<p>I think it depends. My boyfriend’s school isn’t known for being very good (it’s <em>gasp</em> lower than Michigan State!), but they are known for having an extremely good teaching program and are perfectly well respected in the region. I wouldn’t have wanted to go there for my profession or if I were wanting to leave the state, but for a lot of people it’s a great option. Putting so much into national rankings just makes you look stupid and ignorant.</p>
<p>And for the record, I’m a Umich alum, so it’s not like I’m only saying this because I went to a no-name school-- I most certainly didn’t.</p>