Academic institutions in the United States can be either publicly funded or private. To help you understand the difference, you'll find descriptions of both types below:

Public Colleges & Universities

Unlike many countries, the US doesn't have a national system of education. Instead, all public colleges are supported and operated by the 50 US States. The schools in this system are partially funded by tax dollars paid by citizens in that state. 

The system can be a bit complicated at first. Each state's public educational system has its own admissions standards, tuition costs and graduation admissions. To add to the confusion, many states have more than one university or college system. Each with its own governing body.

Typically, however, these state systems feature community colleges, colleges and universities. Public schools can be among America's finest institutions. However, you should know that academic quality could range broadly between two schools in a particular state, and between states. To learn more, about how a school is ranked click here.

Because these schools are partially funded by tax dollars, they generally cost quite less than private schools. This is especially true for students living in that state. However, foreign students (and US citizens who wish to study in another state) will need to pay a more expensive "non-resident" tuition.

Even at the "non-resident" rates, public schools are still typically less expensive than private institutions and offer an excellent value.

Generally speaking, public schools also offer an excellent array of support services to international students. This includes a variety of housing options, dining facilities, clubs and organizations, health centers, ESL programs and international student centers.

Private Colleges & Universities

Private institutions comprise about half of the accredited colleges and universities in this country. They are located in all 50 states, except Wyoming. You can find them located in cities, suburban areas and rural environments around the nation.

Keep in mind that private schools can be very diverse and targeted to a particular type of student. For instance, they can include religion-oriented schools, black universities or women's colleges, to name just a few. Enrollment can range from fewer than 100 to more than 30,000 students.

Public schools receive about 41 percent of their funding from state governments. But private colleges and universities depend on tuition, fees, private gifts, corporate contributions and endowments.

This means these private academic institutions are very oriented toward the students' needs. They may have smaller classes. It's easier to get to know your professors. And there are often more opportunities for mentoring programs.

Private schools are typically more expensive than publicly funded institutions. But many believe they are the worth the extra cost. Some private schools are among the world's best -- as in the case of Harvard University or Stanford University.