Public Ivies: 10 Top Public Universities to Consider

Public Ivies

For many years, the Ivy League colleges have been considered the most elite universities in the country. Schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, which have been educating students for over 300 years, are world renowned, but they take only a limited number of students. The need for diversity and accessibility in higher education has led to the expansion of what we consider “top universities.” Today’s Ivy-contenders include the New Ivies, Hidden Ivies, Southern Ivies, Little Ivies, and top public universities known as Public Ivies.

Public Ivies offer the same standard of education as the Ivies, in a public school environment and at a public school cost. These schools are more than just non-Ivies — they’re some of the best schools you can attend today. Just search “best public universities in USA” and you’ll find plenty of these schools at the top of any public school rankings list.

In this article, we’ll learn more about the Public Ivies, answering questions such as:

• Where did the term Public Ivies originate?
• What categories do Public Ivy League schools belong to (Southern Ivies, Little Ivies, etc) 
• What are the New Ivies?
• How are Public Ivies and Ivy League schools different from each other?
• What Public Schools are considered part of the New Ivy League?
• What should I know about applying to New Ivy League schools?

To start, let’s review what the Ivy League is and what the Ivies are known for today.

What is the Ivy league?

Since Public Ivies are in a way modeled after those schools, it’s important to look at the Ivy League itself. The Ivy League actually originated as an athletic conference, officially established in 1954. Today, the Ivy League still exists as an athletic conference, but it has also become a term for this collective of prestigious universities. As it did when it was founded, the Ivy League prides itself on high academic standards and is known for its selectivity.

The eight schools that make up the Ivy League are:

• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Dartmouth College
• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University

These schools are all located in the Northeastern U.S. and are all private. These campuses were originally named Ivy Colleges because, as a tradition, seniors on campus would plant ivy, covering the iconic buildings of these schools. Today these schools boast low acceptance rates, strong academic programs, and a rooting in the Liberal Arts.

All eight of the Ivy League schools rank in the top 15 colleges in the country, according to U.S. News, with some even ranking among the top 10 colleges in the world. Because of their high rankings and long history, Ivy League schools are seen as the pinnacle of excellence in American higher education. As such, there is huge competition to get into the Ivy League schools — their average acceptance rate is just 5%!

Ivy league schools certainly have prestige and name recognition that even the best non Ivy League schools cannot claim. However, despite the history and renown of the original Ivy League, new Ivy League caliber schools are gaining popularity, promising a public Ivy League college experience. 

Ivy-inspired college categories

The prominence of the Ivy League has inspired a number of subcategories that are related to the Ivy League but do not feature Ivy League schools as members. Let’s look at some of these “New Ivy League” categories:

New Ivy League Categories

Seven Sisters

A coalition of women’s colleges, also known as the Sister Ivies, which offered women a chance to earn a high quality education. Includes Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mt. Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, Vassar, and Wellesley. 

Little Ivies

Small, northeastern liberal arts colleges that are similar to the Ivy League schools near them. Amherst, Middlebury, and Swarthmore are three of the top ranked Little Ivies. These schools are also known as Hidden Ivies due to their small size and rural locations.

Southern Ivies

Ivy League caliber schools located in the Southeastern U.S. Includes schools such as Washington and Lee, Duke, and Rice.

Public Ivies

The best public universities in the country. These schools offer an Ivy League caliber education in a larger environment with more options for majors and bigger class sizes. The Public Ivies include some of the best Public Ivy League schools, such as UNC Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, and UCLA.

The New Ivies

The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, Hidden Ivies, and Sister Ivies can all be collectively known as the New Ivies. These schools are not as old or historic as Ivy League schools, but they are still some of the best public universities and best private universities in the country. 

How do we know that these are some of the best non Ivy League schools? For one thing, schools like Duke, Cal Tech, MIT, and Stanford cracked the top 10 of U.S. News’s latest college rankings — and none of them are part of the Ivy League.

While the Liberal Arts tradition of the Ivy League is excellent, New Ivies are increasingly competing for top students. They offer more diverse majors at a lower cost than an Ivy League school, particularly the Public Ivies. Many of these New Ivies are at the cutting edge of research and technology, making them even better fits for students majoring in STEM.

The rise of Public Ivies

The term Public Ivies first appeared in the 1980s, when author Richard Moll identified eight universities that he felt offered an Ivy League education at a public university price. These Public Ivies were considered some of the top public universities in the country at the time.

Since then the list has grown considerably, and more schools than ever are considered Public Ivies. While there is no standardized criteria for a public university to join this elite group, the Public Ivies stand out for their academic excellence, top tier research programs, and affordable price. 

Many factors have contributed to the rise of public Ivies on the national stage. Rising college costs have led many families to explore more affordable college options. Public Ivies have invested more money in hiring top faculty members, funding research projects, and offering scholarships to attract high achieving students. They’ve also focused on job readiness, which employers are noticing in their hiring practices. The Ivy League is no longer the only place to hire strong candidates for jobs. In fact, many employers say that Public Ivies prepare students better for certain jobs than Ivy League schools.

The Public Ivies stand out even from other top public universities in their cost, accessibility, and quality of academics. Public Ivies are increasingly seen as not just top public universities, but top schools in general. In fact, because of their size, amount of funding, and diversity of academic offerings, Public Ivy League schools can even offer opportunities and experiences that an Ivy League school cannot. Furthermore, students can access in-state tuition at top public universities all over the country. 

Original Public Ivies

Back when the term Public Ivies was first used, the list included just eight schools. These eight schools included the University of California system, which was made up at the time of eight individual top public universities. This meant that 15 schools were included in the original Public Ivies list. Since then, new schools have been added to the list. However, the original Public Ivies still remain relevant today.

First Public Ivies

College of William & Mary

Founded in 1693 in Williamsburg, VA, the College of William & Mary is the first public university on the original list. As the second-oldest university in the U.S., the College of William & Mary is known for its strong liberal arts programs and rich history of producing notable alumni in government, law, and academics. It has a highly regarded law school and offers a close-knit academic environment where students can design their own majors.

Miami University

Known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education, Miami University has a long and proud history as a member of the Public Ivies. The public university, founded in 1809 in Oxford, OH, has a great reputation for preparing students for leadership in business and public service. It is often recognized for its beautiful campus and its excellence in the Liberal Arts, as well as having one of the top education programs in the country.

UC System

The UC System now has ten individual campuses, from San Francisco in Northern California to San Diego in Southern California. Today, prospective students can fill out a UC admissions application to as many campuses as they want. UC admissions is extremely competitive, particularly for top public universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley. These schools are especially well-known for their contributions to science, technology, social sciences, and humanities.

University of Michigan

This is the largest public university on the original Public Ivies list. Founded in 1817 in Ann Arbor, MI, the University of Michigan is known for its excellence in engineering, business, law, and medicine, and University of Michigan SAT scores are among the highest of the Public Ivies. Michigan boasts a strong core of teachers, and its research output is highly respected around the world. The university is also known for its vibrant student life and athletic programs, including a football team that won a National Championship in 2024.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Founded in 1789 in Chapel Hill, NC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the best public university in the South. UNC Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. It is well-regarded for its research output, particularly in public health, business, and the humanities. It has a strong basketball tradition and is also known for its commitment to social mobility and affordable education through extensive scholarships.

University of Texas at Austin

With strong athletic traditions and extensive research opportunities in both the arts and sciences, the University of Texas at Austin has something for every student. Founded in 1883 in Austin, TX, this school has a long tradition of academic excellence. Today, students can choose from 170 different academic programs of study. As one of the top public universities in the country, UT Austin receives hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding every year.

University of Vermont

This public university, founded in 1791 in Burlington, VT, is located very close to several Ivy League schools. Known for its commitment to sustainability, environmental sciences, and liberal arts, the University of Vermont  is highly regarded for its personalized education and strong connection to nature. It has a beautiful campus set amidst the scenic landscapes of Vermont.

University of Virginia

Last but not least is the University of Virginia. Founded in 1819 in Charlottesville, VA by Thomas Jefferson, UVA stands out for the strength of its programs and the energy and involvement of its student body. Their strong law, public policy, and business programs attract tens of thousands of University of Virginia applications each year. Since its founding, the school has consistently ranked among the top public universities in the US.

Evolution of the Public Ivies

After the original list came out in 1985, Howard and Matthew Greene expanded the Public Ivies and grouped them by region. Their list has helped students in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, West Coast, and Great Lakes regions find top public universities in their area. The schools the Greenes identified (sometimes called the “New Ivies”) fulfill the same criteria for excellence that the original Public Ivies did.

Over time, the list of Public Ivies list has grown by more than 30 schools. Public Ivies can be found all over the country, though many Public Ivy League schools are concentrated on the east and west coasts.

Over the years, Forbes has also conducted a rigorous overview of the top public universities and private universities across the country. More recently, Forbes announced its own list of the top 20 New Ivies. This list differs from previous additions because it includes 10 private universities, in addition to 10 top public universities. 

The New Ivies

Although educational writers have been identifying new Ivy League caliber schools since the 1980s, Forbes came out with its list in 2024. This indicates that the search for New Ivies remains active and ongoing.

The criteria that Forbes used included test scores, admissions data, and data collected by surveying employers hiring recent graduates. The list emphasizes selective schools with less than a 50% acceptance rate for a public university and less than a 20% acceptance rate for a private one. It also only includes schools with at least 4,000 undergraduate students and where students submitted SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. Forbes’s New Ivies are also schools that ready students for the workforce after graduation.

These New Ivies include a diverse range of schools, ranging from the STEM oriented Georgia Tech and Carnegie Mellon to the more Liberal Arts focused Rice and Boston College. The New Ivies are also spread all around the country in states including Texas, Florida, California, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The schools boast strong research programs and a diverse range of major offerings. Diversity within the student body is also an important characteristic at every public university or private college on this list. 

Public Ivies vs. Ivy League Schools

While both Public Ivies and Ivy League schools are academically rigorous, they are also different in several key factors. So, let’s discuss the nuances between an Ivy-level public university and a traditional Ivy.

Size

First, Public Ivies tend to be significantly larger than Ivy League Schools. Most Public Ivies have at least 20-30,000 undergraduates. This larger size does not mean that the academic quality is worse. In fact, having large student bodies is one of the major benefits of the Public Ivies. Sure, these schools have larger class sizes for introductory subjects, but they also offer more major options. A larger size also means a larger alumni network, which helps graduates of Public Ivies find jobs after graduation.

Selectivity

Public Ivies tend to have higher acceptance rates than Ivy League schools, because there are simply more spots available in the incoming classes. Ivy League acceptance rates tend to be in the single digits, while Public Ivies tend to have much higher rates. You’ll still face competition at some schools, where the acceptance rates are in the mid-teens. However, whether you’re submitting a Georgia Tech application or a University of Virginia application, you’ll still be facing less competition than you would at any Ivy.

Funding

Since they receive funding from states to conduct important research projects, Public Ivies also tend to spend more money on research than Ivy League schools. This funding also means that the cost of attending a Public Ivy is often lower than an Ivy League school. 

Despite these differences, both Public Ivies and Ivy League schools offer an excellent education, and both provide significant financial relief. Ivy League schools tend to have larger endowments and fewer students to help. This means individual students can sometimes receive more money from Ivy League schools than even the best non Ivy League schools. However, Public Ivies can offset costs with discounts for in-state residents and have many grants to offer students.  

10 Top Public Universities

If you came across this article searching for “best Public Universities in USA” — this section is for you. Here is a list of today’s Public Ivy league, as rated by Forbes:

Current Public Ivies

1. Binghamton University – SUNY

One of the best schools in the SUNY system, Binghamton tops plenty of public school rankings. This public university, named a Best Value school, is well worth the investment, especially for New York residents who pay reduced tuition. Binghamton is also an R1 school, an important criteria for top research universities in the country.

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a STEM focused school with high public school rankings in all disciplines of engineering. Georgia Tech ranks in the top 20 for business and computer science, and many of their students find amazing internships during their undergrad
— another great reason to submit a Georgia Tech application! 

3. University of Florida

This university, located in Gainesville, FL, has risen through the public school rankings to become one of the top public universities in the country. The University of Florida ranking is in the top 10 on both Forbes’s and U.S. News’s list of the Best Public Colleges. This high University of Florida ranking is thanks to a strong research background, robust online degree programs, and high retention rate among undergraduate students.

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

One of three Midwestern colleges on this list, UIUC is also in the top ten of U.S. News’s public school rankings. Programs like accounting and engineering are the top fields at UIUC, with both programs ranked in the top five nationally. UIUC also has state-of-the-art arts buildings and one of the largest libraries in the country.

5. University of Maryland, College Park

Halfway through our list of top public universities, we find the University of Maryland. This public university offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs across their 12 colleges, which includes a school of architecture. Maryland has risen 20 points in the public school rankings since 2020, jumping up to #44 in National Universities. This increase shows their commitment to research, sustainability, and diversity, both in the student body and their academic offerings.

6. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

As Michigan’s flagship state university, the University of Michigan recruits top students and puts them to work both inside and outside of the classroom. U of M students are dedicated to academics, as evidenced by the 1470 average University of Michigan SAT score for incoming students. Michigan also ranks highly for its college town of Ann Arbor, voted the best in the country in 2023. 

7. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Of the top public universities on our list, UNC Chapel Hill is the oldest, awarding degrees since the late eighteenth century. It also has a smaller student body than other public schools, as well as one of the lowest public school acceptance rates in the country. This selectivity ensures that UNC students can handle the challenges of an elite public school. 

8. University of Texas – Austin

With over 50,000 students, UT Austin is the biggest and most economically powerful school in the state of Texas. Unlike many of the other schools on this list, UT Austin is located in a large metropolitan area with lots of employment opportunities and cultural significance. They are also a top 40 university in the world, thanks in large part to a diverse student body and a top medical school.

9. University of Virginia

Located in Charlottesville, the next of the top public universities on our list is UVA. UVA was one of the original Public Ivies and has several top three rankings including in financial aid, one of the most important criteria for membership in the Public Ivies. Their strongest programs are in law and business where their graduate schools are ranked #1 and #2, respectively.

10. University of Wisconsin – Madison

The final school on our list of top public universities is UW Madison. While this school is not as high profile or recognized as the other schools on this list, it is still an excellent state university. They rank among the top 10 nationally for both research funding and affordability, and rank #13 among public universities by U.S. News.

These are some of the best non Ivy League schools, but we think there are a few more public schools worth mentioning. Next, we’ll highlight a few more top public universities across the U.S.

More Top Public Universities

From New Ivies to Little Ivies and everything in between, there are excellent higher education institutions outside of the Ivy League. While the following public universities may not be in the top 10 public school rankings, they certainly deliver on academic excellence. Additionally, they are among U.S. News’ list of top public universities and best non Ivy League schools. 

5 More Top Public Universities

Ohio State University

First up is Ohio State University. Located in Columbus, Ohio, OSU is home to strong engineering, business, and medical programs. This member of the Hidden Ivies also offers one of the largest research budgets among top public universities. The location in Columbus offers proximity to a growing tech hub and provides great internship and job opportunities.

Rutgers University

This public university, located in New Brunswick, is the flagship campus of New Jersey’s state university system. As one of the Hidden Ivies, Rutgers University boasts notable pharmacy, business, and political science programs. With its proximity to New York City, Rutgers offers its students extensive networking and career prospects.

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is known to be one of the Southern Ivies and top public universities for research. Many students submit a Georgia Tech application because of the school’s strong pre-health major and the programs housed at UGA’s Terry College of Business. Athens, GA homes this public university and is a classic college town with a vibrant student life and strong job market.

University of Washington

The University of Washington is renowned for programs in computer science, engineering, and health sciences and is a major research powerhouse with strong global collaborations. Located in Seattle and one of the hidden Ivies, this public university provides students with direct access to large corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, and biotech companies. 

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Located  in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue offers one of the best engineering and aviation schools in the country. Its STEM and business programs also have high public rankings. Purdue is known as a one of the top public universities for its innovation, research, and strong corporate partnerships, especially in aerospace and manufacturing.

Each of these schools provides a top-tier education, strong research opportunities, and excellent career prospects. Let’s continue our discussion of top public universities by returning to some of the original Public Ivies: the UCs. 

The University of California System

The University of California (UC) system is one of the most prestigious networks of top public universities in the U.S. and serves as a key example of Public Ivy Leagues. With 10 campuses across California, the UCs offer world-class academics, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a commitment to accessibility and diversity. Let’s look at five of the most prestigious campuses of the UC system. 

5 Prestigious UC Schools

UCLA

This school, located in Los Angeles, offers students strong industry connections in areas like entertainment and tech. UCLA is consistently among the top public universities in the nation. Additionally, it has high public school rankings in film, business, engineering, and life sciences.

UC Berkeley

Located in the San Francisco Bay area, UC Berkeley offers unparalleled access to Silicon Valley opportunities. It is also the flagship campus of the UC system and a global leader in research. UC Berkeley has high public school rankings in engineering, business, political science, and computer science.

UC San Diego

The University of California San Diego is a powerhouse in STEM fields like biotechnology, oceanography, and engineering. UCSD, located in La Jolla, is also home to the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Students here have the opportunity for strong research partnerships in a beautiful coastal setting. 

UC Davis

The next campus, UC Davis, is located in Northern California. This campus emphasizes sustainability and research — it’s the perfect environment for renowned programs like agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science. UC Davis is also known as one of the best public universities for pre-med and biological sciences in the UC system.

UC Irvine

We are rounding out our list of the best public universities with UC Irvine. Located in Orange County, UC Irvine is renowned for its health sciences, business, and computer science programs. The campus is also home to the UCI Medical Center, a leading research hospital.

As some of the best non Ivy League schools, UC admissions are competitive, especially for non-California residents. However, they’re well worth the effort of applying. With a combination of academic prestige, research excellence, and strong industry connections, the UC system remains a model for high-quality public education. 

Speaking of competition at the best non Ivy League schools, let’s discuss admissions rates in more detail.

Admission rates at Public Ivies

Public Ivies are top public universities that offer an Ivy League-caliber education at a lower cost, particularly for in-state students. These top public universities typically have lower acceptance rates compared to most public schools. However, they are still more accessible than Ivy League schools, which often have single-digit acceptance rates.

While Ivy League schools admit fewer than 10% of applicants, Public Ivy Leagues generally have acceptance rates ranging from 16% to 45%. This level of selectivity makes these schools competitive but within reach for many high-achieving students. To see this range in action, here is Forbes’ list of New Ivies and their acceptance rates, as reported by U.S. News.

Public Ivies Acceptance Rates

Here are a few key factors influencing acceptance rates:

• In-state vs. Out-of-state admissions: Most Public Ivy Leagues reserve a significant percentage of their seats for in-state students, who often have a higher chance of admission. Out-of-state and international applicants face a more competitive admissions process.
• Holistic review process: Like Ivy League schools, many of the New Ivy Leagues consider GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation in the admissions evaluation process. Many are test-optional, and some, like the UCs, are test-blind.
• Strong state funding: Public universities receive state funding, allowing them to offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, while still maintaining high academic standards.
• Growing competitiveness: As more students seek high-quality education at a lower cost, many Public Ivy Leagues have become increasingly competitive, with some schools seeing record-low acceptance rates in recent years.

Overall, Public Ivies strike a balance between selectivity and accessibility, providing an elite education at a fraction of the Ivy League cost, particularly for in-state students. 

Applying to Public Ivies

Public Ivies, like the University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offer top-tier education at a public university price. However, when we look at the rankings, such as the University of Florida ranking, it’s clear that these schools are still quite competitive. Therefore, when completing your University of Virginia application or any other Public Ivy application, you’ll need to make it stand out.

Here are some factors you should focus on as an applicant building an Ivy worthy, or Public Ivy worthy, application:  

Application essays

New Ivy Leagues value students who are engaged and passionate about learning. Use your application essays to highlight your academic interests and how you plan to contribute to the campus community. You should also be sure to tie your essay to the public university’s mission, programs, or research opportunities.

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any school. Admissions officers want to see why attending their school is important to your goals. Public Ivies are looking for students who will make a difference, so demonstrate how you have influenced your community, taken initiative, or overcome challenges.

Recommendation letters

This is another important aspect of your Public Ivy applications, so be sure to choose your writers wisely. Select teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths, character, and leadership. If possible, meet with recommenders to discuss your goals and experiences, ensuring they highlight aspects that reinforce your application.

Standardized testing 

Before you apply, be sure to understand the testing policies for the schools you’re applying to. Some Public Ivy Leagues require test scores, like the University of Michigan SAT requirements, while others are test-optional.

You may also want to do some research and compare your scores to averages to gauge what your chances of acceptance are. For example, the middle 50% of standardized test scores at the University of Florida range from 1360-1500 (SAT) and 30-34 (ACT). These high test scores contribute to the University of Florida ranking, and the school’s competitiveness. 

Unless the schools you’re applying to require test scores, like the University of Michigan SAT requirements, you should weigh the benefits and risks of submitting your scores. As a rule, when deciding to submit scores to test-optional schools, if your scores are above the 75th percentile, submit. If you’re in the middle 50%, you should submit if the rest of your application is strong. If you’re below the 25th percentile, consider applying test-optional.

Extracurricular activities

The key to extracurricular activities is quality versus quantity. Public Ivies prefer students who have demonstrated commitment and leadership in a few key activities rather than superficial participation in many. If possible, tie extracurriculars to your intended field of study to reinforce your academic focus. Similar to application essays, your extracurricular activities should show impact. Whether through community service, athletics, or summer programs, you should highlight the tangible difference you have made.

Top Public Universities: Tuition and Financial Aid

Since cost is such an important factor in the college admissions process, let’s further discuss the average tuition of top public universities.

Tuition at a public college for in-state students typically ranges between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. Meanwhile, tuition can be significantly higher for out-of-state students at about $30,000 and $35,000 annually. For example, if you’re submitting a Georgia Tech application as an in-state student, tuition is $10,512. The out-of-state rate is $32,938. However, it’s important to remember that these initial rates don’t factor in financial aid. 

When considering Public Ivies, it’s important to highlight the various financial aid options available to help manage the cost of education. One option is merit-based scholarships. These are awarded based on academic achievements, test scores, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Many Public Ivies offer merit scholarships to both in-state and out-of-state students. 

Another key option for aid is need-based grants. These are determined by a family’s financial situation, typically assessed by FAFSA. In many cases, Public Ivies provide substantial need-based aid. For example, the University of Virginia meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for in-state students.

Financial aid policies and availability can vary significantly between institutions. It is crucial to research each public university’s offerings and application procedures. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the financial aid offices of the Public Ivies you’re planning to apply to.

5 Benefits of Attending Public Ivies

Public Ivies offer a high-caliber education comparable to Ivy League schools while providing unique advantages. Let’s take a look at five key benefits:

5 Public Ivy Benefits

1. Lower cost

New Ivy Leagues offer significantly lower tuition for in-state students, often less than half the cost of private Ivy League schools. Additionally, many Public Ivies provide generous merit-based scholarships and need-based grants.

2. Rigorous curriculum

Public Ivies offer academically demanding programs, leading top public school rankings across a wide range of disciplines. Many professors at Public Ivies are leading researchers in their fields, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge studies. These universities also tend to offer honors colleges or programs that provide smaller class sizes, priority registration, and specialized coursework.

3. Higher accessibility

Public Ivies tend to have higher admissions rates than Ivy League schools, making them more accessible. There are also multiple paths to admission. Many New Ivies offer transfer-friendly policies, allowing students to start at a community college or another public university and transfer later.

4. Strong alumni network

These extensive and impressive alumni networks help students secure internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities. With a strong alumni network also comes the benefit of industry ties. Many Public Ivies have strong connections to major industries, particularly in fields like engineering (Georgia Tech), business (University of Michigan), and government (University of Virginia).

5. Diverse student body

Public Ivies attract students from across the country and around the world, offering diverse perspectives and experiences. This allows for exposure to a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints, enhancing learning and preparing students for global careers. This sort of commitment to inclusion emphasizes diversity initiatives, support for first-generation students, and multicultural programming.

Whether you’re completing a University of Virginia application, or considering the UC admissions process, attending one of the many Public Ivies offers plenty of opportunities.

Choosing the best Public Ivies for you

Choosing a college to attend is a big commitment. We’ve seen the many benefits that attending a Public Ivy offers, but how can you choose which one is best for you? Well, that will depend on your interests, needs, and preferences. Here are four factors you should consider when choosing a Public Ivy. 

Factors When Choosing Your Best Public Ivy

1. Research academic program offerings and reputation.

Look into the university’s overall strengths, as well as your intended major. Some Public Ivies excel in engineering, like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech, while others have incredible humanities or business programs. Before you submit your applications, make sure you have done your research on faculty expertise, research opportunities, and public school rankings.

2. Look at the campus culture and student life.

Consider the social environment: Is it highly competitive or collaborative? Choose campuses that suit your personal needs, and be sure to explore extracurriculars, student organizations, and campus traditions. Finally, think about class sizes and faculty-student interaction. Large schools may have bigger lectures but more resources.

3. Location, location, location…and climate.

Do you prefer an urban or rural setting? Do you want to be close to home or out of state? Tailor your choices to your preferences. Weather matters too! East Coast schools have cold winters, while West Coast schools offer milder climates.

You will also want to consider the campus’ proximity to large cities and access to internships. For instance, there are plenty of government opportunities near the University of Virginia and unparalleled tech industry access near UC Berkeley. However, if you’re interested in sustainability or environmental science, being in a more rural area could be a benefit. 

4. Consider financial aid and cost.

Take the time to compare in-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates. Many Public Ivies offer strong financial aid, but costs can vary significantly. For the best financial aid opportunities, look into merit scholarships and need-based aid.

While all the considerations above are important to the application and enrollment process, personal fit is key. All New Ivy Leagues offer excellent academics, but the best public universities in USA for you depend on your goals and preferences. A school that is perfect for one student may not be the right fit for another. Prioritize what matters most to you, whether it is prestige, affordability, research opportunities, or student culture.

Public Ivies: Raising the Bar for Public University Education – Takeaways

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of New Ivies, highlighting top public universities that offer an Ivy League caliber education at a more affordable price. These New Ivies provide strong academics, research opportunities, and less competitive admissions than private Ivies.

Here are some key takeaways:

5 Public Ivies Takeaways

1. The Ivy League is a network of eight elite academic schools.

There are also other prestigious non-Ivy institutions, like MIT, Stanford, and Duke, as well as Ivy-inspired college categories like the Seven Sisters, Black Ivy League, and New Ivies. Each of these options rank among the best non Ivy League schools.

2. Public Ivies are prestigious alternatives to the eight Ivy League schools.

The term Public Ivy was coined by Richard Moll in 1985 to recognize top public universities providing an Ivy caliber education. The original Public Ivies include schools like UC Berkeley, Michigan, and UVA, while newer lists, like Forbes’ New Ivies, highlight emerging top public universities.

3. Public Ivies offer comparable academic rigor and networking opportunities at a lower cost.

Particularly for in-state students, these schools have mid-range acceptance rates, generally lower than most public schools but higher than Ivy League institutions but offer an affordable pathway to a world class education. 

4. New Ivy Leagues span the country.

With top public universities like Michigan, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Georgia Tech consistently among the top public school rankings, public ivies are everywhere. The University of California system, with campuses like UCLA and UC Berkeley, is also considered among the top public universities.

5. Considering factors like academic strengths, location, campus culture, and financial aid will help you find the best Public Ivy for you.

Personal fit is key — instead of searching for “best public universities in USA” think about what you truly value in a school. When creating your college list, carefully research your options to find the most suitable Public Ivy for you. 

Need help applying to top public universities like UVA or UT Austin? CollegeAdvisor provides personalized guidance to help you explore, apply to, and gain admission to New Ivies, including the top public universities and private universities in the country. And if you’re still interested in the Ivy League college application process, you can check out this guide!

This article was written by Alex Baggott-Rowe and Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.