Top Public Universities – Introduction
America’s top public universities offer incredible research opportunities, all-star facilities, vast alumni networks, and more. They also offer lower tuition rates to in-state students, making these universities a great option for many applicants.
This guide will detail the best public universities in USA and discuss the application process for several top public universities. We’ll also break down the best public universities by region. Additionally, we’ll walk you through the best public universities in USA for specific majors, including engineering and business. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the top public universities nationwide, read on!
What is a public university?
Public universities in USA are funded primarily through the state government rather than private endowments. Many states have state university systems, which comprise many different public universities in USA. Other states have public universities that aren’t part of a system. In addition to the funding source, public universities in USA must also adhere to educational guidelines set by their state.
As a whole, many public universities in USA have larger campuses designed to accommodate more students than private universities. Many of the top public universities are also known for their research initiatives. Additionally, most public universities in USA cost less for in-state residents, making the best public universities more affordable than top private universities.
Public universities in USA come in many different forms, from two-year community colleges to four-year research institutions. The best public universities can be found across the nation. Indeed, the best public universities in USA are some of the best schools in the world.
There are many misconceptions about public universities in USA. Some students assume that the best public universities in USA are easier to get into, and, therefore, less rigorous. On the contrary, many of the top public universities are highly competitive and rival the Ivy League. While all public universities in USA share some common characteristics, it’s important to keep in mind that they’re all unique.
Public Universities vs. Private Colleges
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the best public universities in USA distinct from their private counterparts.
Here are several key differences between public universities in USA and private universities in the United States:
1. Funding
The main difference between private and public universities in USA is the funding source. Private universities are owned privately, while the public universities in USA are funded and operated by the state.
2. Tuition/Scholarships/Financial Aid
The financial aid process differs at public universities in USA, even if they offer scholarships like private universities. Most private universities require the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. On the other hand, most public universities in USA only require the FAFSA. Additionally, the best public universities in USA are typically much less expensive, especially for in-state students. This makes the top public universities an extremely affordable choice for many students.
3. University/Class Size
Public universities in USA typically have larger campuses and class sizes—think large lecture halls rather than small tutorials. Some public universities in USA are organized through a state system, which often includes many campuses that may offer cross-enrollment. However, while many of the best public universities in USA are large, many have honors programs with smaller class sizes. One such example is the Plan II Honors Program at UT Austin. Even at the top public universities in America, you can have small, intimate classes as well as high-attendance lectures.
Overall, public universities in USA are not better or worse than private schools. The best public universities in USA attract thousands every year; clearly, there are many reasons to consider the top public universities. Many of the top public universities have comparable academic rigor and resources to private schools, with plentiful academic and extracurricular opportunities. We’ll detail the best public universities in USA later in this guide.
Why attend a public university?
With competitive and rigorous academic environments at a much lower cost than the top private universities, the best public universities in USA are a popular choice. Many of the top public universities are also major research hubs. Indeed, the best public universities offer students the chance to engage in meaningful and advanced research projects. Additionally, the alumni networks surrounding the best public universities in USA are robust. In fact, many of the top public universities boast famous alumni, reflecting the high quality of the best public universities in USA.
Many of the public universities in USA also have a strong sense of school pride. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll know many of the top public universities have strong teams with national followings. However, even outside of sports, the best public universities still have plenty of school spirit to offer through clubs and organizations.
In addition, the cost of college is much lower at many of the top public universities, particularly for in-state students. Most of the public universities in USA offer in-state tuition rates that can be less than half the out-of-state tuition. Top public universities offer equally academically engaging environments as the top private universities but at a much lower cost.
In addition to the reasons above, students may also prefer the proximity to home offered by the public universities in USA. Attending a public university close to home can help students save on room and board. On the other hand, some top public universities are in bustling college towns with plenty of fun for students. Overall, there are many reasons that top public universities receive thousands of applications every year.
How many public universities are in the US?
According to U.S. News, there are over 1,600 public universities in USA. These schools include the top public universities as well as two-year and community colleges. Our list of public universities will only include four-year schools—though some of these schools may offer two-year programs.
Some, but not all, public universities in USA are attached to state university systems. Therefore, some states, such as California, have several different state university systems. Others, like Delaware and Iowa, have public universities but no state system. Each state is different, so be sure to explore all the best public universities.
What are the top-ranked public universities?
We’ve collected the top public universities and included the top 25 below. We’ve also listed the best public universities for business and engineering later in this guide.
Here are the best public universities in USA, ranked according to the U.S. News National Universities list.
25 Best Public Universities in USA
Best Public Universities in the USA
1. UC Berkeley
The first on our list of public universities is UC Berkeley. Currently ranked #20 among American universities, UC Berkeley stands out among top private universities for its selectivity and academic rigor. For graduate students, UC Berkeley is also one of the top universities in USA for MS programs like biology. With an acceptance rate of 11%, UC Berkeley is a highly competitive school, and the UC Berkeley ranking reflects the school’s top-tier programs.
2. UCLA
Coming in at #2 among the best public universities in USA is University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). U.S. News has the UCLA ranking as #20, tied with UC Berkeley. Located in Los Angeles, UCLA has an acceptance rate of 9%, making it one of the most competitive public universities in USA. The UCLA ranking reflects its status as one of the best public universities in the country. With over 125 majors, UCLA allows almost every student to pursue their unique academic interests.
3. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Currently ranked #25 nationally, the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is next on our top public universities list. The University of Michigan ranking makes it one of the best public universities in the Midwest. Its 20% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. As such, getting in requires a highly polished application. The University of Michigan is also one of the top universities in USA for those pursuing an MS in Education.
4. University of Virginia
The next school on our list of public universities is the University of Virginia (UVA). Located in Charlottesville, the UVA ranking is tied for #25. With an acceptance rate of 21%, UVA is very selective and one of the best public universities in Virginia. The UVA ranking reflects the school’s status as one of the nation’s premier public institutions. UVA’s undergraduate and graduate business programs are highly ranked.
5. University of Florida
One of the best public universities in the South, the University of Florida ranking nationally stands at #29 per U.S. News. Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida has a 30% acceptance rate and is known for its elite sports programs. In fact, the Florida Gators are the namesake of a popular sports drink. The University of Florida ranking reflects its status as one of the top public universities for students to consider.
6. UNC Chapel Hill
Up next is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The UNC ranking ties with UF at #29, though its acceptance rate is far lower at 19%. Home to competitive nursing and business programs, UNC also ranks highly among Best Value Schools (#15). The UNC ranking makes it one of the best public universities in USA, speaking to the wealth of experiences available.
7. UC Santa Barbara
The next school on our top public universities list is UC Santa Barbara (UCSB). UCSB is one of the top public universities in California, housed within the UC system with UC Berkeley and UCLA. UCSB boasts a 29% acceptance rate, and the national UCSB ranking is #32. The UCSB ranking reflects the high quality of education found at UC schools.
8. UC Irvine
The next UC school on our list of public universities is UC Irvine. Located just south of Los Angeles, UC Irvine is currently ranked #34 and has a 29% acceptance rate. It’s nationally recognized for its high research output and its Division I sports teams. As one of the best public universities in USA, UC Irvine is a great option for many students.
9. UC San Diego
The next school on our list of public universities is UC San Diego. Located in La Jolla, California, UC San Diego is currently ranked #34 alongside UC Irvine. Hosting 33,300 undergraduates, the urban campus sprawls over 2,000 acres. Considered one of the best public universities, UC San Diego offers a robust and accessible education with a 34% acceptance rate.
10. UC Davis
The last UC school on our top public universities list is UC Davis. Located near Sacramento, UC Davis is ranked #38 nationally. With a 49% acceptance rate, UC Davis is known for its Biological/Agricultural programs. In fact, it was originally a farm school for UC Berkeley.
11. UT Austin
Known as one of the best public universities in Texas, UT Austin is eleventh on our list. The UT Austin ranking is currently #38 like UC Davis. UT Austin is one of the largest schools in the country, with just over 40,000 undergraduates enrolled. As one of the best public universities in Texas, the UT Austin ranking makes it popular with students nationwide.
12. University of Wisconsin – Madison
If you’re looking for one of the top public universities in the Midwest, University of Wisconsin—Madison is a great choice. UW Madison ranks #38, neck-and-neck with UC Davis and UT Austin. With a 60% acceptance rate, UW-Madison offers high-quality education that is accessible to many different students.
13. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Coming in at #13 is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The UIUC ranking is currently #41 among national universities. Located in Champaign, Illinois, UIUC is also known as one of the top universities in USA for MS programs in Engineering. The UIUC ranking reflects its status as one of the best public universities in the Midwest.
14. William & Mary
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, William and Mary is the next school on our list. With an acceptance rate of 37% and about 6,500 students, William and Mary is a rather small public university. For students seeking a close-knit community with the benefits of a public institution, this is a great option. William and Mary is currently ranked #41 in America and is one of the best public universities in USA.
15. Georgia Tech
Fifteenth on our list is Georgia Tech, one of the best public universities in the South. Located in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has a highly selective 18% acceptance rate and is currently ranked #44 in the country. Don’t let that fool you, though: Georgia Tech is one of the best public universities for engineering (#4) and computer science (#5). The school is known for its Division I sports programs.
16. Ohio State University
Located in Columbus, Ohio State University is next on our top public universities list. Ohio State is one of the largest schools in the country, with over 47,000 students in total. Currently ranked #49, Ohio State is best known for its nursing and business programs. With an acceptance rate of 57%, Ohio State is very accessible among the best public universities.
17. University of Georgia
Up next is the University of Georgia, located in Athens, Georgia. Currently ranked #49 among national universities, the University of Georgia is one of the best public universities in USA for business. The University of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 40% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 30,000.
18. Purdue University
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is one of the best public universities in the Midwest. Currently ranked #51, Purdue is also one of the top universities in USA for MS engineering programs. With an acceptance rate of 69% and four different campuses, Purdue is an accessible option for students across the country.
19. Florida State University
Currently ranked #55, Florida State University is the next school on our best public universities list. Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus has a current undergraduate enrollment of 33,500 and a 37% acceptance rate. FSU is known for its study abroad programs and highly ranked sports teams.
20. Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Next up on our list is Rutgers–New Brunswick. Located in Piscataway, New Jersey, Rutgers–New Brunswick is one of three regional campuses of Rutgers University. The current Rutgers ranking is #55, tying with FSU. As one of the best public universities in USA, Rutgers has a 68% acceptance rate and over 36,000 undergraduate students. The Rutgers ranking reflects the high caliber and accessible educational environment available to students across the country.
21. University of Maryland, College Park
Currently tied for #55 in National Universities, The University of Maryland, College Park is the next school on our list. The University of Maryland has an acceptance of 52% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 30,900. Best known for its engineering and cybersecurity programs, the University of Maryland is considered one of the top public universities.
22. University of Washington
Considered one of the best public universities in the West, the University of Washington is next on our list. Located in Seattle, the University of Washington is currently ranked #55 in a tie with our previous two schools. With just over 36,000 undergraduates, the University of Washington is best known for its research initiatives.
23. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Coming in at number 23 is the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Located in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the University of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 73%. It’s a large school, with a current undergraduate enrollment of just over 36,000. Sports fans are likely familiar with their team, the Gophers, which compete in the Division I Big Ten Conference. Considered one of the top public universities in the Midwest, the University of Minnesota is currently ranked #62 in America.
24. University of Pittsburgh
The next school on our list is the University of Pittsburgh. Currently tied with U of M at #62, the University of Pittsburgh is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a current acceptance rate of 67% and undergraduate enrollment of about 19,900, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the best public universities in USA.
25. Virginia Tech
The last school on our list is Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg. Also ranked #62, Virginia Tech is best known for its business and engineering programs. With a current acceptance rate of 56%, Virginia Tech is one of the best public universities.
What is the #1 public university?
The UC Berkeley ranking makes it the best public university nationwide. With 14 schools and colleges, UC Berkeley offers a wide range of majors and academic programs. It is also one of the best public universities for engineering and computer science. UC Berkeley’s most popular majors are the social sciences, computer science, and engineering.
Aspiring scholars in any discipline would be well-prepared by a Berkeley education. There are over 184 academic departments and programs, with 9 Nobel Prizes among current faculty (35 among alumni). Vibrant community life can be found across campus in over 1,000 student organizations and networks, and through public service.
UC Berkeley is world-renowned for its research in disciplines from engineering to space science to economics.
What is the hardest public university to get into?
Although it’s not ranked #1, with an acceptance rate of 9%, UCLA is the most competitive public school in the USA.
The top three most competitive public schools are:
- UCLA (9%)
- UC Berkeley (11%)
- Georgia Tech (12% out-of-state, 36% in-state)
Out of all the public universities in USA, these are the most difficult to get into. These best public universities are competitive as many students are attracted to their campus and programs. As some of the top public universities, they can be hard to get into. Do not be discouraged, however – putting time and energy into your application can help put your best foot forward.
Best Public Universities for Engineering
Engineering is a quickly growing field with endless possibilities, so many students want to know the best public universities for engineering. Are you looking for the best public universities for engineering? To help you, we’ve compiled the top 6 schools, according to U.S. News:
Top Engineering Public Universities
1. UC Berkeley
In addition to being one of the top public universities in California, UC Berkeley leads the best public universities for engineering. Students can choose to study a number of different specialties, including energy engineering and nuclear engineering. UC Berkeley is also one of the top universities in USA for MS programs in engineering. UC Berkeley is currently ranked #3 in best engineering schools, making it one of the best public universities for engineering.
2. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan ranking makes it #2 on the list of best public universities for Engineering. University of Michigan offers many different themes within its engineering program, such as AI, space exploration, and sustainability. The University of Michigan is currently ranked #6 in best undergraduate engineering programs, per U.S. News.
3. UC San Diego
The next school on our list of best public universities for engineering is UC San Diego. The Jacobs School of Engineering offers many dual programs with different departments. U.S. News ranks UC San Diego’s engineering program at #12, making it one of the best public universities in USA.
4. Rutgers
Next on our list is Rutgers’ School of Engineering. Rutgers offers 10 different engineering majors, which students must explore before declaring. Therefore, this is a good option for students who don’t know what they want to specialize in when they apply. Rutgers offers programs in civil engineering and aerospace engineering and is considered one of the top public universities nationwide.
5. University of Pittsburgh
Number five is the University of Pittsburgh. Its Swanson School of Engineering offers nine different engineering majors. Students can study industrial engineering, nuclear engineering, and chemical engineering at one of the best public universities around.
6. Penn State University
The last on our list is Pennsylvania State University’s College of Engineering. Penn State offers associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificates in a number of engineering concentrations. Like the other best universities for engineering, Penn State offers specializations from computer engineering to nuclear engineering. Currently tied for #32 in best engineering schools by U.S. News, Penn State is one of the best public universities in USA.
Best Public Universities in the USA for Business
Alongside engineering, business is a hugely popular major for college students worldwide. In fact, a diploma from one of the best public universities for business can start your career off on the right foot. For students interested in studying business, we’ve collected the top public universities for you to consider:
Top Business Public Universities
1. UC Santa Barbara
The best public university for business is UC Santa Barbara. Students can pursue a Master of Technology Management, which opens doors to new responsibilities and higher salaries in a changing business world. Considered one of the top public universities, UCSB also offers professional certificates in business. As one of the best public universities in the West, UCSB is a great option for your college list.
2. UC Irvine
The second school on our best public universities for business list is UC Irvine. The Paul Merage School of Business is currently ranked #30 in undergraduate business programs and #37 for graduate programs. As one of the top public universities, UC Irvine offers a robust and competitive business program.
3. Ohio State
Next up for the best public universities for business is Ohio State. The Fisher College of Business offers 12 different specializations for undergraduates. Ohio State is considered one of the top public universities, and its business program reflects its academic excellence.
4. University of Georgia
The next school on our list of top public universities for business is the University of Georgia. The Terry College of Business offers several different majors and certificates in business. As one of the best public universities, UGA offers ample opportunities for internships and career advising for its students.
5. Virginia Tech
The last school on our list of best public universities for business is Virginia Tech. The Pamplin College of Business houses 7 different departments and programs for students to consider. As one of the best public universities, Virginia Tech is known for more than just computer science and engineering programs.
Top Public Universities by Region
So far we’ve discussed the top public universities in the USA and the best public universities for engineering and business. However, many students use location as one of their key criteria when choosing which university to attend. So, it is important to consider the top public universities by region. That way, you can choose the best public universities in a given area rather than the best public universities in the USA overall.
Location is one of the most important factors that determine whether a college is a good fit for you. Location encompasses not just the campus environment but also the school’s distance from family and friends, which is important to consider. Additionally, for students who are politically active, the political climate of a region may also influence your college search.
Choosing colleges by location
Many of the best public universities in the USA may be farther away from family than preferred. On the other hand, they may not be close enough to a big city. So, to help you find top public universities regionally, we’ve included a list of public universities sorted by area.
This list of public universities includes the best public universities in the West as well as the best public universities in California. Finally, we round out our list with the best public universities in the South—more specifically, the best public universities in Texas.
Of course, since we’re focusing on the best public universities in the USA, top private universities aren’t featured here. However, we do have resources covering top private universities, also organized by state, region, and even major.
Best Public Universities in the West
We start our search for the best public universities in the USA with the best public universities in the West. Here, we’ll be featuring top public universities outside of California. Because California has so many schools, we’ll cover the best public universities in California in a later section. Let’s check out schools in states like Washington, Colorado, and Arizona.
Best Western Public Universities
1. University of Washington
Located in Seattle, Washington, University of Washington takes the number one spot on our list of best public universities in the West. According to U.S. News, among the best public universities in the USA, University of Washington is ranked #19. However, it has a top 10 computer science program. In fact, many major companies, including Boeing, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon recruit students from UW.
2. Colorado School of Mines
At #2 on our list is the Colorado School of Mines, a science and engineering-focused school located in Golden. As the name suggests, Mines has an excellent engineering program, with rare specialties like metallurgical engineering, petroleum engineering, and yes, mining engineering. Students can also participate in the annual Freshman M Climb, carrying a 10-pound rock up a mountain, symbolizing hard work and camaraderie.
3. University of Colorado Boulder
We stay in Colorado for the #3 school on the list, which is the University of Colorado Boulder. Not only is Boulder known for its natural beauty, but it’s also known as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. According to U.S. News, it is also ranked among the top 100 universities in the country. Furthermore, it’s in the top 50 best public universities in the USA.
4. University of Arizona
Next on the list of public universities in the West is the University of Arizona, located in Tuscon. The University of Arizona is also a top 50 public university, according to U.S. News. Additionally, they have an extremely diverse range of offerings including over 300 different majors, minors, or concentrations and courses. Even better, many of their courses and programs are available both online and on-campus for added flexibility.
5. University of Oregon
The last school on our list of the best public universities in the West is the University of Oregon, located in the scenic city of Eugene. According to U.S. News, University of Oregon’s ranking among national universities is #105. To boot, it is #48 on the list of best public universities in the country. Oregon is also one of the few Tier 1 research universities in the Pacific Northwest. They have seven different undergraduate colleges for students to choose from.
Best Public Universities in California
Not all top public universities are in a state system, but most top public universities in California are in the UC system. The University of California public school system contains several of the top public schools in the country. With the UC Berkeley ranking and UCLA ranking both in the top 5 nationally, it’s no wonder the UC system is widely lauded. There are 10 UC campuses across the state; students applying to the UC System must fill out their own separate application.
Without further ado, let’s look more closely at some of the top public universities in California within the UC system.
Best Californian Public Universities
1. UC Berkeley
Sitting in the top spot on our list of public universities in California is UC Berkeley. The UC Berkeley ranking in U.S. News is #1 out of the top public universities in the USA. As you can guess, gaining admissions is extremely competitive. The UC Berkeley acceptance rate is only 11%, which is one of the lowest across the UC system.
2. UCLA
Next on the list of the top public universities in California is the University of California Los Angeles, or UCLA. The UCLA ranking according to U.S. News is #2 among American public universities and #20 among all US universities. The UCLA acceptance rate is even lower than Berkeley’s at 9%, and that number is even lower among applicants outside of California.
3. UC Santa Barbara
Our next school on the list of the top public universities in California is UC Santa Barbara. While it may not be as high-profile as either UCLA or Berkeley, UCSB is an excellent public university. They’re known for their strong marine biology program as a result of their coastal location. The UCSB ranking according to U.S. News is #7 among America’s top public universities, and the UCSB acceptance rate is 26%.
4. UC Irvine
Also on the list of best public universities in California is UC Irvine. Although the UC Irvine ranking is less than the UCSB ranking, it’s still among the 10 top public universities in the USA. Plus, its location in Southern California has an excellent climate year-round and is near several beaches. For students who want a mild climate for their college experience, Irvine provides the perfect atmosphere.
5. UC San Diego
Also located in Southern California, UC San Diego rounds out our list of the top public universities in California. UCSD is also a top 10 public university nationally as well as one of the best public universities in California. UCSD also has a 24% acceptance rate, making it a selective school.
Best Public Universities in the South
The next region we will be exploring for top public universities is the South. Alongside top private universities like Duke and Vanderbilt, many of the best public universities in the USA are located here. States like Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina are home to elite private and public universities. In this section, we will be profiling the top 6 best public universities in the South.
Best Southern Public Universities
1. University of Virginia
Topping the list of top public universities in the region is the University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville. According to U.S. News, the UVA ranking among national public universities is #3, and the UVA ranking among all American universities is #25. The acceptance rate at UVA is only 18%, making UVA a selective school.
2. William & Mary
Next on the list of best public universities in the South is the College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, VA. William and Mary is the oldest public university in the country and has an acceptance rate of 33%. William and Mary’s ranking as a public university is #13; it’s also ranked in the top 50 overall national universities.
3. Georgia Tech
Our third school on the list of best public universities in the South is an engineering-focused school in Atlanta, Georgia Tech. As a technical institute, it’s one of the top universities in the USA for MS degrees and other science graduate programs. Georgia Tech is also one of the most selective Southern public schools with an acceptance rate of only 12% for non-Georgians. As a public university, Georgia Tech is ranked #15; among all national universities, it ranks #44.
4. University of Georgia
Staying in Georgia, we turn to the next school on our list of best public universities in the South, the University of Georgia in Athens. UGA is ranked #16 among public universities in the US and #49 among all universities in the country. UGA also has an acceptance rate of around 42%.
5. Virginia Tech
The fifth school on our list is Virginia Tech, located in the city of Blacksburg. Like Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech has a focus on engineering. It’s the #23 public university in the country and the #62 ranked national university. In addition, it is one of the top universities in the USA for MS degrees in the sciences. Moreover, UVA has a top 20-ranked engineering program and an acceptance rate of 57%.
6. North Carolina State University
The last school on our list of best public universities in the South is North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh. NC State has an acceptance rate of 47% according to U.S. News. Additionally, they are ranked #29 among public universities in the country and #72 among all universities.
Best Public Universities in Texas
Because many of the best public universities in the USA are in Texas, this section covers the best public universities in Texas. The best public universities in Texas are located throughout the state, and many of them are in major cities. This means they have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and culture. Let’s look more closely at some of the best public universities in Texas.
Best Texan Public Universities
1. UT Austin
Number one on the list of the best public universities in Texas is UT Austin, located in the state’s capital. According to U.S. News, the UT Austin ranking is #10 among the best public universities in the USA. Furthermore, it is ranked #38 among all universities in the country. UT Austin also has a competitive acceptance rate of 29%.
2. Texas A&M
Next on the list of best public universities in Texas is Texas A&M, located in the city of College Station. Like many other Texas universities, A&M is a Hispanic-serving school, meaning that 25% of admitted students identify as Hispanic or Latino. They also have a 54% acceptance rate and are #26 among public universities.
3. University of Texas at Dallas
The third school on the list of best public universities in Texas is UT Dallas. According to U.S. News, UT Dallas is ranked #72 among public universities nationwide. This is not quite as high as the UT Austin ranking, though both are part of the same university system. UT Dallas also has an 87% acceptance rate, making it less selective than some other schools in the state.
4. University of Houston
The fourth of the best public universities in Texas is the University of Houston. The University of Houston ranks #91 among public universities nationwide and is in the top 200 among American universities. The University of Houston also has a 66% acceptance rate—competitive but less selective than other top public universities in the USA.
5. Texas Tech University
The final school on the list of best public universities in Texas is Texas Tech University in Lubbock. According to U.S. News, Texas Tech has an acceptance rate of 68% and is ranked #112 among the best public universities in the USA. As the name suggests, Texas Tech is strongest in engineering and the sciences, though it also offers social sciences and humanities programs.
Are public universities more affordable?
Top public universities—even the best public universities in the USA—tend to cost less than their private university counterparts. This is because all top public universities receive federal and state funding earmarked for state residents. In other words, if you attend one of the top public universities in your home state, your tuition will be reduced. And not by only a couple hundred dollars—in-state tuition is often thousands of dollars less than out-of-state tuition.
Of course, these financial benefits only apply to residents of the state where the university is located. Therefore, make sure to check your residency status before applying, especially if you have lived in different states.
Considering finances in the college process
That being said, there are other financial considerations when determining the cost of college. For example, although private university tuition may be higher, private universities tend to have more generous financial aid grants. Students with a demonstrated financial need and a strong application can receive hefty award packages. Of course, because these are based on need, for families without need, a public university may still be more cost-effective.
While top public universities have lower base tuition costs, not all public universities are cheaper than private universities for all students. In fact, residency, demonstrated financial need, and merit awards all play an important role in determining the cost of college. So make sure to carefully evaluate every financial aid award letter and research scholarship offered by your school or third parties. Paying for college is certainly possible, but for many, it takes lots of research and close attention.
Five reasons to attend top public universities!
We’ve covered many of America’s best public universities and the benefits of each. But maybe you’re still unsure if a public university is right for you. While top private universities may occupy #1 spots in many rankings, top public universities are close behind. For some students, they may even be preferable to private institutions. Let’s summarize the merits of top public universities.
1. Large Alumni Networks
Most of the top public universities have large alumni networks around the world. Insider knowledge and connections from alumni can be incredibly helpful when looking for jobs, research opportunities, or internships. In fact, the UNC ranking and University of Michigan ranking are both high due in part to their incredible alumni networks. These networks also provide career counseling in a wide range of fields, one of many offerings at a large public university.
2. School Spirit
Many of the top public universities also have large class sizes and well-known athletic teams. This creates an atmosphere of school pride that bonds students together and improves the overall environment of the campus. For example, one reason why the University of Florida ranking is so high is student retention. Many students at UF and other top public universities take pride in their school spirit and stay as a result.
3. In-State Tuition
Many students are drawn to top public universities for financial reasons. In other words, in-state tuition rates are often markedly lower. Therefore, students with financial need will often attend public universities in their states to take advantage of the savings. In fact, the Rutgers ranking for return on investment was #1 in the country for their New Brunswick campus. In addition, over half of their students are eligible for federal Pell Grants.
4. Research Opportunities
Again because of their size and funding, top public universities are often research powerhouses in various fields, particularly in STEM. Several of the best public universities in the USA are Land Grant universities. These are designed to encourage students to pursue agricultural and technical research, commitments that remain in place to this day. Schools like UIUC or Ohio State honor their Land Grant heritage by maintaining vast research networks. Indeed, the high UIUC ranking is in part due to its research opportunities.
5. Variety of Campus Offerings
Last but not least, the variety of offerings at the top public universities holds high appeal for those schools. From food to housing to majors, large public universities tend to have more options. The best public universities in the USA also have a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities. Whether your interests are common or niche, you can probably find a group at a large public university.
Choosing the best public university for you!
At CollegeAdvisor.com, we encourage you to build a list of 8-12 colleges you’re interested in applying to. When developing your list, you may want to consider some of the best public universities in the USA. Choosing from such a long list of the best public universities in the USA can be daunting. However, there are ways to make this process easier.
First, determine what aspects of a school matter most to you. Everybody has different criteria when comparing schools. Some focus on campus size, others on class size. Some students are dead set on a certain location, while others are interested in strong athletic programs. Figure out your personal criteria and use them to inform your search. Don’t forget to check the course and major offerings, especially if your intended major is highly specialized or uncommon.
Next, make sure you’re evaluating based on your criteria, not someone else’s—and not just rankings, either. The University of Michigan ranking may be extremely high, but it’s a large campus with large classes. The high University of Florida ranking is impressive, but if you’re looking for a school in the Midwest, it’s not helpful. While a ranked list of public universities is informative, not all the best public universities in the USA will suit you.
Instead of looking just at the UNC ranking, the Rutgers ranking, or the UIUC ranking, check out our CollegeAdvisor.com guides. We have guides for many of the top public universities in the country with facts and statistics beyond just admissions. Plus you can check out our resources for building and refining your own college list.
Top Public Universities – Final Takeaways
Chances are, no matter where you live, one of the top public universities in the country is not far away. These schools should not be overlooked just because they’re publicly funded. They offer high-quality education across a wide range of academic disciplines at an affordable price for state residents.
Although all the best public universities in the USA share the mission of educating students in their states, they vary widely. Public universities may have 5,000 or 50,000 students; they may be rural, agricultural schools, or urban technical institutes. Most offer degrees beyond the undergraduate level, which may be important if your aspirations require further degrees. We highly recommend you include some of the top universities in the USA for MS degrees on your list.
Asking for help
We know that deciding among the best public universities in the USA can be tricky. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start building your college list. Determining your criteria for college as well as your financial situation can take a lot of time and work.
At CollegeAdvisor.com, we’re here to help you prepare for the application process at the best public universities in the USA. Our team of experts includes graduates from all the best public universities in the USA as well as former Admissions Officers. Click here to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you succeed in the college admissions process.
This article was written by senior advisors, Jess Klein and Alex Baggott-Rowe. 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.
