<p>The University of Houston tries to deflect the thoughts that even though their education is free, it isn't as good. Their advertising to NMSFs include examples of U of H students who go on to highly selective grad and professional schools. Selling point--you can go to these post-college schools and have ZERO debt.</p>
<p>And your poor parents don't have to work until they're 80!</p>
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<p>I don't know what rankings you are using- I don't think there is a lot of difference in the top 300 or so schools other than using personal preferences.</p>
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<p>While I believe each kid could have a great college experience at probably 100 different schools I do not buy this quote at all.</p>
<p>The expected level of academic rigor, the quantity of material covered, and the intellectual push from classmates is higher at top schools (research, LACs, and state schools). For example, the difference between an engineering education at MIT versus the #20 engineering school is dramatic ... never mind the #100 engineering school. For some trying to "drink out of the fire hose" at MIT is just the academic challenge they desire and one that can only be matched at the other very top engineering schools. Can a student get a fine engineering education at lots of other schools sure ... but it is not the same or equal. When I see arguments about who is #4 or #7 I think that is silly because they are so close. But the difference between #10 and #100 is a real difference in the academic experience, in my opinion.</p>