McNugent said:Don't necessarily go to the cheapest bidder. There is a difference between quality and quantity. Yes, total flight time is important, but make sure you aren't getting some CFI that is just out to throw some time in his log book, barely teach you anything then dump you.
If you are relying on your instructor to spoon feed you, then you are a poor student. If you are taking the bull by the horns and the CFI is not doing their job, you will know. As a student, you should know what your next lesson is going to be over and come prepared so that the CFI can explain what you don't understand, smooth out the rough edges, and not waste the CFI's time or your money on going over what you should have studied and brought with you. A flight school is like any other school. You might be in the best school system in the world and get the worst teacher or vice versa. Understanding what you are saying, a good CFI is very important, but just because you pay big bucks doesn't mean you are getting one. If you are coming to you lesson prepared, studied up, and ready, and the CFI is not getting it done, find another one. Your best bet is to ask around the school and find a student who has recieved many ratings there. Ask them who to get or who to stay away from. If they have been there a while, they will know. Get other students opinions before you pick one.
BTW, if you are looking for just the best and money and/or time is no object, then you could do a lot worse than UND, that is for sure.