<p>I also find Cleveland and Case Western to be on the upswing. Hip architecture in Cleveland and lots of investment in the arts. Also, a student that wants a state school is not a fit at a smaller private research oriented school. Case is unique in that it has a focus on UNDERGRADUATES and less PhD programs than a place like Michigan. Students get a lot more attention from devoted professors at Case Western than any midewestern highly ranked program like Illinois, Purdue or Michigan. So a student must find a fit for themselves. Case is rich in music, fine arts, and in a hip city. Students get exposed to inner city Cleveland and can make a difference. My son tutors inner city middle school children at the on campus church, Church of the Covanent. This is part of his required work for his writing class, to work with inner city Cleveland children. Case really rocks for the right student who wants an inner city experience, lots of faculty interactions, chances to do research, rigorous coursework and a healthy social scene without all the football crap! (sorry, I do like football, but it can be a bit much at some state schools for a kid who is not into that). Greek life at Case revolves around service, and social both. Case is a fit for a student who wants a liberal education, that is flexible about requirements</p>