Building on a mixed method research approach, this article reports on an analysis of the difference between public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Egypt in terms of teaching methods, quality assessment approaches and alumni engagement. An analysis of the survey data compared the experiences of 1 713 graduates of both private and public HEIs. Qualitative case study data seeks to explain the noted differences and similarities. The analysis showed that both types of institutions fall short of providing student-activating teaching methods; engaging students in quality assessment; or supporting graduates through job placement services. The analysis related the similarity between the two types of institutions to the state governance approach and its focus on education inputs, recommending a shift to an accountability regime that is focused on education outcomes and performance.