PEORIA – With an economy continuing to recover from the 2008 recession, financing the cost of college remains a pressing issue in many central Illinois homes. According to the average cost of college tuition statistics report, taking into consideration that the cost of college tuition continues to increase each year, the question of whether students should attend public or private four-year universities is a prominent one. With local private schools such as Bradley University and Illinois Wesleyan University competing with local public schools including Illinois State University and the University of Illinois, one may ask if private schools are worth the extra cost.
To Peoria locals, the answer is yes. Bradley University is home to nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. At Bradley, students are given the opportunity to live in dorms, apartments, or off campus housing, while given the chance to join Greek life, student organizations, honor societies, athletic clubs and more.
But do the benefits outweigh the costs? Bradley University senior and Bradley star representative, Allen Ghareeb believes so.
“Public universities may appear to be a more cost-effective option, but the benefits of attending a small university have time and time again proven to be invaluable. Whether it’s the opportunity to apply for additional scholarships, and financial assistance or getting to know my professors on a first name basis, I wouldn’t trade my time at Bradley for anything.”
However, facts are facts. From 1981-2011, public universities have increased in price by 524%, while private universities have increased by 473%. These numbers indicate the price for public or private universities nearly doubles every 10 years.
Although the price of a private school may appear to empty your bank account, private universities such as Bradley offer merit scholarships, financial aid, grants, athletic scholarships and more. It is very rare that prospective and current students pay the asking price for each academic year. Private universities receive ample amounts of money from donors to help students pay for their tuition. The larger the amount the school receives, the more student aid the school is able to allot to each student. Private schools tend to receive more endowments each year than public universities, permitting them to offer students more scholarship than public schools.
Bradley’s Admissions Representative, Michael Ryan weighs in on why he believes Bradley is worth the not so much larger price tag than local public universities, and how the admission representatives continue to gain incoming students each year.
“We offer a number of merit based scholarships based on a student’s high school career. We also offer need-based aid for families with lower incomes. We truly do try and help as many families as we can.”
Ryan elaborates that Bradley offers its students a one of a kind education. Ryan states that BU admissions emphasize personalized attention towards each student including career preparation, in addition to encouraging participation in available student activities.
Director of Financial Assistance, Dave Pardieck stands by Ryan’s word, wanting future students to know that there is more to Bradley than the initial price tag, which may not actually be the final price you pay.
“Due to the availability of institutional grants and scholarships, Bradley is quite competitive with public flagship universities.” He goes on to state that he believes Bradley students and parents are more willing to invest in an education at BU due to the experiences one receives through enrolling at Bradley.
Although private universities continue to receive rave testimonials from current and previous students, the numbers speak otherwise. According to US News, 73% of students attend public universities, while only 16% attend private universities. However, it is important to keep in mind that public universities hold nearly 30,000 students, while many private schools consist of a nearly 5,000 student body or smaller.
When it comes down to it, attending public vs. private school is a personal choice. The education one receives from attending one of the many private or public schools located in Central Illinois is unique to any other. It is important to realize when considering whether to receive an education at a public or private institution that scholarships and financial aid are great resources. The Peoria community is proud to be the home of the Bradley Braves, along with being neighbors to many other fine educational establishments. Support our ever-growing community by supporting the educational systems in the Central Illinois area.