Does being a research university actually hurt the quality of a university?

It's hard to say. The lecture quality might be a little worse (typically adjunct teachers get the best student reviews), but you're being taught by experts in the field. Meaning if you ask a question, you won't be getting a regurgitated answer, you'll could have a real conversation, and maybe learn something that hasn't yet been published, or learn where the field is going. If you want to study something in the humanities, you could go either way, but if you want to study a STEM or social science field, I think being at a research university is best.

Not at all. Research oriented university even make the quality of teaching and learning better. Professors who are involved in research, they are far better knowledgeable due to their constant involvement in research. Actually research makes one's knowledge more sharp which is based on practical experience..

I chose to go to a research university so that I could learn from the best people in my field. The researchers are the professors - they are the ones with the office hours and the ones that will be answering your questions. At the university I attended, there is also a big emphasis on undergraduate research, so you are also working side by side with these researchers in their labs, helping with their research and sometimes working on your own projects. I liked that I was challenged in this environment and pushed hard, and has changed the way that I look at the world.

Hi Trey!

On the contrary. Being involved in research allows students and faculty to engage in real application of that which is being studied which enhances the educational experience. When you are selecting a college you might look at the types of research that they are doing to see how it might be aligned with your areas of interest. Such involvement could greatly benefit your academic experience and your success in finding an appropriate job.