Public institutions often are cheaper than private colleges in general but those differences are sometimes not as much of a difference and sometimes private institutions are cheaper but the other equation in mind is quality. There is no simple rule on this. The quality of each institution is dependent on each particular school at a particular time. This is very fluid and hard to determine. The ratings given are to some part opinion based even though they may have some criteria but the reviewers that do the rating are human and how they feel any particular day may effect and influence their decisions in rating.

It isn't a question anyone can really answer as you are looking for in this. 

I would tell you this much, do you need financial aid from FAFSA and the likes? Accredited public institutions are recognized by FAFSA and you can get these programs. However, private sector may or may not have FAFSA financial aid support. 

Your financial standing and how you are going to fund going to college will be something to consider when deciding which school. 

How you are going to pay for the tuition, books, fees, housing, food, etc. Take that into consideration because at this stage, it will boil down to money as that would filter down the list because some colleges/universities may be too rich for your blood so to speak. 

geezertect,

Enroll is whenever you take a course. Enroll is something you do at any college. It is the process of selecting a course, pay tuition and basically reserve your seat in the class.

It should not be confused with applying which is done prior to enrolling in classes. This can be applying to the institution and applying to the particular degree program. Sometimes both.