Gosh - let's not get this thread hijacked into defending our southern states educated/non-educated citizens!! I noticed that ASTAlumna has provided a few lists that contain several of our states - AR, MS, OK, TX, etc. So we can all collectively cringe at that data. And I started it because I always feel I have to defend my home state!
I do think the thread has done some good at shining light on why some of these state schools have the tough job of diminishing tiers. It is so much more than tradition...