Public universities must compensate for cuts in government funding by raising rates for their services. By raising tuition and fees, charging money for parking and cutting back on equipment purchases, public universities continue to operate on tight budgets. This makes affordability a concern for public university students and their parents. Lack of funding forces teachers to conduct class without the cutting-edge equipment used in competing schools.
Computer database security is a growing concern at public universities. In 2002, hackers broke into student records at Purdue University, gaining access to Social Security numbers and other sensitive information, according to the University of Utah website. Lack of campus security poses another threat to student safety. The open campus style presents ample opportunities for criminals to walk on and off student grounds. Property crimes, such as burglary and vehicle theft, constitute the majority of incidents, the National Center for Education Statistics reports.
Standardized curriculum offers little room for creative freedom. Public university students sometimes receive stale, boring assignments instead of innovative classroom experiences. Overfilled classrooms also hinder learning. Students are less likely to receive hands-on instruction. Teachers are stretched too thin to provide each student personalized attention. The result is a cookie-cutter educational experience that provides inadequate real-world training.
A faltering economy makes it difficult for graduates to find work. Public university graduates in certain disciplines face a lack of available jobs.