<p>Sure, schools such as UC-Berkeley, UVa, etc. rank much higher than schools such as schools such as UNLV, UNL, UWyoming, etc., etc. However, is the education at low-ranked public schools really inferior to that of high-ranked schools? Is the degree really worth that much less?</p>
<p>Moreover, if the quality of education can be assessed by rankings, and if some schools’ education is really inferior, where can the line be drawn between a quality education and an inferior education? In other words, which public schools offer a similar education of high-quality, and which public schools offer a similar education of low-quality?</p>
<p>Of course. The same holds for private schools as well. There are plenty of low-ranked private schools that charge the same tuition as the Ivies.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can really draw a line between “good” and “inferior” public schools. It’s sort of continuous spectrum, which rankings try to measure. Of course, there’s no substantial difference between similarly-ranked schools, but everyone would agree that Berkeley is better than University of Wyoming, for example.</p>
<p>Depends on whether or not you want generalities versus getting program specific. </p>
<p>There are some publics, and privates too, that are inferior institutions in the sense that they serve a different segment of the population that is less competitive. Not all schools are targeted at the typical CCer. </p>
<p>I’d say you can get a really good education at any of the publics among the top 100 institutions as well as any one of the 63 research universities as classified by the Carnegie Institute. I think you have to distinguish pure educational opportunities from aesthetic environment, however.</p>
<p>BUT - each school is capable of turning out equally sucessful alumni. </p>
<p>Your education is what you put into it. Period. Some schools are better than others…but that doesn’t mean that lower tier schools can’t get you to where you want to go.</p>
<p>You can find smart kids at all schools, although you will be SURROUNDED by them at top schools. If you’re the type who enjoys intellectual challenge from peers, as well as from professors/schoolwork, then you’ll need to have intellectual peers in your classes and your social life. To what extent that occurs will depend on the student body. If that’s unimportant, then it doesn’t matter who your classmates are.</p>
<p>Material covered is probably the same, but professors demand more from students at top academic schools. Just look at the workload of various schools by asking current students about typical reading assignments, paper requirements and/or exams.</p>
<p>Do you thrive in a more academic environment or do you find it overwhelming? The right school is the one where you will feel comfortable and be able to do your best… </p>
<p>IMO, schools are not equal. But a self-motivated focused student can probably get a good education at many schools, by being very selective when choosing courses and professors (and finding peers with similar educational focus). Top academic schools aren’t necessarily “best” for everyone. Some kids would be too stressed out by the demands, even if they could do the work. The goal should be to thrive academically and socially, while having an opportunity to mature.</p>