden isn't alone in this count. Over the last few years, the economy has affected more then just the job, housing, and auto markets. Looking for a quality education without flirting with financial ruins, high school seniors are favoring state universities, rather then higher-priced private colleges in Pennsylvania.

"I like state schools for their lower tuition. I think it just adds to students feeling comfortable," said Bowden, 17, a senior at Sun Valley High School.

Top on her list was Shippensburg University, one of 14 colleges in the state university system. Shippensburg University costs $15,009 a year for tuition, room and board, fees, and books, according to the school's website.

Private colleges such as Widener University, in Chester County, cost more, much more - $50,221 a year for tuition, room and board, and additional fees for books.

With high tuition costs at private colleges, and fixed pricing at state schools, it may seem like a no-brainer for students and their families when choosing a college. Across the state, colleges are stuck in a cause-and-effect situation based on the unstable economy.

Students who plan on attending college are wary about choosing their dream school, as they protect their wallets from high tuition rates. A state university is supported with government funding, meaning tuition is set at a more appealing price to students and their families.

While private colleges are known for quality education, forking out big bucks for the high cost of tuition has become an economic challenge. Top tier Ivy League colleges dole out millions in financial aid to students, but lesser known privates can't afford that kind of generosity.

"Private colleges like Harvard, Yale pay for students to go to those colleges," said Thomas Speakman, the dean of enrollment at Shippensburg University.

"They are not really impacted by the economy because they are so well off, financially. Then there are lesser-known private schools, which are seeing declines in application letters because of their high tuition rates. These are the schools that are being affected the most."

Regardless of the current economy, some students are continuing to go after private colleges, despite their high price tags. According to Noel Levitz Report on Undergraduate Enrollment trends, 82 percent of completed applications were sent to state universities from undergraduate students. Eighty-six percent of completed applications were sent to private colleges. Although more students applied to private colleges, 93 percent of students committed to enroll to state schools, and 88 percent committed to private colleges, showing that state universities were chosen over private colleges.

Guidance counselors at Sun Valley say the graduating class of 2011 has had a total of 1,025 transcripts sent out to various colleges throughout Pennsylvania, and the rest of the country. Of that total, 502 were sent to state universities, and 523 to private colleges, showing about half of the sent transcripts were sent to public and private colleges.

"I choose Widener University because I know I will get a quality education. I want to major in physical therapy, and I feel Widener had the best program for me. I also want to play softball, so during my college search, I stuck to private colleges because I knew their sports programs were great," said Sun Valley senior Alyssa Gutowiecz.

Students are attracted to private colleges for more then one reason. They are known for smaller campuses, which offer more one-on-one time with professors and a close-knit feeling.

"I choose private schools because they were a lot smaller then state schools and also a lot more competitive. I like smaller campuses and having more opportunities to get close to my professors," said Samantha Cranford, a senior at Sun Valley.

Another reason students at Sun Valley are choosing private colleges, is their reputation for potential financial aid. From their online website, Widener awarded $33 million last year to prospective students in the form of scholarships or grants.

A benefit of private colleges is their ability to create larger amounts of financial aid. They run on their own terms, not the state's, which allows them to stretch the budget from donations, and students who are paying their tuition.

However, that doesn't mean a full ride for every student.

For some, their college expenses are taken care of with financial aid, for others, the amount that is offered is only a ripple in the pond.

Public universities and private colleges both offer the opportunity for students to succeed, something that Sun Valley senior Kevin Schechterly agrees with.

"I think the two balances each other out. Private schools are great, but expensive; they're also small, so that means smaller classes and more one-on-one time with teachers. At the same time, state schools are cheaper and bigger, which gives students a chance to meet a lot of new people. Regardless of where you go, if you set yourself to make the best of it and learn, you'll receive the education and tools that you'll need in life to succeed."