<p>what is the differnce between states and universisites? </p>
<p>ex. university of florida, florida state</p>
<p>san diego state, university of california san diego</p>
<p>oregon state, university of oregon</p>
<p>etc.</p>
<p>Most often it is only a difference in name. Technically, a "university" is a school that offers a variety of different colleges -- such as liberal arts and sciences, engineering, agriculture, health sciences, business, architecture, others -- and usually does a lot of research. That a place is called "state" usually means little on that issue. In California, they have the University of California system and the California State system. The colleges in each are mostly true "universities" although some in the State system come closer to being just liberal arts and sciences colleges. For UFlorida and Florida St, Mich and Mich St, and others, they are really "universities" but the state often designates its flagship school (and the more difficult one to get into) as the "University of ..." and the others as "State."</p>
<p>Also note that Florida State's full name is Florida State University (FSU), San Diego State is San Diego State University, Oregon State is OSU (Oregon State University) and so on, so there isn't even as much of a name difference as you may think. Nevertheless, as someone pointed out in an earlier thread, the trend seems to be that in states that have both University of X and X State University, the flagship campus of University of X is is more prestigious than the flagship uni of X State and so on so forth.</p>
<p>It's my understanding that "State" universities were originally developed to teach specific things--agriculture, technology, a teacher's college, etc. This is especially true with smaller states that don't have X Tech and X A&M.</p>
<p>For instance, Kansas State is an excellent school for future farmers, interior designers, veterinarians, etc.</p>
<p>University of Kansas is a better place for people who want to study a subject but aren't sure what career they want, or for people who want to be in a more research-oriented job, like doctors, lawyers, or professors.</p>
<p>out here in CA there are significant differences between the Cal-State schools (such as SDSU) and the UC schools (like UCSD).</p>
<p>The UC schools are restricted by the CA Master Plan for Education to admitting the top 12.5% of HS students, the CSU system admits the top 33%. The UC schools offer all degrees, the CSU system only offers degrees thru a Masters (unless they offer a degree jointly with a UC school or other university). All the law, medical, dental schools are at the UC campuses.</p>
<p>see <a href="http://www.ucop.edu/acadinit/mastplan/mp.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.ucop.edu/acadinit/mastplan/mp.htm</a> if you want more info</p>
<p>So what about the other 67% of California HS students. Stuck in community college or looking at expensive private schools?</p>
<p>"So what about the other 67% of California HS students. Stuck in community college or looking at expensive private schools?"</p>
<p>many are at community college. but its not like kids who want to go to 4-year universities are "stuck" at a community college... those who want to enter directly into a 4-year college after graduation will have the opportunity to do so. you have to remember, california has a lot of minorities too, it isnt as affluent as you think it is, and for good or bad, these minorities either enter into the workforce or join the military (or purposely choose community college to improve their english before transferring). 67% sounds high, but i went to an above average public high school in a middle class neighborhood, and only 50% of the graduating class went on to 4-year universities.</p>
<p>Another difference: in many southern states the "University of X" was the tradtionally white school and the "X State" was the traditionally African American school. Of course they are all integrated now, but many of those southern "X State" colleges are still predominantly black.</p>
<p>For U.Florida and Florida St, Mich and Mich St, and others, they are really "universities" but the state often designates its flagship school (and the more difficult one to get into) as the "University of ..." and the others as "State."</p>
<p>drusba, this is generally true, but not a hard 'n fast distinction. USUALLY the "University of _<strong><em>" is the flagship, oldest state U and OFTEN the "</em></strong>_ State Univ" is a land grant school, the old agricultural & mechanics arts (Morrill Act) schools: the former more for the "learned" professions; the later more for the working class/vocationally ("hands on") type work; designed for farm sons. In Michigan (w/ U-M and MSU) that's more the case. Florida throws a curve ball in that U.Florida is BOTH the flagship and the land grant school, while FSU was a former liberal arts seminary for women (as of Florida's massive 1905 Buckman reorganization act). Florida A & M was designated for African Americans, as was the case in similar Jim Crow states.</p>
<p>They're both public and University of X is usually more prestigious than X State University, exceptions including Ohio and Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>They're both public and University of X is usually more prestigious than X State University, exceptions including Ohio and Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>Generally true. In Michigan, while U-M is more prestigious than Mich State, MSU has considerable prestige, particularly w/in the state and regionally (esp in Chicago, Central Ohio, Ontario, Western NY, etc), than most "number 2 "STATE U" schools. MSU and U-M compete head-to-head for Michigan's best and brightest. With the slight exception of Michigan Tech, these 2 are head-over-heels above the rest of the state system. There power has thwarted the need in the entire state Detroit particularly for a prestige private U.</p>
<p>My hope is that the exception you refer to regarding PA is in regards to being a public school and not prestige.</p>
<p>be careful. There is no "University of Ohio" it's "Ohio University" and the flagship "Ohio State University"</p>
<p>
[quote]
My hope is that the exception you refer to regarding PA is in regards to being a public school and not prestige.
[/quote]
Right. Of course Penn is more prestigious than Penn State, but the former is not a public school.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>THE Ohio State University</p>
<p>I am ashamed. I mis-typed the name of thestate flagship university in my OWN city. ;)</p>