<p>Kirmum, I never meant to imply that one can’t get an excellent education at a State school. Of course you can, and many people have. But you can get an excellent education at a non-state school, and those people should not be discouraged from becoming a teacher if that is their dream. And yes, cost is always a factor in college decisions. If one doesn’t qualify for grants, then the situation is different from the OP’s, who said cost was not a factor. </p>
<p>Jamimom: I will check, and reply later. However, I live in a rural, low-wage area, and I expect that has influenced the kind of employees my area draws.</p>