what is a tier 3 college?

Answer 1

Each year when the US News magazine does its college rankings they list the colleges in the USA as top tier, 2nd tier, 3rd tier. Being in a third tier college doesnt necessarily mean you cant get a good education, but it means that the school probably doesn't have as good equipment, buildings, and facilities as the higher ranked schools. There are probably fewer PhD professors and more classes taught by teaching assistants. The students are definitely less able - less competitive and from poor educational backgrounds - they had lower GPAs in high school and lower SAT scores. And they third tier schools have lower reputations. They are not as well respected.

Sometimes a school will be ranked third tier, but one or two of its departments will be excellent. You have to go by more than just what US News says.