What does it mean for a university to be 'public research'?

Hi all! I've come across the term 'public research university' and I'm a bit confused. What exactly does this mean and how is it different from a private research university? Any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi there! Great question. A 'public research university' typically refers to a state-funded institution that focuses on research, knowledge generation, and dissemination. Public research universities usually receive a significant portion of their funding from state governments, which helps to keep their tuition costs lower for in-state residents.

On the other hand, 'private research universities' are those that are funded through private sources such as endowments, tuition, and alumni contributions. Although they also focus on research and provide education across various levels and fields, they typically have more expensive tuition due to the lack of state funding. However, private universities may offer generous financial aid packages depending on the school's resources.

Both public and private research universities have their share of pros and cons. Some people prefer public universities for their affordability and diverse student bodies, whereas others might gravitate towards private universities for their smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. It really depends on your priorities and what kind of environment you're looking for in a college. For example, the University of California-Berkeley is an esteemed public research university, while Stanford University is a prestigious private research institution. I hope this helps to clarify the differences!