Going back and forth on whether to apply to private or public colleges, not-for-profit or for-profits? Since Siena is a private college, it'd sound a little too biased for us to come right out and say private is the way to go—after all, it's very possible to get a wonderful education at various types of institutions. What we can do, however, is share with you a few facts and benefits about private colleges that may be of interest to you. Take a look.
1. According to a recent report by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), graduation rates at private colleges are higher than those at public and for-profit institutions, even for low-income students.
2. Over the past ten years, says the same report, tuition and fees at public institutions have increased twice as fast than tuition and fees at private colleges.
3. Private schools are often faith-based or just deeply rooted in a strong values system, which means you'll likely have access to plenty of service opportunities, while learning how to lead a successful career and a meaningful life. (Find out what it means when we say Siena is a Franciscan college here.)
4. Also typical of private schools: low student-to-faculty ratios. A low ratio (like Siena's, 11:1) allows for much closer relationships between peers and professors. These relationships can turn into lifelong mentorships, or at the very least, lead to a more personalized education that can really bring out the best in you.
5. Students at private colleges graduate nearly 10 months earlier than their peers do at public institutions and 48 months earlier than students at for-profit institutions, says the CIC's report. Less time spent at school = less tuition that has to be paid.
6. Students at private colleges are also less likely to default on their student loans than those who attend for-profit and public schools. The CIC reports that in the most recent year, only 6 percent of private college students defaulted on their loans, which is less than half the rate of students at for-profit schools.
7. If you're excited at the thought of working alongside a professor on a specific topic and presenting your findings at a national conference, then you'll want to know this: at private schools, chances are you'll start participating in research during your first two years. At large public schools, students often have to wait until junior year to begin.
Still want to know more about the advantages that come with private colleges? Download our free infographic: 10 Benefits of Attending a Small, Private, Liberal Arts College. Good luck on your search!
