Is there a difference in State University's and non-State University's in any way? And If so what are they?

Question

I have considered that a State University may have less credit than that of another college that isn't considered a State University. This could be in terms of after you graduate the credentials you get from companies and employers. This may sound crazy, and also this may seem confusing. How would companies and corporations in the later future perceive that? Would they consider a state school to be less prestigious than others? This is extremely difficult to put into words. I know that state institutions are required to accept residences of that state to some extent. Basically, their selection of acceptance isn't, OR IS IT?, as selective as a institution that isn't a STATE university. Please help. To me, universities are simply that- 4 year institutions. The factors that make schools unique of course are their academics, location, student body, student organizations, housing, etc. BUT aside from those factors, is there anything that distinguishes a state university from other schools?

Answer 1

Here's how it works.

Colleges and universities are ranked by the strength of their academic programs, and by selectivity in admissions.

Some private colleges and universities (the Ivy League: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Columbia, etc.; the "Little Ivies": Amherst, Williams, Wesleyan, Colby, Haverford, etc.; the "Seven Sisters": Vassar, Bryn Mawr, Barnard, Smith, Wellesley, etc.) are extremely selective, and are very prestigious because of this.

Some state universities are also academically rigorous, and very selective in admissions. Examples: University of California at Berkeley, University of Virginia, University of Michigan, University of Vermont. Sometimes these schools are referred to as "Public Ivies."

Other state universities are not so rigorous, and not so selective in terms of admissions. I will not name examples, but usually (but not always) if the university is "ANYSTATE" State University, or "ANYSTATE" A & M, the university is an average state university, and accepts most (but BY NO MEANS ALL) residents of that state. (Please note that there are some exceptions to this general rule. Some ANYSTATE State Universities are more selective than others. But generally, with some exceptions, a University of STATE will be more prestigious than ANYSTATE State University.)

There are also many other private colleges and universities in the US. Some are extremely selective and extremely prestigious, and some are not.

So, basically, a degree from University of Virginia, which is a state university, carries more prestige than a degree from ANYSTATE State University.

I have not mentioned technical colleges and universities (MIT, Cal Tech, etc.). But then again, you didn't ask. :)

You can always tell how selective (and prestigious) a university is by looking at the average SAT scores of its accepted students. There are websites that have search functions that can produce lists of universities by selectivity. Try the "College Matchmaker" functions at sites like http://www.princetonreview.com
or http://www.collegeboard.com

I really hope this helps!

Answer 2

out of state universities cost more and they 'usually' offer better education, unless ur state is cali, or any parts of the new england area.