The Cost of a Private College and College Life

Karly Barraza Brockett, M.Ed.

Associate Director of Admissions

California Institute of Technology

Types of Universities and Colleges:Colleges and Universities are like shoes, one size

does not fit all and that includes cost…

• Liberal Arts Colleges– Private, Residential

• Public Universities– In State vs. Out of

State Costs

• Private Universities– Distinct characteristics

Useful identifiers to help decide where you want to go…

• Rural vs. Urban• Small vs. Large• Type of Institution• Academic Interests• Extracurricular Interests• Residential vs. Commuter• Distance from Home• *Cost

Types of Private Colleges

• Residential Campus– Requirement to live on

campus: costs included

• Liberal Arts Colleges– Undergraduate study

in liberal arts and sciences, exposure to broad curriculum

– Majority residential requirement

• Religious– Required religious

services, classes, community service

• Academic Specific– Highly focused,

research rich, more tailored

How to help decide types of colleges…

• Academic Offering– Are the areas of interest in

studying offered?– What are the required courses

you take once enrolled? – When will you start taking

courses in your area of interest?

• Advanced Preparation– What prerequisites are there

for the school? For the area of study?

– What classes can you start taking now to prepare?

– What kind of activities can you do to get exposure in the field

• Research Opportunities– When can you do research?– Is it guaranteed? – Is it paid?

• Class Experience – Who is teaching you?– Student to faculty ratio?– Average class sizes?– Where are students coming

from?• Outcomes

– Graduation rates?– What are graduates doing?– Employment?– Graduate school?

Campus Life

• Residential Campus– Living on campus– Dorms/Resident

Halls– Greek Life– Apartment Style

Living– Student Lounges– Dining Halls

Clubs, Athletics, Activities

• Political

• Social

• Special Interests

• Athletics

• Community Involvement

• Cultural Groups

Support Resources & Services

• Tutors• Library• Writing Centers• Faculty Access• Counseling• Accommodations• Health Services• Medical Services• Job Placement

Private College Costs

• Private colleges are typically more expensive than public schools

• No difference in cost if you are in state or out of state

• Endowments, grant aid, and financial aid can often discount total student cost and sometimes private schools can be less expensive than public schools

FACTOR IN YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD

“I cannot afford a private college.”

False: “You can afford to attend a private college!”

• Types of funding:– Merit Scholarship

• Academic Based• Special Talent

– Work Study• College student

friendly

– Financial Aid• Loans• CSS Profile• FAFSA

Types of Merit

• Based on financial circumstances

• Based on other student characteristics

• Academic talent

• Music ability, artistic talent, etc.

• Leadership skills

• Athletic ability

• Age, job (policemen, firemen, etc.)

• Other

Helpful Websites

• College Websites– Virtual tours, bloggers, mailing lists, online

newsletters

• You University! http://www.youniversitytv.com/

• College Board http://www.collegeboard.com/

• NACAC http://www.nacacnet.org/Pages/default.aspx

California Private Colleges• There are 107 private colleges and

universities in California.

• University of Southern California with 33,082 full time students.

• Harvey Mudd College is the most expensive with an in-state tuition of $44,159.

On average, how much does it costs to attend private college in California?  

• The average annual in-state private college tuition in California is $25,370 in 2013.

• Art Center College of Design Pasadena 1,515 $35,052 • Azusa Pacific University Azusa 6,805 $30,236 • Biola University La Mirada 4,914 $31,004• Brooks Institute Santa Barbara 839 $19,620 • Concordia University Irvine Irvine 2,586 $27,900• FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los

Angeles Los Angeles 3,780 $26,660 • Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles 8,428

$38,212 • http://www.collegecalc.org/colleges/california/private/