Private School vs State School

Unfortunately, Americans live in a world of inflation, and something that effects every college student is rising tuition costs. Most private schools fall in the $35000-45000 per year tuition range. With our economy in shambles, and the unemployment rate hovering near 10%, many households simply can not afford to send their students to private schools. For this reason, applications to state universities have shot up 20% over the last 3 years. There has been such a high demand for state schools, that it is sometimes more difficult to gain acceptance than a private school. Don't get me wrong, even state schools have increased tuition 6.5% over the last year, or roughly $1300. But if your paying $20,000 a year to go to Montclair compared to $43,000 per for FDU, your basically getting the same education (if not better) from Montclair, and saving yourself over $20,000.

There seems to be a negative connotation revolved around attending a state school. As it relates to New Jersey, some of the best schools are state universities (TCNJ, Rutgers, Montclair, Rutgers Newark), and even outperform private schools such as Seton Hall, FDU, Drew, and Monmouth. Now most students pay for their own schooling, so unless they want to be liable for debt when they graduate, I fully endorse a state school education during these tough economic times. High School seniors pay attention: It is what you do with your education, not where you get it from. If you do well at school, you will be succesful. Although having the Princeton degree seems nice and flashly, it will only get your foot in the door. Your personality and intelligence is what gets you far.

In conclusion, college tuition is a major concern for all students. REMEMBER TO APPLY TO ALL SCHOLARSHIPS POSSIBLE, IT IS FREE MONEY!!!!!! Fill out your FAFSA, and go from there. IF you can attend a private school, Congratulations. If it is out of your price range, it isn't the end of the world.

Signing off,
Stefano