Looking at the Best Public Colleges Rankings

Although it is true that public universities tend to be the cheapest alternative to a college education, not all students will thrive or even survive in some of these large institutions. It is a known fact that 50% of all college freshman eventually drop out of college. This is not necessarily due to their lack of ability, often it is due to the lack of fit within the school.

As the owner of college consulting firm, CMH College Consulting, I advise my students to explore colleges that fit them academically, socially, and emotionally. It is important to understand the needs of the learner and what type of environment will be conducive to their success. Will they do well in a lecture hall with 300 or do they need that individual attention where the professor knows their name? Are they comfortable on a campus where they seldom recognize anyone they see or do they need a small environment where they know everyone? Can they learn from a TA who has no teaching qualifications, or do they need that professor that has spent their career focused solely on the teaching process?

While it seems a no-brainer that in this economy, applying to a public school is the most affordable option, it is not quite that simple. Students should first decide what type of setting they need. Applying to a school that does not fit will eventually become a greater liability when the student discovers that they are not successful. This then results in additional costs of applying to and transferring to a school that is a better fit-often resulting in more tuition. Worse case scenario is the student drops out. Ultimately, the best college education will come from that school that provides a combination of affordability and academic fit.

Christine M. Hall, Ed,D. of NC 12:37PM September 23, 2009

The University Of Virginia, located in one of the best places to live in the United States(Charlottesville Virginia) provides students with a Ivy League education,which is second to none surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah valley. UVA also has a world class falculty which is the equal to any of Ivy's and other elite schools and the falculty and staff at UVA doesn't take a back seat to any school. I have visited most of the top tier one schools in the country and the UVA campus is the most scenic and picturesque of all the schools that have visited which provides the perfect climate for learning,research,and individual growth and development.

RONALD B. SAUNDERS of PA 1:20PM September 21, 2009