Funding and Governance:
* Private Funding: Their primary source of funding is tuition fees, endowments, donations, and grants from private sources (individuals, corporations, foundations). They are not significantly reliant on government funding.
* Independent Governance: They have independent governing boards typically composed of alumni, trustees, and community members, giving them greater autonomy in their operations and academic policies than public institutions.
Admissions and Student Body:
* Selective Admissions: Many, but not all, private universities are highly selective in their admissions process, often emphasizing academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. This can lead to a more academically competitive student body.
* Smaller Class Sizes: While not universally true, private universities often have smaller class sizes and a higher student-to-faculty ratio, potentially leading to more personalized attention from professors.
* Diverse Student Body (often, but not always): While some may have a more homogenous student body, many private universities actively recruit a diverse student population in terms of background, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Academics and Resources:
* Focus on Specific Disciplines: Some private universities may specialize in certain academic fields, offering highly specialized programs and research opportunities.
* Emphasis on Undergraduate Education: Some prioritize undergraduate education, investing heavily in resources like faculty, facilities, and student support services specifically for undergraduates.
* Strong Alumni Networks: Due to their smaller size and often more established history, many private universities foster strong alumni networks that benefit current students through mentoring, networking, and job placement opportunities.
* Potentially Higher Tuition and Fees: This is a major distinguishing feature. Private universities generally charge significantly higher tuition and fees than public institutions. However, many offer generous financial aid packages to make education accessible to a wider range of students.
* Specialized Facilities and Resources: They often have access to greater private funding that allows for investment in state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and research resources.
It's crucial to remember that these are general trends. The characteristics of a specific private university can vary widely depending on its size, history, location, religious affiliation (if any), and mission. Some small private colleges might not share all of these characteristics, while some large, wealthy private universities might exceed expectations in many areas.