<p>Of the state schools you mention, Michigan is the best. In fact, Michigan is arguably the best state university in the nation (although I personally think Cal is the best and UVA is probably as good as Michigan) and one of the top 15 universities in the nation, private or public. </p>
<p>Illinois is the second best on your list...and a great school as well (one of the top 30 nationally).</p>
<p>After those two, I would have to go with PSU.</p>