A private college is an institution of higher education that is not funded by the government. Instead, it relies on tuition fees, donations, and private sources for its funding. These colleges often have smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention from faculty and a close-knit community among students. Private colleges may offer a variety of programs and degrees, similar to public universities. They can be affiliated with religious organizations or operate independently. Admission processes and tuition costs can vary widely, and many private colleges provide financial aid options to help students manage expenses.