What are Public Ivies?

I've been hearing the term 'Public Ivies' a lot lately. Can someone explain what they are and maybe list a few examples? Thanks in advance!

Public Ivies is a term coined by Richard Moll in his 1985 book, "Public Ivies: A Guide to America's Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities." The term refers to public universities in the United States that are known to offer a high-quality education comparable to that of the private Ivy League institutions, but at a more affordable cost. These schools have selective admissions processes, rigorous academic programs, and competitive environments, similar to their prestigious private counterparts.

While the term has expanded over time to include a broader range of reputable public universities, the original list of Public Ivies included the following eight schools:

1. The College of William and Mary (Virginia)

2. Miami University (Ohio)

3. The University of California (now including multiple campuses, e.g., Berkeley, Los Angeles, Davis, etc.)

4. The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

5. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

6. The University of Texas at Austin

7. The University of Vermont

8. The University of Virginia

Over the years, various other public universities have been associated with the term "Public Ivy" due to their strong academic programs and overall prestige. Some of these institutions include:

- University of Wisconsin-Madison

- University of Florida

- Indiana University-Bloomington

- University of Washington

- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

For more on Public Ivies, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/should-you-apply-to-public-ivy-league-schools

Keep in mind that the term "Public Ivy" is not an official designation. It's a term used to acknowledge the quality of education offered by these public universities. While choosing a college, it's essential to consider factors such as location, cost, culture, and available programs that best align with your interests and goals. In any case, the Public Ivies are great options for students seeking a top-tier education at a public institution.