2019 Top Public Universities in America

Best Colleges

786 results

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
3,950
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 3,950 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
29% Acceptance Rate
$16,107 Net Price
1310-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
2,074
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 2,074 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
4,682
3 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: The University of California, Los Angeles is a premier university that offers not only quality academic instruction, but also a plethora of opportunities to apply in real life whatever is picked up in lessons; this includes internship and undergraduate research prospects. UCLA boasts one of the largest and the most diverse student bodies in USA, and structures its funds in a very planned and careful manner to ensure that the student has the best experience while on campus. With Hollywood just down a few miles and the Santa Monica beach around, one can expect pleasant surprises almost every time! Overall, I feel proud to be a part of this great dream which is making significant contributions in making this world a better place. I hope I can be of service to the society of people in UCLA. All said, Go Bruins!
Read 4,682 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
18% Acceptance Rate
$14,236 Net Price
1160-1470 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
United States Military Academy at West Point
4 Year
West Point, NY
277
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 277 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
10% Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
1180-1390 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,803
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 3,803 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$17,160 Net Price
1270-1540 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Georgia Institute of Technology
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,900
6 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: I could not have picked a better college to attend! It has the major that I was interested in, Mechanical Engineering, as well as a great investment for my future. The professors have been excellent and have been more than willing to answer my questions. The food is great, and GT provides several dining options throughout campus which is big plus when I have classes at various places on campus. The dorms for freshman are traditional dorms which are not fancy but adequate. I have found a place that I love. I have made great friends that I suspect that I will have for the rest of my life.
Read 1,900 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
2,220
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 2,220 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
3,565
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 3,565 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
5,684
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 5,684 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
1,400
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 1,400 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
37% Acceptance Rate
$16,734 Net Price
1250-1470 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Wisconsin
4 Year
Madison, WI
2,935
11 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I'm only through two years at the UW, but they've been awesome so far! Football season is great, really brings the city together, especially fresh off of an Orange Bowl win. It took some adjusting living away from my family, but I've made some great friends in Madison. I had a great roommate freshman year and have gotten involved in several clubs--cheese club, Badger Cru, Sconnie Sports Talk to name a few. One thing I would look to change is the emphasis that is placed on tests--I know it's unlikely to be changed, I just think it's tough for people, especially those who are bad test-takers, to have one test be 50% of their grade. Other than that, these two years have been great--go Badgers!
Read 2,935 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
53% Acceptance Rate
$15,874 Net Price
1200-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Florida
4 Year
Gainesville, FL
6,929
12 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I personally had a slight difference with the University of Florida... I was a member of the PACE program which is a strictly online program that allows you to progress to classes on campus. The program has great potential but personally I did not find myself liking it. In order to transfer from strictly online classes to interactive live courses, all prerequisites were required to be completed. If you're interested in online schooling then I highly recommend this program! I believe you should know that it is fairly new and there are still many kinks that need be worked out. The advising was one of the experience that I will not miss. Being an online student, there are no face-to-face office hours so emailing was a necessity. I found many times that it could take several days or even weeks to get a response on the simplest of question.
Read 6,929 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
46% Acceptance Rate
$14,761 Net Price
1180-1370 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 Year
Champaign, IL
4,234
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 4,234 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
5,001
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 5,001 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
818
15 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: Colorado school of Mines is a home. The engineering academics are unrivaled by any other public university, the environment is comfortable and beautiful, it’s the perfect place for any engineer major looking for a real challenge while still making the best of life. The amount of clubs and activities offered is unreal and unmatched. The campus is picture perfect, the admin are kind and really try their best to make sure you’re coming in prepared and are willing to help with any issues. The athletic teams are excellent and a good time. It’s an amazing place to be if you’re looking to be an engineer
Read 818 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
3,940
16 Top Public Universities in America
Senior: The life is great and overall one of the best schools in Washington state. I love how divers the campus is. Has people from all different backgrounds and religions. There is everything there to explore their way of life. Even though there's not really a readily available "must see" list of places to visit on the campus, there is definitely one building you cannot avoid. And that's the Suzzalo library . Inside, you will find the largest book on campus, centuries upon centuries old. And if you venture to the reading room you will be in for a treat for this room is none other than the Hogwarts dining hall!
Read 3,940 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
45% Acceptance Rate
$10,068 Net Price
1120-1370 SAT Range
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Purdue University
4 Year
West Lafayette, IN
4,276
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 4,276 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
4,219
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 4,219 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$15,149 Net Price
1120-1390 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
4 Year
Minneapolis, MN
4,039
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 4,039 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
6,444
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 6,444 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
6,388
21 Top Public Universities in America
Senior: This is a large school, however it feels small. The people are friendly and you often see people you know on campus. College Station is not the most interesting place, but it has everything you need. Game days in the fall as a student are incredible, there is nothing else quite like it! There are plenty of ways to get involved and find your niche, through clubs, organizations or Greek life. Most importantly, academics are great here. Programs are rigorous and the instructors are highly qualified. There are plenty of resources available to help you succeed. TAMU is also steeped in traditions that make it an incredibly unique college experience!
Read 6,388 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
67% Acceptance Rate
$15,455 Net Price
1070-1310 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
The Ohio State University
4 Year
Columbus, OH
4,932
22 Top Public Universities in America
Graduate Student: I could not love this university more. There is a place for everyone and college is what you make of it. I had a job on campus for three years, and was involved in clubs and research. Getting involved was the best decision I ever made. I was committed to many things, always busy, and enjoyed every moment. It doesn’t hurt that sports are fun there. The opportunities are endless, and if you reach out and make an effort you will enjoy your time. I even worked for the university for a year at the Medical Center before going back to graduate school now!
Read 4,932 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
2,938
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 2,938 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$13,066 Net Price
1170-1350 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Clemson University
4 Year
Clemson, SC
2,974
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 2,974 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$17,797 Net Price
1150-1340 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Michigan State University
4 Year
East Lansing, MI
5,123
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 5,123 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
66% Acceptance Rate
$14,970 Net Price
990-1260 SAT Range
Will You Get In?

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

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