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2019 Top Public Universities in AmericaAbout this List

The Top Public Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares over 500 public colleges and state universities. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,975
    1 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
    Read 3,975 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,107 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,084
    2 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: I love how the importance of student self-governance is emphasized to all UVa students from the beginning- that we are encouraged to take responsibility of our education and our overall experience at the university. I appreciate that the university is making a strong effort to recognize their past of slavery and segregation. UVa has a strong sense of school pride, and students deeply care about the success of the school as well as individual accomplishment. I was pleasantly surprised that all of my professors encouraged us to take risks, learn from failure, take breaks from school, and maintain our mental health.
    Read 2,084 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 30% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,945 Net Price
    • 1240-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,735
    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 4,735 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,236 Net Price
    • 1160-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. 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
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,838
    5 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: There are many amazing things about my school such as fun campus life, vigorous academics, numerous opportunities for extracurriculars and social groups, as well as the diversity! However, some things Id like changed are horrible housing that is way too expensive for the prices students pay, tuition for international students, availability and accessibility of financial aid, grants, and scholarships for international students.
    Read 3,838 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,160 Net Price
    • 1270-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,915
    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 1,915 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,340 Net Price
    • 1320-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,236
    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 2,236 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,077 Net Price
    • 1210-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Virginia Tech

    • 4 Year
    • Blacksburg, VA
    • 3,600
    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 3,600 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,190 Net Price
    • 1100-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,744
    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 5,744 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,010 Net Price
    • 1140-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. College of William & Mary

    • 4 Year
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • 1,405
    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 1,405 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 37% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,734 Net Price
    • 1250-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 2,963
    11 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: There are so many great things about UW-Madison. There is always something to do on and off campus. UW ensures that there is a place and event for everyone. The education and educators are top noche; I have never loved learning so much. The campus and facilities are amazing and well kept. In their School of Human Ecology, they had design students design their bathrooms, creating a mystical place to go when nature calls! My only complaint is their high tuition cost. As most people know, the cost of education increases every year and it has made it difficult for people to go to college without needing to worry about debt. As an out of state student, my I have to pay full tuition which adds on to the stress of getting an education. Although the university does their best to provide scholarships for people in need to financial aid, I feel as if they lack the scholarships for people who don't come from low income families, but are paying for their education independently.
    Read 2,963 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,874 Net Price
    • 1200-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Florida

    • 4 Year
    • Gainesville, FL
    • 6,968
    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 6,968 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,761 Net Price
    • 1180-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    • 4 Year
    • Champaign, IL
    • 4,275
    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 4,275 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,683 Net Price
    • 1285-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Georgia

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, GA
    • 5,049
    14 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: Living on campus as a freshman or beyond, it is very easy to become involved. There are many campus organizations that are seeking student involvement and that host events. From my experience, professors are interested in you doing your best, so they work well with their students to help them succeed. Living in the area is nice- there is a nice scene downtown. There are good restaurants, concerts are always going on in the theater, there are good places to shop, and you're not too far from Atlanta or north Georgia!
    Read 5,049 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,956 Net Price
    • 1140-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Colorado School of Mines

    • 4 Year
    • Golden, CO
    • 823
    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 823 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,097 Net Price
    • 1250-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of Washington

    • 4 Year
    • Seattle, WA
    • 3,966
    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 3,966 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 45% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,068 Net Price
    • 1120-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,315
    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 4,315 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,693 Net Price
    • 1070-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of California - Santa Barbara

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Barbara, CA
    • 4,243
    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 4,243 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,149 Net Price
    • 1120-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 4,070
    19 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: Coming to this University was quite the culture change considering the fact that I transferred from a junior college in California. I came out here because I was given the opportunity to be a student athlete in the sport of wrestling and I regret NOTHING. Everybody in this city in terms of administration, and students are very nice and give off a vibe that would be hard to be uncomfortable around. The only thing that I would change about this university is the cost of tuition, but I’m sure I’m not the only one that thinks that and it could be way worse than what it is. This is a very fine institution and it’s my home away from home, and I love it! Being right outside of the downtown city gives you so many opportunities to do things such as food, bars, and hanging out with your people. The only disadvantage about being here is the winter, but after all that, the spring and summer is beautiful!
    Read 4,070 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 44% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,242 Net Price
    • 1180-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,484
    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 6,484 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,055 Net Price
    • 1090-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • College Station, TX
    • 6,462
    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 6,462 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,455 Net Price
    • 1070-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 4,971
    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 4,971 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,971 Net Price
    • 1160-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. North Carolina State University

    • 4 Year
    • Raleigh, NC
    • 2,978
    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 2,978 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,066 Net Price
    • 1170-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Clemson University

    • 4 Year
    • Clemson, SC
    • 3,007
    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 3,007 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,797 Net Price
    • 1150-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,176
    25 Top Public Universities in America

    Sophomore: MSU is an amazing place to be, and I am proud to be a student representing this school! Student life really helps each individual to be able to express themselves to the full extent. The classes and professors are very engaging allowing students to pave their own paths, as they learn. But, the support from all staff - professors, TAs, advisors, is absolutely incredible! As a student striving for success in the medical field, I am proud to be a student here.
    Read 5,176 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,970 Net Price
    • 990-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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