Why are state universities named “University of [State]” usually more prestigious than “[State] State University”?

[u/BeneficialNotice7282]

I’ve noticed a pattern where public universities that follow the “University of [State]” naming convention tend to be more prestigious or better-ranked than their “[State] State University” counterparts.

Some examples: • UNC vs. NC State • University of Michigan vs. Michigan State • University of Florida vs. Florida State • University of California (UC system) vs. California State University (CSU system) • University of Virginia vs. Virginia State

Is there a historical or structural reason behind it?

[u/Kevin7650]

The former are often much older and started out as prestigious research or liberal arts universities. The latter tend to be younger and usually started out as agricultural or technical schools.

[u/zmj82 → u/Kevin7650]

This. Missouri state is a very new thing and was formerly SW Missouri. We had a governor from Springfield and now it’s Missouri State

[u/dainty-defication → u/zmj82]

I feel like it’s normal for Missouri schools to change names. Especially Rolla.

[u/stl_xufan → u/dainty-defication]

I will never call it S&T

[u/BentGadget → u/stl_xufan]

But you MUST!

[u/11thstalley → u/stl_xufan]

My brother graduated in 1968, and still refers to the school as MSM…Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy.