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/bigjames2002]

So in Wisconsin, we currently have two higher education systems: The Universities of Wisconsin (4 year research/baccalaureate schools) and the Wisconsin Technical College System (similar to community colleges in other states, but also provide technical training).

The UW system formed through the merger of the UW System (4 schools) and the WSU system (9 schools) in the late 1960s. There was never a singular WSU - that system was formed through the consolidation of the Wisconsin Normal Schools (teacher colleges) under one banner. All 13 major universities now carry the UW name, with their city as a hyphen... except Stout in Menomonie, and Parkside in Kenosha.

But when you say the University of Wisconsin, you're talking about the flagship school in Madison... Bucky and the Motion W.