6.

Research Opportunities

Many small and medium size private colleges are limited in their research offerings, and therefore the number of students who can get involved. State universities are often on the cutting edge of medical, scientific and engineering discoveries. Imagine being on the forefront of Alzheimer’s research at UC Santa Barbara, or working on alternative energy Formula One racecars at U. Washington. 

Photo courtesy of U of Washington

5.

Facilities

Whether it’s the science labs, dining halls, sports complex, library, computer science labs, a working farm or land grants for environmental research—state universities often have superior resources for students in and out of the classroom. The University of Oklahoma boasts the world’s largest student union with more than 500,000 square feet. It contains a hotel, restaurants, a theatre, travel agency and more. Interested in exploring the cosmos from the South Pole? Then take a look at the Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory that U. Wisconsin maintains.

Photo courtesy of U. of Wisconsin

4.

Diversity

While many liberal arts colleges struggle to increase their minority populations, state universities are a thriving hub of diversity. In an increasingly global society, the advantages of living and learning with students from a variety of backgrounds is invaluable.  Rutgers University in Newark, NJ ranks number one on Forbes list of most diverse universities. It is home to students from more than 70 countries, and has an almost balanced population of white, Hispanic, Asian and African American students. 

3.

Breadth of Academic Offerings

From liberal arts to pre-professional programs, state universities offer the broadest options for the “undecided” student. Many private universities focus on liberal arts, with occasional pre-professional offerings in business, nursing or engineering. Many state universities have it all, from health care majors you may not have considered (respiratory therapy, nuclear imaging, kinesiology) to environmental engineering, biomedical science, teacher education, digital communications, graphic design, marketing, accounting and more. 

2.

 School Spirit and Extra-Curricular Activities

There is nothing quite like the feeling of being in the U. Michigan Stadium during a Division 1 football game, unless it’s cheering on the UCONN women’s basketball team during nationals. Not a sports fan? Then perhaps you might enjoy tele-mark skiing with the University of Vermont’s Outing Club, sailing at URI’s Sailing Center, the world renown Jazz Ensemble at FSU, or attending a play in the new $40 million performing arts center at Texas State University.

Photo courtesy of Texas State University  

1.

Honors Programs

Today, top students are being courted by public universities with honors programs that rival Ivy League educations. Look at any top graduate school in the country, and you are likely to find it littered with state honors program grads. These students receive professor mentors for Rhodes, Fulbright, Goldwater and other prestigious scholarships, special classes, research and publishing opportunities, honors dorms, and more.