States with loads of higher education options?

I want to have a myriad of options when I apply to colleges. Can anyone here tell me about the states that have the most colleges? Specifically, I'm interested in states with a good balance between public and private institutions. Thanks for the help!

Sure, there are a few states that come to mind when considering the density and diversity of higher education offerings.

California, for instance, is known for its comprehensive mix of public and private institutions. The state boasts the expansive University of California and California State University systems, alongside esteemed private colleges like Stanford and the Claremont Colleges.

New York is another state with a rich educational landscape. The SUNY (State University of New York) system is complemented by a wide variety of private institutions, including Ivy League institution Cornell University and well-regarded liberal arts colleges such as Vassar and Colgate.

Massachusetts, though smaller in size, packs a substantial educational punch, with a high concentration of world-renowned institutions like MIT and Harvard, numerous state schools like University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a litany of private liberal arts colleges including Williams and Amherst.

Texas, on the other hand, offers a fertile ground for both public and private education, with the wide-ranging University of Texas System and Texas A&M University System, as well as private institutions like Rice University.

In the Midwest, Illinois and Ohio carry a strong mix of public and private colleges. Illinois has several public university campuses, in addition to private colleges like University of Chicago and Northwestern, whereas Ohio hosts the expansive public Ohio State University, alongside a host of private colleges.

Please remember that the 'number' of universities in a state should not be the sole determiner of where you apply. The strength of the programs you are interested in, campus culture, location, size, and financial considerations should all play a part in your decision-making process. Good luck with your college search!