Question regarding math schools

[Miike012]

I was always curious, what is the difference between getting a math degree at Arizona State University or MIT?
In the long run, won't a person from MIT or ASU learn the same things in the long run? Or no?

 

[fss]

Connections, professor prestige, research possibilities. Other than that, undergraduate programs are pretty much the same.

 

[HallsofIvy]

I do not entirely agree. First, "professor prestige" is not just "prestige"- they really are better professors. But not necessarily better at teaching. The difference between professors at M.I.T. and, say Arizona State University, is much more important to graduate students than to undergraduates.

But the difference in students is very important. The fact that the students are more highly selected means that more of them are able to grasp concepts more quickly and the class does not have to spend more time on the same subjects. Also the "give and take" between students in classes is very important to learning- and that will be of a much higher level at M.I.T. than at A.S.U.

(Of course, A.S.U.'s football team is better!)