2019 Top Public Universities in America

Best Colleges

786 results

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
3,963
1 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: The University of Michigan's motto is "Leaders and Best" and that's exactly what this school provides and produces. It provides the best professors, courses and college experiences and produces innovative leaders. My experience at this institution allowed for academic and personal growth, which has embedded quite a zealous spirit within me, especially in regard to the achievement of my future aspirations. I can't thank this school enough. To conclude, I recommend the University of Michigan to anyone willing to work hard, expand their mind and anyone who wishes to fulfil their dreams!
Read 3,963 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
29% Acceptance Rate
$16,107 Net Price
1310-1500 SAT Range
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University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
2,078
2 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I never thought that I would love college this much! The University of Virginia is AMAZING. I have learned a great deal from each of my professors. (I recommend using ratemyprofessor and thecourseform to help you choose them). I actually enjoy going to classes that aren't based on regurgitating information but processing it and actually learning. Additionally, with thousands of clubs, there are plenty of ways to get involved. On another note, there are many stereotypes of people who come to the University, but I promise that not all of us are preppy, rich, and white, though a good portion is. The only problems I have with UVA are the prices of tuition and the honor code. Tuition is expensive and instead of giving grants UVA sometimes gives a lot of loans. Although I love the honor code and what it stands for, it seems to target minorities and foreign students.
Read 2,078 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
30% Acceptance Rate
$15,945 Net Price
1240-1460 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4,718
3 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: UCLA is definitely a place for all-rounded students to thrive and succeed. The campus offers beautiful scenery and classic lecture halls that enthralled me every time I walk to and between lectures. The school is safe and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to be part of on-campus. In terms of classes, students do have to give it all since the professors do have high standards here. However, this is college, and learning and studying won't hurt you. Professors generally are really engaged in lectures, and if most likely students are going to succeed if they give their best. Dorms and the food are excellent and well maintained compared to others colleges I visited. I won't be surprise if more people decided to come here! GO BRUINS!
Read 4,718 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
18% Acceptance Rate
$14,236 Net Price
1160-1470 SAT Range
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Whitman College
4 Year
Walla Walla, WA
348
Alum: You can do everything at Whitman- academics, leadership, hobbies. The small classroom environment guarantees your learning will be engaged and hands-on alongside your professors- they talk *with* you, not at you.
Read 348 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$34,272 Net Price
1200-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
United States Military Academy at West Point
4 Year
West Point, NY
285
4 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: Superb education, mission, campus, student body, faculty and military and physical programs! Duty Honor Country permeates every aspect of this leadership development experience like no other. Demands commitment, focus, and effort. Mission is to develop leaders of character for the Army and Nation. If you are about service to the Nation in the Armed Forces there is no better option no bigger challenge! Go Army!
Read 285 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
10% Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
1180-1390 SAT Range
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University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,819
5 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Berkeley is just perfect balance between academics and fun! I have amazing professors in all of my classes and they never stress me out too much. It's rigorous enough to get me going but not up to the point where it is not enjoyable. I have plenty of time to destress and go crazy on frat row. Berkeley also provides very unique experiences with a campus ripe with freedom of self-expression. You meet all sorts of people. Also, Berkeley is the number 1 public university in the world so you are definitely getting your money's worth!
Read 3,819 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$17,160 Net Price
1270-1540 SAT Range
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Georgia Institute of Technology
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,908
6 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: Based on my first semester here, Georgia Tech is a wonderful university that has some of the prettiest sights I've ever seen and has some of the most modern facilities available to college students for free. My main highlight would be the Invention Studio, a huge laboratory filled with all kinds of heavy duty machines: 3D printers of various sizes, lazer cutters, a water jet, and even a plasma cutter! The campus can be a bit overwhelming in terms of size in the beginning, but over time you get used to it.
Read 1,908 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
26% Acceptance Rate
$13,340 Net Price
1320-1500 SAT Range
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4 Year
Chapel Hill, NC
2,229
7 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: I have loved my time at UNC so far. My first year was very difficult, but that was because college is such a hard adjustment and I was also taking the wrong classes. Now that I am in a major I enjoy and am taking classes I am interested in, I love being at UNC. Although it is a very difficult school, and sometimes it is too hard for no reason, I believe that it will all be worth it after I graduate because the school will provide me with great opportunities because of its academic reputation. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the parties are great, Chapel Hill is a quaint little area, and of course, Carolina athletics (especially basketball) are unmatched. One of my favorite things about UNC is the study abroad department. There are so many different programs to choose from all over the world. You can go for a year, a semester, or a summer. There are programs for every major, including hard sciences such as chemistry. UNC is a great school and I am lucky I go here. Go Heels!
Read 2,229 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
27% Acceptance Rate
$10,077 Net Price
1210-1420 SAT Range
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Virginia Tech
4 Year
Blacksburg, VA
3,581
8 Top Public Universities in America
Niche User: Virginia Tech is an ideal institution for new opportunities and growth. There is such a huge amount of school spirit and pride for being a Hokie with the students, which I have never genuinely heard or seen from other institutions! Campus/student life is notably wonderful, and the majority of the students are incredibly lively and welcoming. There are so many different people on campus, and they all have their own amazing passions. The institution provides exposure to many experiences to explore like clubs, GobblerFest, athletics and football games, dorm activities, parties, hiking trails, and even checking out scenic spots on campus and throughout the town. From what I've already experienced through campus visits as a prospective Freshman for Fall 2018, I'm so stoked to fully experience and indulge in everything about my new second home!
Read 3,581 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
71% Acceptance Rate
$17,190 Net Price
1100-1320 SAT Range
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University of Texas - Austin
4 Year
Austin, TX
5,715
9 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: In one sentence:there.is.something.for.everyone! UT Austin is simply the best in making a large school feeling immediately smaller by the countless communities you can jump right into. From political to adventurous student organizations, to meeting the very brightest professors and students in your chosen field, you will never cease to be amazed by the unlimited amount of opportunities available to you. For instance, I am a double major in Government and International Relations and Global Studies and am continuously amazed at the amount of programs, events, lectures , courses, and books available just for students in those majors. Your college's department of Career Services will blow you away as well, they will provide any and all resources to ensure your success after graduation. Most of all, UT is a highly respected university in the state of Texas and beyond, a degree from UT will go a very long way! I highly recommend studying here.
Read 5,715 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
40% Acceptance Rate
$16,010 Net Price
1140-1410 SAT Range
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College of William & Mary
4 Year
Williamsburg, VA
1,402
10 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Thus far, my time at William and Mary has been absolutely wonderful. I love the student body, I find the campus gorgeous, and I consider Williamsburg to be a wonderfully unique college town. I'm also very much fascinated by all the history on and off campus, and love to build up my own reserve of fast facts about the campus. I have been blown away by the push to promote positive mental health at the school this past year, and I am excited to see what the future holds for the college. If you're considering applying here, I encourage you to come and see it in person. I fell in love with the school while on a walking tour a few summers back, and I hope you can as well. Above all (again, directed to prospective students), I wish you the best in your college search! Find a place that feels like home, because it will become just that.
Read 1,402 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
37% Acceptance Rate
$16,734 Net Price
1250-1470 SAT Range
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University of Wisconsin
4 Year
Madison, WI
2,948
11 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I love love LOVE this university. From the moment you step on campus, it is clear that UW Madison has Badger pride and cares for the well-being of its students. Not only is it a well-known, prestigious campus, but the students and faculty here are welcoming, kindhearted, and are always up for a good time. This campus caters to nature lovers, as Lake Mendota is easily accessible, to city people, and everyone in between. Classes, although often fairly large, are fair, yet challenging. Overall, I am very very happy with my decision to attend UW Madison!
Read 2,948 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
53% Acceptance Rate
$15,874 Net Price
1200-1420 SAT Range
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University of Florida
4 Year
Gainesville, FL
6,945
12 Top Public Universities in America
Niche User: The University of Florida has provided me with the experience to not only growth in an academic perspective but also in my personal development. Through its rigorous academic elements and the high level of competition, this institution has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills that have made a difference in my everyday life. The diversity found in campus including clubs, greek life, and ethnicity have change the way that I perceived my community and has let me to become more involved with my surroundings. Although there's always room for improvement, I believe the University of Florida provides every student in campus with a great opportunity to achieve their goals and continue their path in striving for excellence. I will forever be grateful to be a part of the GATORS!
Read 6,945 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
46% Acceptance Rate
$14,761 Net Price
1180-1370 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
- 2019 Colleges with the Best Student Life
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 Year
Champaign, IL
4,256
13 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: I will be an incoming freshman at this college. However, my dad, his siblings, and multiple friends of mine have attended this school so I visit quite a bit. I've been to parties with my friends, on strolls around the campus with my family, and on official college tours here. It's a great college town, and most people who I talk to who have come here say that there is always something to do, the academics are great and will land you a good job somewhere, and overall, they had a great college experience. I hope that I get accepted here so I can experience what it's really like to be a student!
Read 4,256 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
60% Acceptance Rate
$16,683 Net Price
1285-1480 SAT Range
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University of Georgia
4 Year
Athens, GA
5,025
14 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: This is university is perfect for students hoping to have fun while at college. There are multiple avenues for one to de-stress, whether it be the exciting football games in Sanford Stadium or having a good time with friends at a Dawgs After Dark event. Academics meld well with the multitude of things to do in Athens. There is always something to do and always something that fits your taste. There are so many new faces on campus and you will for sure make lifelong friendships while at UGA! Overall, this university was perfect for someone like me: someone who wanted to focus on her studies but still have the opportunity to socialize and just have fun!
Read 5,025 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$14,956 Net Price
1140-1340 SAT Range
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Colorado School of Mines
4 Year
Golden, CO
822
15 Top Public Universities in America
Niche User: I am currently taking a few courses with Colorado School of Mines and Red Rocks Community College, and must say that the staff, environment, and class structure is amazing! Courses go in-depth, however, teachers are always there for you if you need any help or questions with the information. Homework is also manageable with a part-time career, and the class-size is also balanced perfectly! Thanks!
Read 822 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
40% Acceptance Rate
$25,097 Net Price
1250-1420 SAT Range
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University of Washington
4 Year
Seattle, WA
3,950
16 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: The University of Washington offers great curriculums that really set the foundation for a smooth transition into professional schools or your career of choice. In addition, it has a beautiful campus with a view of Mt. Rainier outside of the Suzzallo library, which was my favorite study spot because it has a touch of a scene from the Harry Potter movie!
Read 3,950 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
45% Acceptance Rate
$10,068 Net Price
1120-1370 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Purdue University
4 Year
West Lafayette, IN
4,297
17 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: My experience at Purdue has been great! At Purdue, students are offered great opportunities to participate in research, student led organizations, and extra curricular activities on throughout the year. Because Purdue is a research university, students and faculty definitely can develop a rapport that fosters a students growth in obtaining certain knowledge and skills. Purdue also offers many great opportunities for students to develop leadership through becoming members of one of the hundreds organizations on campus. Lastly, Purdue students can attend many sports events whether it be for the school's football team or even an intramural team game. Purdue has may eateries and study spots so people can meet up for lunch or dinner then study for upcoming exams. Together, Purdue is a great school for people to cultivate connections and develop necessary leadership skills for their careers and in life.
Read 4,297 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
56% Acceptance Rate
$11,693 Net Price
1070-1320 SAT Range
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University of California - Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
4,232
18 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: I had a great experience attending UCSB! Professors, staff, and peers were all very supportive throughout my four years at this school. Courses were rigorous, but you learned a lot through the professors and the research being conducted. It is a very chill vibe considering you live next to the beach. Living on campus was great and made everything accessible, but living off campus in I.V. was great too since it's right next door to campus. The network created during undergrad and post graduation is amazing as well!
Read 4,232 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$15,149 Net Price
1120-1390 SAT Range
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University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
4 Year
Minneapolis, MN
4,057
19 Top Public Universities in America
Niche User: The University of Minnesota is a welcoming, lively, and beautiful university. They have amazing communication with the families of students and the students themselves. The campus looks like a campus that would be in a movie- absolutely stunning! The mixture of metropolitan landscape and wildlife and nature is perfect. You will never be bored at the University of Minnesota as there is always something to do, whether that be exploring downtown, going to a concert, or kayaking on one of Minnesota's thousands of lakes.
Read 4,057 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
44% Acceptance Rate
$16,242 Net Price
1180-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Penn State
4 Year
University Park, PA
6,462
20 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Penn State is an amazing campus with a multitude of career paths to choose from. There are tons of possibilities that one can get involved in at Penn State through clubs, community involvement, or sports. As an engineer, I am very glad that I chose this particular school because our engineering department is one of the best in the United States, and the chances of finding a job upon graduation is quite high. There is one particular thing that I would like to see change in the future at Penn State and that particular change is with academic scholarships for students. Currently, Penn State only offers athletic scholarships at the main campus, and at branch campuses I was able to find out that they offer academic scholarships. There are particular scholarships offered through individual colleges at main, but for someone is graduates in the top percentage of their class there should be some sort of scholarship given. Overall, Penn State is a great school. We Are!
Read 6,462 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
56% Acceptance Rate
$25,055 Net Price
1090-1300 SAT Range
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Texas A&M University
4 Year
College Station, TX
6,430
21 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: I love being an Aggie! The A&M community is the most inclusive I've seen and as an out-of-state student has made me truly feel at home. There are countless clubs and organizations to be a part of and the research and academic opportunities here are outstanding. Whatever your interests, you will find something here to match. For engineers, the Zachry Engineering building is state-of-the-art and a great place to hang out and do homework outside of class. I can also highly recommend the University Honors program. Gig 'em!
Read 6,430 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$15,455 Net Price
1070-1310 SAT Range
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The Ohio State University
4 Year
Columbus, OH
4,951
22 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: The Ohio State University is well known by many for the outstanding athletic department. However, there is much more to Ohio State than just athletics. The Columbus campus offers a wide range of areas to study with academic advisors who are more than willing to help students with any questions. In addition, every student is offered free academic coaching for studying strategies or specific course tutoring. The Columbus Campus may seem colossal at first, but there are plenty of student organizations/committees to make the campus seem a lot smaller. Of course I could not forget to include the football culture. The amount of pride Ohio State fans have for their team is unreal. During football season, students are able to de-stress while supporting the best team in the land! Overall, my experience at Ohio State has been phenomenal, and I could not have picked a better school to attend.
Read 4,951 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$17,971 Net Price
1160-1410 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
North Carolina State University
4 Year
Raleigh, NC
2,956
23 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: One thing that I love about North Carolina State University is the amount of diversity and school pride here on campus. The people here at State are so welcoming and friendly towards one another that it is easy to find someone to study with, party with, or just become friends with overall. I think NCSU has one of the best engineering and communication programs here on campus and they also have a lot of resources at our libraries and everywhere else on campus. Their database is incredible and the library has so much information for you to refer to when doing research or completing an essay. This University has a strong reputation of academic success as well competitive students, which is makes our school very exciting. Each student is engaged and passionate about something and NC State encourages that each student pursue those goals. I highly recommend NC State as a college to consider in your future!
Read 2,956 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$13,066 Net Price
1170-1350 SAT Range
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Clemson University
4 Year
Clemson, SC
2,993
24 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: As a transfer student, I was nervous about my upcoming experience at Clemson. I began to wonder from my previous year of college whether or not college was for me. However, within hours of starting Clemson I began to realize that college here was going to be great. My professors have embedded within me a love to read, and I have read more books that were not required by my classes, within my two years here, than I had in all of middle school and high school. Even though I did not focus on the social life at Clemson when I first started, I quickly was able to find friends from all backgrounds, some being from various clubs and fraternities, to those on the football team. College game day at Clemson is quite possibly the most exciting sports venue in the United States! Clemson has given me the ability to grow as a person, both academically and socially, and I see myself as being a better man since coming Clemson than I was two years ago before I enrolled here!
Read 2,993 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$17,797 Net Price
1150-1340 SAT Range
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Michigan State University
4 Year
East Lansing, MI
5,155
25 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: Heyyyyy, so let me tell you about MSU! Michigan State overall is a great school. The campus is very beautiful and spacious. The professors are nice and “most”of them genuinely care about you and how you perform in the classes. The food is okay nothing special, it gets very repetitive. The buses are pretty good, sometimes late but usually on time. Everyone on campus is overall pretty. Although their are sometimes some racial problems, that’s with every school. Overall MSU is a great school and should be one of your top choices!
Read 5,155 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
66% Acceptance Rate
$14,970 Net Price
990-1260 SAT Range
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1 of 32

2019 Top Public Universities in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

University of Virginia

University of California - Los Angeles

Whitman College

United States Military Academy at West Point

University of California - Berkeley

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Virginia Tech

University of Texas - Austin

College of William & Mary

University of Wisconsin

University of Florida

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Georgia

Colorado School of Mines

University of Washington

Purdue University

University of California - Santa Barbara

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Penn State

Texas A&M University

The Ohio State University

North Carolina State University

Clemson University

Michigan State University