Private higher education institutions are those entities owned and operated by the private sector, while public institutions are those established, supported, and controlled by a governmental agency, most often a state. Key differences exist between private and public institutions that affect budgeting in critical ways. Such differences include governance, governmental support, student tuition and fees, student financial aid, constituent support, and accounting regulations. However, when all is said and done, both public and private institutions must be careful to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities because higher education overall is essential to the public interest.