Higher ranked SLAC most people haven’t heard of VS. lower ranked big public everyone has heard of?

[Anonymous]

What’s better long term? If price could be taken off the table, what’s better — a SLAC (like Davidson, Lafayette) or big, lower prestige public U? My DC thinks both types could be a good fit. I keep thinking there is a benefit to going to a big school that has so many more alumni, resources. The whole country has heard of it vs. going to a good SLAC but having to explain where/what it is to most people. Of course, each SLAC is different but what are some pros and cons?

(Also on my mind because my brother has to explain to people that the little SLAC my niece goes to is a “good” liberal arts school but he never has to explain about my nephew at Penn State….and, boy, do the alumni love Penn State.)

[Anonymous]

I'd go with Big State U. Bigger pond, but he'll be a good sized fish and should be able to distinguish himself.

[Anonymous]

A smaller alumni network can be more meaningful. I went to smaller school while my family members went to a large, prestigious state flagship. The name of the latter was good but it was so huge, the alumni network wasn’t particularly close or helpful. Whereas I had alumni really go to bat for me. YMMV

[Anonymous]

My alma mater is consistently in the T30 and lots of people haven’t heard of it.

I don’t really care, though - It was a good fit for me.

I would lean more SLAC than big state U, but I just am not a big state U person.

[Anonymous]

The kind of employer who knows Davidson is the kind of employer that DD should pursue. Undoubtedly, it'll be more prestigious and the people that she'll be working with will be running around in more elite circles than those who have only heard of schools like Penn State. Harsh, but true.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I can tell my older son gets a kick out of being able to buy gear from his school on sports websites and seeing his school teams mentioned on ESPN. His younger brother who’ll be looking at schools next year won’t care about this stuff.

[Anonymous]

Where will your DC thrive? These are two very different academic and social experiences. That is where your DC should go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kind of employer who knows Davidson is the kind of employer that DD should pursue. Undoubtedly, it'll be more prestigious and the people that she'll be working with will be running around in more elite circles than those who have only heard of schools like Penn State. Harsh, but true.

So not true, especially when you’re talking about undergrad. Even the most “prestigious” companies routinely hire from State U.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't matter if Joe Schmoe has heard of it. It only matters if prospective employers/ grad schools respect it. Smaller schools may have fewer alumni, but the networks are often tighter.

So I'd go with whichever environment he thinks he will most likely be able to excel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kind of employer who knows Davidson is the kind of employer that DD should pursue. Undoubtedly, it'll be more prestigious and the people that she'll be working with will be running around in more elite circles than those who have only heard of schools like Penn State. Harsh, but true.

I can't even. Wow.

[Anonymous]

But the point is that to most people if you throw out the name Davidson or one of the “silly” CTCL schools they won’t know the difference.

[Anonymous]

Is your niece happy? Is your nephew happy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But the point is that to most people if you throw out the name Davidson or one of the “silly” CTCL schools they won’t know the difference.

The employers who previous posters said are “prestigious” sure would. They get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What’s better long term? If price could be taken off the table, what’s better — a SLAC (like Davidson, Lafayette) or big, lower prestige public U? My DC thinks both types could be a good fit. I keep thinking there is a benefit to going to a big school that has so many more alumni, resources. The whole country has heard of it vs. going to a good SLAC but having to explain where/what it is to most people. Of course, each SLAC is different but what are some pros and cons?

(Also on my mind because my brother has to explain to people that the little SLAC my niece goes to is a “good” liberal arts school but he never has to explain about my nephew at Penn State….and, boy, do the alumni love Penn State.)

He actually doesn’t have to explain that.

[Anonymous]

If grad school is very likely, I would go with the better SLAC. If not and the term degree is undergrad, then I lean to state U.

Either way, the kid should prefer one to the other by visiting. Very different experience, so go with the better fit (for them, not you)!