Which statement best describes a private college or university?

• A. Smaller than public schools with smaller class sizes and often more specialized programs.
• B. Funded primarily by state government and tends to have a broad major selection.
• C. It always has religious affiliation.
• D. It does not offer any graduate programs.

Answer: (A)

Private colleges and universities are typically smaller than public institutions, which often leads to smaller class sizes and more specialized programs because they can concentrate resources on a narrower set of offerings. They are funded through tuition, endowments, and private gifts rather than primarily by state government, distinguishing them from public schools. Religious affiliation isn’t universal among private schools—some are affiliated, but many are not. And many private institutions do offer graduate programs, so saying they don’t would be incorrect. This combination of smaller size, selective programs, and private funding is what the description aims to capture.