University of Wisconsin - Stout hasn’t had the strongest representation in the past year or two, but since the recent curriculum revision, I’d say that it is a force to be reckoned with. Faculty let students discover what sort of designers they want to be and encourage them to experiment and explore. I’ve noticed a significant increase in the enthusiasm of the students and their student chapter IDSA has had some very interesting activities going on currently.
Other benefits: Low tuition.
Students coming from state universities have a broader education and have the ability to take more classes that can compliment ID, such as marketing and business classes as well as psychology and sociology classes.
In the end, the quality of your education is really up to you. You get what you put into it. If you work hard and are enthusiastic about what you are doing, you will be successful.