My state does not have the great choices that yours does. A lot of states do not. I’d love to see the public schools being the most sought schools, and be priced affordably for more families and students. VA has a number of great choices, schools high in the rank, ratings, reputation, 3 Rs. My state–most of the top kids have no interest in going to a SUNY because they are lacking in that respect.
I was not referring to the funding part of UVA and W&M is also heavily self funded (as are some other public flagshps like Pitt and Penn State) but in the way that VA has managed to have their top schools be publics. So it is to a large extend with the UCs. NY has tried to emulate the CA model but has not succeeded, neither in meeting full need for most students, nor for making the state schools so desired.
My son had both UVA and W&M on his list. Had to prod to get a SUNY on there.