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If smaller class sizes, uniquely specialized programs, and a tight-knit community of students and alumni are at the top of your list, private college is a great choice.

But first, let's talk cost. Don’t cut out private colleges because you think you can’t afford it. The grant and scholarship opportunities will surprise you. For example, more than 95 percent of students receive financial aid at �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech, a private Chicago-based college.  

Now, here are a few more reasons to go to a private college:

Academic Benefits

• Cozy Class Size: Avoid massive lecture halls for the tight-knit, focused, attention courses offered at private colleges. At �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech, the average class size is 22, with a 12:1 student faculty ratio, and no courses are taught by teaching assistants. “A smaller university comes with closer connections and smaller class sizes. This is important as you get more one-to-one time with faculty and the campus becomes a less overwhelming space.” —Rita Sanabria (Business and Information Technology 4th Year)
• Industry Partners: Get hands-on experience or a fast-track to a favorite job. Private schools regularly work with local businesses or organizations to build a real-world example of your job. An architecture student in Chicago gets hands-on work with companies building the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Others spend time at IBM working with high-level AI models.
• Unique Programs and Specialties: Do you want to design the next technological leap to help diabetes patients better their lives? A tech-forward private school can explore these unique, faculty-driven courses. Who knows what research project will become a course?
• More about Money: You are shopping for the ideal college and have leverage. Maybe you qualify for a merit scholarship from your good grades or needs-based funding.

Spread Your Wings Socially

• A Close Campus: Typically, private colleges have less students, so it’s easier to find fast friends that will last a lifetime. Student organizations, sports, and clubs are there for you to go out and have fun with folks sharing your hobby.
• Small Campus, Big City: Private schools can fit perfectly anywhere, from small towns to metropolitan cities. The city of Chicago alone has five private colleges in skyscrapers and urban campuses, such as the historic Mies Campus.

Career Connections

• The Alumni Network: Many graduates join the local workforce and build a local community that only grows. They’ve been in your shoes and can help make the connections needed in your field, especially in large cities like Chicago. If you see a shirt or hat from your private college, it’s an instant connection. They weren’t studying in a dozen buildings across campus; they were in the classroom next to you. You have an easy way to start the connection, such as “Is your favorite professor still there?”

Remember that Colleges Work for You

If a school interests you, but the initial tuition pushes you away, contact the financial aid office. For example, an average �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech student saves more than $104,000 on tuition and housing over four years. Need-based grants help you get a leg up, and scholastic grants and scholarships further encourage talented folks. Reach out to the financial aid office to see what you’re missing out. For a rough cost estimate, try this financial aid calculator. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the average class size at �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech? 
A: �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech’s average class size is 22 with a 12:1 student faculty ratio, and no courses are taught by teaching assistants.

Q: How easy is it to make friends at �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech?
A: Outside of floormates and classmates, �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech has more than 150 student organizations, from professional organizations to our esports team. Outside campus, Chicago itself is a city of nearly 3 million, and there are thousands of venues, shops, restaurants, and more to find your newest pals.

Q: Is there Greek Life at private colleges? 
A: Yes! A dozen fraternity and sorority organizations have chapters on �Ӱ�ԭ�� Tech’s campus.