<p>I was surfing USNews the other day when I noticed that they actually rank top Universities and liberal arts colleges separately. My question is: Can anyone explain to me the concept of an university vs. a liberal arts college? I can understand why they rank them differently. But when it comes to comparing more prestigious colleges, is Harvard (#1 on Nat'l University) necessarily better than Williams (#1 on lib. arts)?</p>
<p>A university has a divided focus - undergraduate and graduate. LACs in general do not offer graduate degrees and thus focus all their resources on undergraduate students. If you search previous threads, you'll find the pros and cons debated quite thoroughly. As to whether Harvard is better than Williams, I'd say no, it is not better, but it is a different experience.</p>
<p>Thank you for you thorough response. One more question though. I know that schools such as Williams and Amherst are excellent colleges, but why does it seem that ppl on CC value elite nat'l universities (ivies, MIT, Duke, etc.) more highly than LACs?</p>
<p>it really depends on what you are looking in for a school. if you want a small close community where you are more than just a number, a LAC is best. if you want a big school and a pre-professional major, you're better off at a university.</p>
<p>why does it seem that ppl on CC value elite nat'l universities (ivies, MIT, Duke, etc.) more highly than LACs?</p>
<p>Because the "elite nat'l universities" are more famous and are more prestigious and most CCers are prestige whores.</p>
<p>Big universities (Ivies, MIT, Duke, Stanford, etc.) have a wider reputation and are more well known, so students tend to go for them more.</p>
<p>Of course, it's arguable that places like Williams and Amherst are just as well known in most areas (and where it counts, i.e employers, grad schools).</p>
<p>lol, Chibifry, i guess you do have a point there. Thanks all who replied.</p>
<p>Also, I think many more students value the opportunities and social atmosphere of larger universities, as well as research possibilities and the usually more expansive choice of majors. I think it takes a certain kind of person to do well at a LAC, but they are also much more fostering in their approach to undergraduates.</p>