Arriving at a final ranking of schools is a complex process and often sparks fierce debate. School pride runs deep in students, particularly those who graduated from the top 10 universities. No one wants to see their beloved alma mater drop even one step in the all-important competition for number one. We see this in the public sphere as athletic teams battle it out and university departments compete for research dollars.
The bumps and bruises threatened on these battlefields pale in comparison to the emotional wounds inflicted on those who contributed to the research for this list. Please be assured that while the pressure may have been intense at times, this list reflects as closely as possible the reality of what students are experiencing in these schools, and not the effectiveness of advocates outside of this process.
What is the best school to attend? The decision can change the course of a life and should not be taken lightly. In arriving at this list, students’ academic experience, quality of life, alumnae success, and many other factors were carefully considered. We believe that what follows is an accurate ranking of the top five Big-10 schools.
1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University tops our list due to an excellent combination of academic rigor and quality of life. With 150 undergraduate majors and 14 degree-granting universities, the state of Michigan marks the highest point for the Big-10. Michigan State teachers are often praised for working closely with students. The school’s career placement office is among the best and most effective at schools inside and outside of the Big-10.
2. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Just 30 minutes from Chicago, Northwestern University earns a secure second place on our Big Five 10 list. Northwestern offers strong academics with a wide range of majors available to undergraduates. The proximity to Chicago is a significant advantage for Northwestern students, allowing them not only cultural enrichment (aka nightlife), but also opportunities for internships and studies, which Northwestern’s curriculum often strives for. to integrate.
3. Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
A late addition to the Big-10 — school joined in 1990 — Penn State University has consistently impressed with its academic seriousness and high quality of life for students, earning the school third place in this ready. Penn State is a multi-campus giant that offers a wide variety of experiences to students. With more than 81,000 students enrolled across 24 campuses, it is on State College’s University Park campus that Penn State demonstrates the highest degree of excellence.
4. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Fourth on the list is The Ohio State University (OSU). OSU offers high-caliber academics for undergraduates and graduates. New students encounter a carefully crafted freshman program, shaping new Buckeyes from some of the best students in and around Ohio and the rest of the nation.
5. University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
Rounding out the list at number five is the University of Illinois at Champaign. The second Illinois campus in the top five, the University of Illinois earns its place with a stellar mix of academic, social and athletic programs. 1,100 organizations and clubs fight for student engagement on the giant campus, with research a main focus of academic life. An exemplary Midwestern campus, the University of Illinois helps maintain the high-quality reputation of all Big 10 schools.
