Why Smart Students Are Finding Their Dream Schools in Unexpected Places

The public flagships that families once counted on as reliable options—Michigan, UMD, Georgia, Florida—have become nearly as selective as Ivy and Ivy overlaps for out-of-state students. But this shift isn't limiting opportunities; it's asking us to think more broadly.

During my recent National IECA Conference, I explored this evolving landscape. What became clear is that the "name brand" obsession that drives so much anxiety is increasingly disconnected from educational reality.

As Jeff Selingo writes in his insightful new book "Dream College," elite education is readily available at public universities—and not only at the handful of flagships dominating headlines. The real opportunity lies in looking beyond the usual suspects.

Schools like University of Minnesota, University of Pittsburgh, and Indiana University offer world-class academics, vibrant campus communities, and robust alumni networks without the crushing selectivity of their flagship counterparts. Michigan State provides many of the same advantages as Michigan but admits a far higher percentage of qualified applicants (and offers a top Honors College). The University of Iowa offers outstanding writing and health programs alongside generous merit scholarships that can make an out-of-state education surprisingly affordable.

As I visited seven midwest campuses, I encountered passionate administrators and professors, cutting-edge facilities, and happy, thriving students. The common thread wasn't selectivity or rankings; it was fit.

For families navigating this complex landscape, the key is reframing what "dream school" really means. Is it a bumper sticker, or is it where your student will find the specific programs, opportunities, and community that will help them flourish?

The most successful students I've counseled have approached the process with open minds, looking for institutions where they can stand out rather than just fit in. They've discovered that attending a university where they can access honors programs, research opportunities, and close faculty relationships often leads to better outcomes than fighting for attention at more selective institutions.

The college journey isn't about chasing prestige—it's about finding the environment where your unique talents can fully bloom. And fortunately, at our public universities, those environments are more abundant than many families realize.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign