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Choosing a Nursing School – The Differences between a Public College and Private University

Online Nursing Degree Schools in WashingtonImpressions of advanced learning begin at a young age. Diplomas hung on the wall at the pediatric center vary in size, font, and design. A child might base the criteria for choosing a nursing school on the certificate. A huge diploma with a pen and ink drawing of an established institution and impressive gold seal in the corner is exciting!

As a person grows older the reasons for choosing a nursing school go beyond a fancy diploma. Decisions usually begin with what the diploma will cost in terms of money, time, and benefits. Differences between a public college and private university are examined carefully. It is also the time when students find out which classes to include in their middle and high school curriculum to:

qualify for admission to the school of their choice.
get the necessary math, health, and science background to maximize success in their nursing course.
Initial Costs

The most noticeable difference between public colleges and private universities is cost. Public colleges get state funding to cover operational costs and salaries. Tuition brings in additional income, as does dorm fees and costs of meals. Donations from alumni and other benefactors help keep tuition low, although not inexpensive. Private universities charge higher tuition because it is a source of operational costs. Other monies come from alumni, businesses, foundations, dorm fees and meals.

Classes and Degrees

Public colleges typically have high enrollment and offer a wide variety of degrees. They have specific classes that must be taken whether they directly apply to the specialized field or not. They also provide the opportunity to enroll in fewer or more classes per semester, letting students prolong or expedite state required and elective classes. Lower division classes are crowded. With up to 200 students per class, there is less opportunity to meet with professors after class or schedule a meeting later in the week.

Private universities tend to be smaller and offer a limited range of degrees. Students have the opportunity to focus on their specialized areas. Class size is usually smaller in private college where a 10:1 range in nursing courses means the professors are more accessible.

Other Differences

Resident students pay less tuition and have a greater chance at admission to public colleges than out of state/country applicants. A lot of students know one another from high school and community events. Private university students pay the same amount of tuition. Students are selected by ability and class ranking and bring the benefit of a different geographical area to the classroom.

Does the type of institution really matter when choosing a nursing school? A student driven to success will study harder and turn challenges into opportunities whether attending a public or private university. Learning and retaining skills and knowledge to pass the NCLEX-RN is the symbol of success, not the impressive institution on the diploma.

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