Public Ivy

The term Public Ivy refers to a group of public universities in the United States that are said to provide an Ivy League-level of higher education at a public school price. The concept was first introduced by Richard Moll in his 1985 book "Public Ivies: A Guide to America's Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities." The term has since been used to describe institutions that are thought to offer an exceptional academic experience comparable to that of the Ivy League schools.

Origins and Concept

In 1985, Richard Moll published his book, which highlighted eight U.S. public universities that he considered as comparable in certain ways to the Ivy League institutions. Moll's criteria for the Public Ivies included academic rigor, admissions selectivity, and campus aesthetics among other factors. The original list aimed to provide guidance to students seeking Ivy League-level education in a public institution.

List of Original Public Ivies

According to Moll, the original Public Ivies consisted of:

• University of California, Berkeley
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Virginia
• University of Michigan
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• College of William & Mary
• University of Texas at Austin
• Miami University

Expansion of the Concept

Over the years, the concept of Public Ivies has expanded beyond the original eight schools listed by Moll. Various educators and institutions have developed their own lists, often including a broader range of universities that are believed to meet the Public Ivy criteria. These expanded lists sometimes include institutions like:

• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• University of Florida
• University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Criticism and Debate

The concept of Public Ivies has been subject to criticism and debate. Some argue that the term may be misleading as it implies a direct comparison with the Ivy League, which is a specific group of private colleges known for their history and influence. Critics also point out that the educational quality and student experience can vary significantly even among the schools labeled as Public Ivies.

Impact on Higher Education

The notion of Public Ivies has had a significant impact on public perception of higher education in the United States. It has helped highlight the value and quality of education offered by public universities, potentially influencing application patterns and state funding decisions. The term has also been used in marketing and promotional materials by the universities themselves and other educational entities.

See Also

• Ivy League
• List of Ivy League universities
• Higher education in the United States