State Schools vs Liberal Arts Colleges

State Schools

Pros:

• Often offer a better selection of majors
• Most state schools are notorious for wild parties
• Tuition is lower, especially if you are classified as in-state
• Large classes make it easier to sleep in one or two days each week
• Many state schools offer first rate educations. Graduates of the University of Maryland, University of Virginia, and University of Michigan all do very well after graduation.
  

Cons

• If the state school isn't a "brand name" school, one might have a hard time finding a job
• Sometimes, bureaucracy can leave one feeling more like a number than a student
• The environment at some state schools can aptly be described as anti-intellectual.
  

Liberal Arts Colleges

Pros

• Liberal arts colleges often streamline students towards graduate schools
• Your professors will know you by name, the liberal arts experience will ensure you understand class material.
  

Cons

• Tuition is often in excess of $30,000 per year, and when housing and food costs are included they can cost $50,000 each year.
• Be prepared for small classes where participation is mandatory
• Many liberal arts colleges are lacking (or don't even have) engineering programs or programs in the hard sciences.