Is paying extra for education at a private institution worth it? (cost, private schools)

[Rcsligar]

It is no secret that private schools cost significantly more than your local state school. I myself am going out of state to go to a private college and I'm wondering if its worth it. What do you think? Do private schools really provide a superior education that is worth forking more $ over for?

[Pitt Chick]

Some do, some don't.

And not all private schools "cost significantly more than your local state school" after you factor in scholarships, etc.

I didn't vote in the poll because of its wording.

[jobaba]

Originally Posted by Rcsligar

It is no secret that private schools cost significantly more than your local state school. I myself am going out of state to go to a private college and I'm wondering if its worth it. What do you think? Do private schools really provide a superior education that is worth forking more $ over for?

So vague. So many factors.

What do you want to do after undergrad? Which state? Which state school?

[golfgal]

Our state schools cost more than the private schools our kids applied to....so it is worth paying extra at the state school?

[Momma_bear]

Some do. Some don't. You have to evaluate your individual situation. How good is your State U? How good is the private U you will be attending? How big is the difference in cost?

[Rcsligar]

I apologize for appearing so vague but essentially I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not they hold private schools in higher regard (in general), than public colleges universities. Obviously there are many factors to consider depending on what schools are in the question, but I am asking this question in very general terms. In my specific situation, I am leaving the state of Florida to go to Seattle for college with the hopes of utilizing the urban environment to get my career on the road. I am not particularly enamored with any school in Florida and also don't see much vibrant industry in the area, so I figured seattle u would be a good choice. However, my parents will unfortunately be paying a pretty significant amount for this and I don't want to feel like the money is going to waste.

Also, what is wrong with the way I worded the poll?

[Pitt Chick]

re the wording... two issues for me:
You don't always pay extra for private.
"Worth it" means.... what exactly? What is worth it to me may be worthless to you.

[Ag77845]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Our state schools cost more than the private schools our kids applied to....so it is worth paying extra at the state school?

California？

[Rcsligar]

Generally speaking, private schools cost more than state schools. There are exceptions, but it's not the norm.

[twins4lynn]

Originally Posted by Ag77845

California？

My (California) son applied to both private and publics. With scholarships his cost of attendance at privates were just a bit below the UC's (UC's cost of attendance is about 33K), and several thousands above the CSU's.