Choosing where to go to college is one of the biggest decisions students and their families will make. While many factors are at play–from tuition to school size and location–certainly one of the most important is the academic reputation of the schools and programs that correspond with a student’s interests.
Many of the most prestigious universities have become so through their emphasis on research, which is considered the pinnacle of academic achievement. Large research universities often make important new discoveries and invent technologies that affect our lives. As a result, they attract the most distinguished professors and enjoy exceptional resources. And while they may emphasize faculty publishing and PhD programs, many also offer outstanding opportunities for undergraduate students.