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2023 Top Public Universities in America

1-25 of 858 results

  1. #1 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of California - Los Angeles

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    LOS ANGELES, CA,

    5411 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Senior says If you can attend in-person classes, UCLA is a great school! The student dorms are on the expensive side, but well worth the price. There are several dining halls right next to the dorms that each....

    Read 5411 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 14%,

    Net Price: $16,474,

  2. #2 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    ANN ARBOR, MI,

    4519 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says Michigan is truly the best of all worlds! World class academics? Check! Top tier athletics? Check! Great party scene? Check!It is so easy to get involved with a wide variety of interests. There's more clubs than I can name here.Opportunities are plentiful, especially involving research. STEM majors especially can easily get involved with the hospital and research facilities nearby.Complaints: diversity should be better, and some of the first-year facilities are average. That being said, this feels like a very accepting school compared to the surrounding areas, and most people...Otherwise, Ann Arbor is a great town. Campus feels safe to walk around, even at night, and the directly surrounding areas generally don't have issues.Honestly, I can't speak highly enough about how great this school is. I can't imagine going anywhere else. Go Blue!.

    Read 4519 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 26%,

    Net Price: $17,832,

    SAT Range: 1340-1520,

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  4. #4 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of Virginia

    4 Year,

    CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA,

    2341 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Virginia is a great school! There is a beautiful campus containing many of the brightest, most optimistic, and welcoming minds in the world. After finishing up my first year....

    Read 2341 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 23%,

    Net Price: $19,043,

    SAT Range: 1320-1510,

  5. #5 Top Public Universities in America.

    United States Military Academy at West Point

    4 Year,

    WEST POINT, NY,

    463 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says Even though the past year has been tough because of COVID restrictions, I have had overall a pretty good time at West Point. The people here are mainly what makes it worth it--I've made friends that....

    Read 463 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 9%,

    SAT Range: 1210-1440,

  6. Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free
  7. #7 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    4 Year,

    CHAPEL HILL, NC,

    2561 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Senior says UNC Chapel-Hill is definitely challenging academically, but overall an excellent institution! Despite lots of challenges with the COVID-19 year (part of my sophomore spring and entire junior year), I....

    Read 2561 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 25%,

    Net Price: $10,038,

    SAT Range: 1280-1490,

  8. #8 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of Texas - Austin

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    AUSTIN, TX,

    6530 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says I think a lot of the campus resources are great, and I love my classes so far. A lot of the student organizations that you can join have long waitlists, so it’s good to plan early on the type of....

    Read 6530 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 32%,

    Net Price: $16,892,

    SAT Range: 1210-1470,

  9. #9 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of California - Berkeley

    4 Year,

    BERKELEY, CA,

    4302 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

    Featured Review: Freshman says UC Berkeley has a variety of student experiences academic opportunities. In terms of common/popular majors, seeing from my first year, many students study Computer Science/EECS, Data Science,...However, one of the biggest disadvantages of the Berkeley/Bay Area area is the high cost of living. In addition, UC Berkeley only guarantees dorm housing for first-years, so figuring out arrangements...Overall, the key to success at UC Berkeley is awareness. Be grounded in your goals and taking the initiative to reach them!.

    Read 4302 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 17%,

    Net Price: $19,329,

    SAT Range: 1310-1530,

  10. #10 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of Georgia

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    ATHENS, GA,

    5620 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Senior says I have loved my experience at the University of Georgia. I have truly had the best four years of my life at this school. There are ample opportunities and I have been able to meet so many people from....

    Read 5620 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 48%,

    Net Price: $16,580,

    SAT Range: 1250-1460,

  11. #12 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    URBANA, IL,

    4841 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Graduate Student says As a working adult and someone who is somewhat cautious about recent COVID complications, a program that is online seemed the best route for me. I looked at a lot of different Universities that....

    Read 4841 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 63%,

    Net Price: $13,517,

    SAT Range: 1200-1460,

  12. #13 Top Public Universities in America.

    Florida State University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    TALLAHASSEE, FL,

    7460 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Freshman says Florida State University has a beautiful campus, a plethora of academic and personal resources for students, and many opportunities to get involved in the FSU community. There is something for....

    Read 7460 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 32%,

    Net Price: $12,815,

    SAT Range: 1220-1350,

  13. #14 Top Public Universities in America.

    William & Mary

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    WILLIAMSBURG, VA,

    1562 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says William & Mary is an amazing school, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful peers, professors, and others who have made my experience so great. For people that don't want to go to....

    Read 1562 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 42%,

    Net Price: $18,588,

    SAT Range: 1300-1490,

  14. #15 Top Public Universities in America.

    Penn State

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    UNIVERSITY PARK, PA,

    7319 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says I chose Penn State University because of the multitude of research and other science-related opportunities that are afforded to you when attending a large university. I also love the overall....

    Read 7319 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 56%,

    Net Price: $26,151,

    SAT Range: 1160-1360,

  15. #17 Top Public Universities in America.

    Virginia Tech

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    BLACKSBURG, VA,

    4053 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says I loved my time at Virginia Tech. All of my professors were extremely nice and some went out of their way to help me even in large classes where I thought they viewed me as "just a number." When I....

    Read 4053 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 66%,

    Net Price: $20,247,

    SAT Range: 1170-1370,

  16. #18 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of Washington

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    SEATTLE, WA,

    4530 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says Love the campus! The coursework is rigorous no matter your major, but there's tons of classes that are so niche and interesting to explore! This school will give you a challenge for sure! Having to...Because of the large student body, everyone is clawing for everything-- registration for classes is a nightmare, long lines at dining halls and events, etc. (you can expect to sometimes wait more....

    Read 4530 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 56%,

    Net Price: $9,661,

    SAT Range: 1200-1470,

  17. #19 Top Public Universities in America.

    Texas A&M University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    COLLEGE STATION, TX,

    7519 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says I studied Biomedical Sciences at TAMU, and had so many amazing professors. (I highly recommend looking them up on ratemyprof before registering to know what to expect.) I was not the most spirited....

    Read 7519 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 63%,

    Net Price: $19,906,

    SAT Range: 1160-1380,

  18. #20 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of California - San Diego

    4 Year,

    LA JOLLA, CA,

    3815 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

    Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my experience at UCSD was very positive. The academics can be intense at times, however I never felt helpless in my courses. There are many opportunities to seek guidance, but it is up to....

    Read 3815 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 37%,

    Net Price: $15,222,

    SAT Range: 1270-1480,

  19. #22 Top Public Universities in America.

    The Ohio State University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    COLUMBUS, OH,

    5681 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says I love THE Ohio State University. I fit in there all around. There are so many things that students can get involved in, from going to sporting events to volunteering your time to train dogs. ...My classes and professors that I have had are all great. I have learned so much, especially about myself already. The TA's are all very helpful and understanding, and usually always available. I... I have made lifelong friends at Ohio State. I knew that I could not go wrong with my choice. And I know after graduation, I will have a fraternity of Ohio State graduates supporting me around the....

    Read 5681 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A+,

    Acceptance Rate: 68%,

    Net Price: $18,884,

    SAT Range: 1210-1430,

  20. #23 Top Public Universities in America.

    North Carolina State University

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    RALEIGH, NC,

    3344 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Freshman says As a current undecided student, I think that NC State creates a very cohesive community amongst their students and staff. My current advisor truly cares about her students and wants to assist them in....

    Read 3344 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Acceptance Rate: 46%,

    Net Price: $14,600,

    SAT Range: 1230-1410,

  21. #24 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of California - Davis

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    DAVIS, CA,

    4964 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Junior says I love UC Davis! The teachers are mostly amazing, teach all of their own classes and are very approachable. Although students are highly motivated, no one is out to get you; it’s a very supportive....

    Read 4964 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Acceptance Rate: 46%,

    Net Price: $17,026,

    SAT Range: 1160-1400,

  22. #25 Top Public Universities in America.

    University of California - Santa Barbara

    Blue checkmark.

    4 Year,

    SANTA BARBARA, CA,

    4631 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

    Featured Review: Sophomore says A unique thing that UCSB provides, besides an amazing location on the beach with great weather year-round, is a community for people from all walks of life. Whether that's religious, social,....

    Read 4631 reviews.

    Overall Niche Grade: A,

    Acceptance Rate: 37%,

    Net Price: $17,223,

    SAT Range: 1230-1460,

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