how do you compare college towns?

[zdg]

I am the first to admit the US News college rankings are horribly, horribly flawed and that the individual rankings are likely meaningless. That being said, I think there is some directional correctness (for example, Princeton may not in fact be the best school but it is likely a better school than East Handkerchief State).

UC-Davis is ranked the ninth best public university in America. Chico State is ranked 42nd in non-doctoral degree granting public schools in the West.

So while I'm sure Chico State is a fine place to attend, it's simply not on the same level as UC-Davis in terms of degrees and reputation. To be clear, I have no dog in this fight; I attended neither school and have no allegiance of any kind to either place.

[the city]

Originally Posted by Deezus

Well, without UC Davis what does Davis really have? As well there's like 65,000 people in Davis and 32,000 total students enrolled at UC Davis.

Top employers in Davis:

yes, but I think outside the downtown and college area it feels just a normal suburb.

[the city]

I am still not sure how one would compare colleges.

Things I noticed Cal Poly highlights are:

-top engineering and other academic programs
-new facilities like a new recreation center
-weather
-nice downtown and farmer's market
-high end dorm room living