Given the choice between a private college and a public university, many top students have traditionally chosen the former. To combat that trend, state institutions have established honors colleges offering a private atmosphere at a public price.

As this CNN article points out, though, there's little uniformity among them. Some institutions offer honors programs featuring courses designed specifically for honors students. Others tack on an "honors component" (read: more work) to existing courses. Still others have created discrete honors colleges sporting their own curriculum, residence halls, faculty advisors and research opportunities. The common thread is to challenge high-achieving students with a more rigorous academic path.

But how do state institutions, ostensibly more Democratic and egalitarian than their private counterparts, justify the elitist notions of an honors college?

Says one critic:

"I find it interesting that institutions that are founded for the public good are trying to get more and more selective," said George Dehne, a marketing consultant to a number of private colleges he acknowledged are facing increased competition from many such programs. "Are they supposed to educate the best and the brightest or are they supposed to educate the populace?"The answer, evidently, is both. Given the escalating costs of private higher education, many among the best and brightest are seeking public options. And state universities are trying their best to attract and accommodate them.

So if you're a top student who's not terribly eager to part with 40 grand per year, consider the honors route at a public university. But first check out how the institution defines that concept.