Private christian college versus state colleges?

Question

Given the job market today,,,is going to a private college still an ADVANTAGE?? given the cost and all.??
I know someone who got a business degree from a catholic college. He ended up going back to community college and THEN found a job!

Answer 1

Going to a private college has never necessarily been an advantage. The advantage comes from going to a well respected school, doing well there, and getting some sort of applicable work experience in school (co ops, internships, parttime jobs, volunteer work, club membership, etc.) that will make you appealing to employers.

Just because a school is private, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's better than a public school in terms of education or reputation amongst employers. So it depends on which public, and which private, school you are considering.

You also have to consider what type of school best fits you, personally. After all, if you go to the best public school out there, but it's not a good fit for you, you won't do well, and that will reflect in your prospects. Perhaps the smaller, religious-based school is a better fit? Or vice versa. It's a very personal decision.

So do keep the school's reputation in mind, but also consider its fit with YOU.

Answer 2

I don't think going to a private college is an advantage unless it's one of the BIG ones. (Ivy League) (Agreed with the other; where you went isn't a big thing once you're in the workforce. Some employers are going to latch on because they want everyone to know, thinking it makes them look good. I had one man do this with my GPA - when I was introduced, that was part of my intro. Yes, it was a small company.)

I wanted a smaller college and the one I chose just happened to be private. Scholarship money helped, but I did still have loans and I have never had anyone look at my resume and make a decision based on where I went to school.

Absolutely, get the education you need where it's available and for what you can afford. The experience and skills you can highlight will make a difference when you are actively looking for a job. Some schools are also better at helping their graduates find jobs, with people coming to campus for interviews or offering job seeking services in a career center.

Proprietary schools are very expensive, and they may advertise 98% of their graduates have found jobs, but what they often don't tell you is what type of job they found.

Answer 3

Having attended both a small private college and a mid-size public university, what I can tell you is that the college alone will not get you a job.

You need to find a college that fits your personal needs--has majors and programs that you're interested in, that is the right size, the right price, that has the right extra curricular opportunities. Regardless of whether the school is public or private, you need to become involved in clubs and organizations, take a diverse curriculum that will expand your marketability, and make opportunities for yourself.

Be informed about the job opportunities in which you are interested--especially at the college search level. Do research about jobs--i.e. don't watch CSI and think, "I want to do forensics" without talking to professionals about the realities of the profession and what you need to do to get there. If you are informed and realistic, you will have no problem identifying a college program that will help you achieve your goals.

Answer 4

You should choose a school based on what you want out of the experience and what you can afford as much as the possible results when you graduate. If you work hard and take advantage of the opportunities most good universities and private colleges can help you on that way. I went to smaller private college for undergrad as I didn't want to go to a large University. I then went to a University for grad school but the grad school dept was small so it was not overwhelming. I enjoyed it and would probably choose that route again but I know other that really enjoyed the large university experience.

Answer 5

I have found no advantage to my work/career in going to an Ivy League university. After your first job, the ecucational component of your life becomes decreasing less important. I'd go to a good state college or university. Your life will be much more seriously damaged by years of student loans than a degree from a state school. After graduation and that 1st job, all that matters is the work experience.

Answer 6

It depends. Look at the big picture:
* Is there more individual attention provided to the students by the professors, which may lead to higher GPAs?
* Are there more scholarships and grants available, which may be less expensive in the long run?
* Are there very active alumni, who help graduates find jobs?
* Does the school have a good reputation, which will look good on the resume?
Your friend may have had other "issue" to deal with in his job search that had nothing to do with the schools.

Answer 7

Education is not about a job. Education is about getting the most out of life.... about being aware of the world around you.... about seeking truth and understanding the importance of asking the right questions along the way.... it is about giving meaning to your existence..... those things do not come from calculators, computers and the like... rather they come from studying philosophy, history and the arts..... the essence of being human - while you can study all of these areas at a public university you can also avoid them.... private universities are likely to require that all of their students study at some level the courses that, in the long run, will add to your human experience.

Answer 8

As a soon to be college student you should be able to do this research. Most of the info you want is right on each school's web site. All majors and minors the school offers will be listed. Tuition costs and requirements to apply will be listed. Any scholarships they offer and the requirements for them will be on the school's web site.

Answer 9

go to a community college and get your two year degree, then go to a good state university. You'll save a bundle and get the same results.