<p>RML: Funding is indeed another factor in why PhD programs are so selective and small. But its also to ensure those graduates find jobs. Not finding fault with that, mind you, just stating a fact. </p>
<p>I am not suggesting that mediocrity should be the norm at second tier schools and only the “Nobel Laureates” (a figure of speech, not literally) should be hired by the elites. I would bet a huge percentage of the “laureates” that UCB posted are in fact doing research 100% of their time, or are in the graduate programs, not teaching undergraduates. Besides, my point was broader than that. It was that the PhD’s coming out of the most elite colleges, including Berkeley or UCSD or UCLA, are often finding jobs TEACHING at second tier schools. </p>
<p>We spend too much time ranking colleges by SAT scores of applicants and admitted students. That is myopic. </p>
<p>Finally research universities, particularly state funded (taxpayers subsidy), are entirely different than LAC’s and other smaller teaching universities. Apples and oranges.</p>