<p>Of the New England flagship state universities, UConn (Storrs, CT) probably has the highest rating. University of MD at College Park is also in the same tier as UConn and that’s really close to BWI, which is a SWA hub. D2 has a close friend who attends UConn. He’s a BFA student (acting) and has had a great experience. The acting program has ties with the Connecticut Repertory Theater and he’s been in a performance there.</p>
<p>The University of Pittsburgh sounds about right…</p>
<p>Does anyone use the term “GU” anymore? Back when I first moved to Dallas, I’d hear singles use that term if they’d met a person in which they were interested, then found out that they lived in an un-stylish suburb. “geographically undesirable”</p>
<p>We live in the SF bay area with 3 major airports within 1 1/2 hours. Southwest flies out of 2 of them and it has been a huge help to us. One daughter is at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, about 1/2 hour from a great airport and my other daughter is at UCLA about 20 min (or 1 hour with traffic!) from LAX. Because of the airports being close to school they have had the options of school run shuttles, super shuttles and fly away buses to get to an from the airport. Always ton of low fare flights to both places and BIG PERK: Since I visit both frequently and am a member of Southwest’s frequent flyer plan, I have gotten a free roundtrip ticket every year for the last 3 years. So I always go visit my brother in Chicago for free every year! Check out some schools that meet your criteria near Portland,Or and LA.</p>
<p>What’s in or near Portland besides L&C? How about Seattle?</p>
<p>Most schools near Portland will be smaller than 10-12,000 except for Portland State. Oregon State is about an hour away. University of Oregon is served by usair via united’s sky alliance. There are plenty of good schools near Portland but they all sound too small for you.
UNM in Albuquerque used to have a great amigo scholarship for oos but considering the economic times, one would have to check if it is still being offered.</p>
<p>I just want to comment that Univ. of Oregon is an incredible bargain even for OOS. My nephew uses the train to get home from there. I don’t think he has ever flown.</p>
<p>missypie, in Seattle we have University of Washington (huge state school, close to 30,000), Seattle University (a Jesuit college, smaller than 10,000) and Seattle Pacific University (located in the prettiest part of the city with easy bus/bike access to the downtown area, also smaller than 10,000). Seattle U and SPU offer merit scholarships.</p>