Manorite

Well, given that the word used was "or," rather than "and," and that "international" was in parentheses as an alternative to national, I'd say ND still qualifies based on a strong national reputation. I'm not aware of ND's level of international prestige (if any), given that the only rankings I know of are based on the academic reputation of graduate schools (ND specializes in undergrad).

Perhaps the towns aren't that great, but again, the criteria wasn't very strict, and neither is "extremely rural," "dead*," or in a "horribly dangerous part of the city," as far as I know (only have direct experience with ND).

*Okay, maybe South Bend is a little dead.

I wouldn't narrow it down to just these two, though. Several others named (especially some of the big name publics) seem to fit the criteria well.

MizzBee

If I meet a Notre Dame grad, they normally tell me that during our first meeting. It is a part of their soul, especially if they were raised a Midwestern Catholic. I feel like Duke and Penn State have the same feelings. I think Bloomington (IU) is a less prestigious but still fun All-American college experience. I would also add Michigan and the Ohio State for equally happy alums.

Pizzagirl

Notre Dame has one of THE most jazzed to be an alum reputations out there. Good for them, I say.

rjkofnovi

^^^^I suppose if the vast majority students at my school were made up of people just like myself, I'd be a bit "jazzed" up too. :-)

sportsmom2016

I did not read every post here but I have to mention Boston College. Just outside of one of the ultimate college towns - Boston! Highly active (and very proud- incredibly proud) alumi groups. Sports teams - football stadium is right on campus. If you go under grad and then to a grad program you can proudly refer to yourself as a "double eagle"!

barrons

Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, UNC, Uva, PSU.

goldenboy8784

I think everyone's ignoring the student to faculty ratio request by the OP.

Manorite

The vast majority of students are not like me, and I'm still very happy at Notre Dame.

Pizzagirl

Yeah, that's pretty ridiculous.

UCBChemEGrad

I agree with barrons list.

g0ld3n

Thanks for the solid inputs guys! Much appreciated. One thing is that I noticed most of the schools mentioned are either large publics (not renowned for undergrad education - they just have a prestigious name; those aren't the same thing) or mid-sized privates. I guess there doesn't seem to be any "semi-LAC" schools where undergrad size is small and student spirit/athletics is also good? Oh well.

Here is the list I will be recommending (no real order) since they got the most recommendations:
Stanford
UCLA
UVa
Duke
Notre Dame
Michigan
Cal
UNC
USC

The ones I didn't include just weren't said as many times as these ones. If more people agree with Purdue, Boston College, Texas etc I'll add them.

Thanks guys. If you have any other suggestions keep them coming. Maybe a lively LAC would be good to recommend just for some variety in this list.

barrk123

BC is a great school for "College Experience"

Ortsac

I'd also say BC ranks up there.

overbrook99

Lehigh would be a good option, although it is located in shabby bethlehem and lacks the national identity that the aforementioned schools offer. Lafayette would be a good option for a LAC. Its graduates fare well, although it is mainly known only in the Northeast. It's not really known for its academics, but URichmond might be another LAC option.

Georgia Girl

The faculty student ratio is 1/9 at USC.