What's your take on the 100 best public universities?

Looking at colleges and I've been researching the top 100 public universities. How do they compare to private ones and do students generally believe they provide an equally high-quality education?

Public and private universities can both provide high-quality education, but they focus on somewhat different aspects, and the best fit will depend on individual student needs and preferences. They both offer a wide variety of courses, research opportunities, and student organizations, and certain public universities are consistently ranked high on national and global lists. For example, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Michigan offer very competitive programs.

However, large public universities often have a larger student body and can offer a wider range of majors than smaller private colleges, so students hoping for a broader range of course options, a big sports culture, or a diversity of social experiences might consider public universities. These institutions also typically have larger class sizes, especially at the introductory level.

Private universities, on the other hand, generally have a lower student-to-faculty ratio, meaning students might have more opportunities for mentorship and individual attention. It's worth mentioning that this could vary, and there are public institutions that stand out for their supportive academic environments and smaller class sizes.

Both public and private institutions can offer robust financial aid packages. Generally, private institutions often have more funds available for scholarships and aid programs. However, for in-state students, public universities tend to have lower sticker prices. It's critical to check individual institutions' net price calculators to estimate the real cost.

One shouldn't consider a college's "public" or "private" status alone as indicative of its quality. It's much more useful to consider specific features like class size, faculty access, curriculum, campus culture, financial aid, and career support, which can vary greatly across both public and private institutions.

Returning to your question, many students at public universities feel that they receive a high-quality education, rich with experiences, research opportunities, and a diverse network of peers. However, others might prefer the intimate, focused environments often offered at private universities. It's subjective and depends on the student's academic and career goals, personal preferences, and financial considerations. In short, both public and private universities have a lot to offer, and the 'best' one is the one that best fits your individual needs.