Because private universities are top billers, it's important to consider  

public universities

  during your college search. At a fraction of the cost, public colleges will still provide you with a top-notch education, and many are as respected and well known as their Ivy League brethren.

According to The College Board, the average tuition price for public universities is less than $5,000, while an education at an average private institution will cost nearly $20,000. Despite this disparity in prices, you'll still find an excellent education and plentiful opportunities at a public institution. In fact, schools like this are termed "Public Ivies" for their Ivy League educations at public university prices. And, as opposed to the eight Ivies, there are over 20 Public Ivies to choose from, encompassing colleges from states both big and small.

Colleges like the University of Arizona, Rutgers University, and the College of William and Mary, are known to provide great educations and opportunities for students without demanding a big tuition payment. In addition, most public colleges also have better acceptance rates than Ivy League schools, and other popular institutions such as Duke University and Rice University.

Although you may be considering colleges that are not Public Ivies, don't be discouraged. They're still a great investment and look great on any resume. And even if you decide to attend a community college, you may have a chance at a Public Ivy experience thanks to partnerships between public universities and community colleges. For example, the University of Maryland, whose College Park campus is considered to be a Public Ivy, has established the Maryland Transfer Advantage. Thanks to this program, students who attend the Montgomery College or Prince George's College can graduate from their two-year colleges and be granted a transfer to the University of Maryland in order to complete their four-year degree there.

As you can see, public colleges are a great choice for any student. No matter if you're considering Ivy Leagues or community colleges, remember that public universities are always a safe and smart option.

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