I'd get a 13" MacBook Pro. Just bought one at Microcenter for $999 and I haven't looked back since.
New MacBook airs look cheaply made, and I've heard of overheating and graphics issues.
I just set my buddy up with the white 13" Macbook ($949 student pricing), 8GB RAM ($85), and a 120GB SSD ($240). For $1285, he has an incredibly fast laptop. I personally like the plastic Macbooks more than the metal Macbook Pros - they are more dent-proof, although they scratch easier.
Memory link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231294
SSD link: (no moving parts = great for laptops)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231378
OP, if you look into a 13" Macbook, I'd recommend going full-bore on a protection kit to keep the machine clean throughout your college experience. That means a cushioned bag, a plastic exterior shell, a keyboard protector, and wristpad mats. Here are some links:
Outside shells: http://www.speckproducts.com/macbooks/macbook-13-new-white-unibody.html
Keyboard Protector: http://www.iskin.com/protouch_macbook/common_features.html
Wrist Pads: http://www.marware.com/products/MacBook_2/Macbook-Protection-Pack-Deluxe
The exterior shells are pricey (like $50), but they protect your Macbook from dings, scuffs, scratches, and from being knocked around or accidentally bumped, so in my book it's worth it. I always put one on my laptops and when I go to sell them years later, they still look brand-new.
I usually hate keyboard protectors, but the ones from iSkin (starting at $25) are surprisingly nice to type on, and if your fingers are greasy from food or you spill a drink on your keyboard, it's not the end of the world. They're also easily removable and washable.
The wrist pads are nice because (1) they protect the wristpads from scratches, (2) they keep the wristpads clean (the white ones especially tend to get dirty from oil in your skin), and (3) they are made from soft microfiber, so they're nicer to rest your wrists on over long periods of time.
I would also highly recommend a padded bag. The two best options are a laptop backpack or a shoulder bag - just depends on what style you like. I have an Ogio Metro backpack, which is going on 4 years and still looks brand-new (I broke 3 backpacks before that!). It has a padded laptop section with a dedicated zipper so you can pop out your laptop easily, which is handy at the airport and also for when you have to pack up and put your laptop away quickly. Here's a link: (eBags.com has them for about $50 - mine was about $80 when I bought it, and was absolutely worth every penny)
http://www.ogio.com/product/view/319/Metro
You might also want to consider a spare power charger if you're at your desk a lot - that way you don't have to go through the hassle of plugging/unplugging the cable every time you leave or come home. Apple charges $80, but you can get them from OWC for $55:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/MC461LLA/
So total you're looking at around $1500 for a fast 13" Macbook with a full protection kit, bag, and spare power cable. With a dual-core processor, 8 gigs of RAM, and a speedy solid-state drive, the performance should last you a good few years, and the protection pack will keep it safe & shiny for the duration of ownership. Some food for thought