Can Somebody Explain the Concept of Public Ivies?

I've been hearing this term 'Public Ivies' a lot recently, especially in the context of college admissions. Being a junior, it sounds like something I should be familiar with as I begin to research my college options. But, I'm scratching my head. What exactly are Public Ivies? Why do they have this label and what's their significance in terms of college admissions, especially for the class of 2024?

The term "Public Ivy" came about in the 1980s with Richard Moll's book, "Public Ivies: A Guide to America's Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities." He used the term to describe public universities that provided an Ivy League collegiate experience at a public school price.

The original list consisted of eight schools: University of California—Berkeley, University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, University of Virginia, University of Texas—Austin, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, College of William and Mary, University of Vermont, and Miami University (Ohio). Since then, the term has expanded somewhat informally to include other public schools known for their exceptional academic rigor and distinct opportunities.

Whether or not a university falls into the "Public Ivy" category is somewhat subjective and not an officially recognized title. However, the general consensus deems these institutions to be competitively selective, offer a range of broad and comprehensive academic opportunities, have a strong system of financial aid, and demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate education.

For the class of 2024 and beyond, 'Public Ivies' are highly competitive institutions, typically with strong national rankings. If the prestige and academic rigor associated with the Ivy League are appealing, these schools are worth considering. Additionally, they may offer an attractive option for students concerned about tuition, as they can often provide a more cost-effective education, especially for in-state residents. Since these are public universities, they're funded by state governments which can help lower the costs for students.