<p>Regarding the specific faculty interaction component, I personally think there is a LOT of depth in faculty talent in this country. So many really good PhD students looking for teaching jobs with tenure has made it a buyer’s market for colleges for many years, IMHO. So you do not always have to go to a “top LAC” to get top notch professors. An example would be a guy I dated in college who was brilliant and loved his subject area. He is now a professor at an LAC that is probably in the top 70 or so, and I am betting he is a top notch teacher and advisor, and willing to go beyond the course offerings for interested students. Just something to keep in mind.</p>