Big 10 universities for a prospective student

Since I started doing my research on universities, I've been hearing a lot about 'Big 10' universities. Can someone give me an insight into what they are and why they hold such prestige? Are they renowned for specific majors or is it more about the sports?

The term 'Big 10' refers to a collegiate athletic conference that comprises 14 major universities in the United States, not ten as the name might suggest. Originally made up of ten universities, the Big 10 conference expanded to its present size and retained its widely recognized name, despite the increase in member schools.

While these universities are indeed known for strong athletics programs, they each offer high-quality teaching and robust academic programs as well, making them desirable options for students considering post-secondary education. These schools include:

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2. Indiana University Bloomington

3. University of Iowa

4. University of Maryland, College Park

5. University of Michigan

6. Michigan State University

7. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

9. Northwestern University

10. Ohio State University

11. Pennsylvania State University

12. Purdue University

13. Rutgers University

14. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Each university has its areas of strength. For instance, the University of Michigan is well-regarded in the fields of Engineering and Business, Northwestern University has a renowned Journalism program, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a strong emphasis on research, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.

The prestige of these universities comes from their long-standing tradition of nurturing intellectual development and preparing students for success after graduation, in addition to their impactful research contributions. Their vibrant sports culture also plays a part, and many students and alumni take pride in supporting their school's teams.

Keep in mind, though, that the right university for anyone isn't just about prestige. It's important to consider factors like the availability of majors you're interested in, the campus culture, size, location, opportunities outside of class, and cost. It's about finding a school where you feel you can excel academically and personally.