<p>I'm wondering what the difference in the quality of education between public and private schools is. I don't want to put myself in debt going to a private school if I would get a comparable level of education at a cheaper public school.</p>
<p>It depends on which public school(s) and which private schools and their net prices, and what your own academic and other goals and financial situation are.</p>
<p>A generalization of “private is better than public” or “public is better than private” (or substituting “cheaper” for “better” in either) will encounter lots of exceptions. If you happen to be one, then you may choose poorly if you rely too much on such a generalization.</p>
<p>. . . and it’s not “education” (to use your word, and it is very pertinent) alone. Networking, career prospects, lifelong prestige and its attendant benefits, and more also apply. By the way, these advantages are available from both public and private institutions. </p>
<p>I’d say school size (big vs.small) is more important than public vs. private.</p>
<p>Are there any particular public and private schools you are considering?</p>