With the price of college being the highest it's ever been (even factoring in inflation), student's are forced to choose between public and private institutions. The difference seems small, but it couldn't be any bigger. Public institutions, on average, are much more affordable for families, especially if the institution is in state for the student. However, private institutions, which are what most of the elite colleges across the country are, tend to offer more lucrative financial aid packages for students, enticing them to come to those schools. However, for middle class families, it becomes impossible to afford private institutions tuition costs, which can be upwards of $20,000 on average, especially when they are not considered for financial aid. This leaves students from middle class families deciding between affordable public schools or the elite private schools, a decision that not only effects them, but effects their parents as well.