Can you list Public Ivy League schools, and how do they compare to the Ivies?

I’ve been hearing a lot about 'Public Ivy League' schools recently and I'd love to know more about them. Which colleges are considered 'Public Ivies,' and do they really offer an Ivy League-like experience at a public school price point?

Absolutely, I'd be happy to help with that! The term 'Public Ivy' was coined by Richard Moll in his 1985 book to refer to public universities that offer an educational experience on par with the Ivy League.

There's no official list, and it has evolved over time, but some schools commonly regarded as Public Ivies include the University of California system (especially UC Berkeley and UCLA), the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, The College of William & Mary, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a few others.

As for your second question, these schools are renowned for offering high-quality education, faculty, and resources that can indeed rival Ivy League institutions—often at a lower cost, especially for in-state students. However, they also tend to have larger student populations and different social dynamics, so the experience isn't identical.

Comparatively, Public Ivies also have excellent research opportunities, diverse course offerings, and a vibrant campus life, but the student-to-faculty ratio and the overall atmosphere might differ from the traditional 'Ivy' experience. Still, for many students, Public Ivies present a fantastic blend of quality and value.