It’s shocking to see how the public school system has taken a dive over the last few years. What was once the hallmark of the state has now lost the trust of not only its students, but also the faculties that keep it in motion. The system is in dire need of restructuring if it intends to ever regain the distinction it once proudly enjoyed.

While interning at a sports news company, I asked other college students about their experiences at their respective public universities. Almost every response was packaged with shrugs and complaints. They expressed concerns about fee increases and course availability, and in one case, having to transfer to another school in order to take the necessary classes. Is it still worth attending a public school if it takes an extra couple of years to complete a degree? My answer is no.

Given the current landscape, now is the best time to begin considering a private education. Doors are being shut by both the UC and CSU systems as tuition fees continue to increase and more applicants are being denied admission. In addition to cuts that have already been made, Gov. Jerry Brown is still making proposals that would save the state money at the expense of state colleges. Darker days are ahead for public education.

Fewer students are earning their degrees in four-year institutions, with some not finishing at all. Each additional year spent in school costs thousands, and given the interest rates of student loans, the urgency to finish in a timely manner has become a focus for many college students. Until the UC and CSU systems get their act together, let’s look at the alternative.

Funding a private education can seem financially out of reach, but the benefits of smaller class sizes and availability of courses may be worth the cost for many students not wanting to further delay graduation.

Almost all private universities in California offer need-based aid to their students (especially if the student is 24 or older and no longer needs to include their parents’ tax information on their FAFSA), easing the cost of attending.

Government grants are also available for those who opt for private schools, creating even more accessibility to lower-income students.

Courses at private schools are less likely to be discontinued because they do not rely on the state for money, allowing undergraduates to complete their degrees in a much timelier manner. This may still end in a pricier cost to attend, but quality and efficiency make up for the extra cash. U.S. News reports that private universities have higher graduation and retention rates, which are indicators of student satisfaction.

What makes private colleges even more intriguing, however, is timing. According to USA Today, many private universities are aware of the trouble high-school and community-college students are facing and see it as an opportunity to add diversity to their institutions and improve their “demographic mix.” In short, they want you, so why not consider them as well.

Skyline College has Transfer Admission Agreements with many private universities, which helps facilitate the transfer process. Sister school CSM even has an agreement with the prestigious University of Southern California, a school consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the nation.

I am in no way suggesting that UC Berkeley and UCLA have fallen off their pillars. However, I believe it’s important to look at every option available while preparing for that next step once the transfer process nears.