<ol>
<li><p>"Flagships" are the lead public universities in each state: ie, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, the University of Texas, Ohio State, the University of Michigan, the University of Indiana, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>"Brain drain" is the phenomenon, which many states strive to counter, of the smartest graduates from their local high schools going out of state to school - often never to return, it is feared. In response, many "flagships" give "merit aid" in the form of tuition rakeoffs or even free tuition, to those in the top 2%, 5% or whatever, or qualifying as NMS winners, finalists, semifinalists, etc.</p></li>
</ol>