it is somewhat about markets...but you guys are underestimating ACADEMICS...the reason UND (and Idaho) got into the Big Sky instead of the NDAC...
markets help but there is a reason why the Big 10 only takes AAU schools when they expand because they can band together for research money from congress which is why north carolina and or kansas and georgia tech will jump in a second when their Big 10 invites comes in then next year or two..
UND has a huge upside coming in next few years with our new Medical School, renovated Law School, maybe a new/reno business school and not to mention the unlimited growth in UAV and natural gas/oil exploration for the engineering school that would make us a little desirable compared to some schools/states are struggling to maintain...
not to mention the IPF, the ralph, the betty....