Private Research University: What does it mean?

Hello, friends! I came across the term 'private research university' while researching colleges. Honestly, I'm a bit confused about what that means and how it differs from other types of universities. Can anyone here explain what a private research university is? I'd appreciate it! :)

Hello! Great question. A private research university is an institution that is primarily focused on conducting research in a wide range of disciplines and is funded mainly through private donations and endowments, rather than government funding. They usually have a higher focus on graduate studies compared to undergraduate education, but this doesn't mean they don't have a strong undergraduate presence.

The main difference between private research universities and public universities is funding and governance. Public universities are funded by the state government and have smaller endowments in comparison. In general, private research universities might have a better student-to-faculty ratio and offer a wider variety of resources available due to their stronger financial situations.

Some examples of private research universities include Stanford University, Harvard University, and Yale University. It's worth looking into each school individually to determine which one aligns with your interests and preferences. Best of luck with your college search!