2020 Top Public Universities in America

Best Colleges

805 results

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
4,116 reviews
#1 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: Overall, the University of Michigan is a very strong academic choice. Professors generally care about their students and wish to see them succeed and departmental advisors are incredibly helpful in finding the right classes for you. Once you get past intro level classes, the material and class sizes become much more enjoyable. The dorms are hit-and-miss with some having air conditioning and are newly renovated while some are very clearly in need of improvement. Their ability to handle transfer students is lacking, though, and the general advisors are not well-equipped to handle transfer cases.
Like any university, there many different types of people. Some are irritating, some are lovely. It is just a matter of seeking out those who you want to make friends with, they are definitely out there and most everyone you meet will be very nice along the way!
Read 4,116 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
27% Acceptance Rate
$16,408 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4,966 reviews
#2 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: Campus couldn't be more beautiful. Many spots to study, relax, enjoy the sights, etc. Dorms are pretty standard. Fairly easy to transfer rooms if a problem arises with your roommate(s). Professors are generally helpful and generous with their knowledge. Department heads tend to be very considerate and work with you to complete your educational plans. Honors Program counselors are encouraging and friendly. Many different resources available for things like study abroad and academic planning. So many clubs to join. Very likely to find things that satisfy your interests. Plenty of things to do in Westwood. Strong campus safety department. Social scene is lively. Division I sports rarely disappoint. All in all, amazing experience!
Read 4,966 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$14,760 Net Price
1220-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
2,158 reviews
#3 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: UVA is a wonderful place to find your college home! Nowhere is perfect, but, coming from someone who was determined to not go to Virginia (I didn't want to go to my state's big school), I have found so many incredible opportunities and can't imagine myself any where else. It is academically rigorous, there are many resources to take advantage of, and it's diverse. You are bound to find your passion and your people at UVA.
Read 2,158 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
27% Acceptance Rate
$16,594 Net Price
1310-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
United States Military Academy at West Point
4 Year
West Point, NY
295 reviews
#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 295 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
10% Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
1180-1400 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Georgia Institute of Technology
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,984 reviews
#5 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: Georgia Tech is a great school. At the same time though, it is very challenging. It is in a great area (Midtown Atlanta) and also has a great return as the average salary out of Tech is around 70k. There are many opportunities on campus for students to get experience and help with getting internships, co-ops, and jobs. The only thing I wish Tech would improve on is its food as it is very average and could be way better, considering how high tuition is. Also, I think that more attention to mental and student health should be emphasized as well. Overall, I do enjoy Georgia Tech. Know what you are getting yourself into though!
Read 1,984 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$15,873 Net Price
1090-1520 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
3,963 reviews
#6 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: The opportunities and passionate professors are amazing. However there is much progress to made on making the campus more accessible to peers or employees with disabilities. With that, representation of minority groups are still forming so adjusting on campus may be an everyday struggle. Berkeley has a beautiful campus and amazing research and study libraries. The atmosphere is vibrant, unique, but rigorous & there are always networking and guest speaker events on campus!
Read 3,963 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$18,178 Net Price
1260-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4 Year
Chapel Hill, NC
2,333 reviews
#7 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: I really love the student life at Carolina. There's always so many different activities/events you can go to that range from fun and silly things like glow-in-the-dark yoga to events that really enrich your perspectives on certain topics, such as different panels of amazing guest speakers different departments may have. One thing I wish I could change, however, is the chemistry department. From my experiences being a chemistry major for my first two years in undergrad, before switching to communications, some of the professors within my department were not the most encouraging or helpful. Unfortunately, this really impacted the experiences I had being a chemistry major and eventually resulted in the huge major switch I made!
Read 2,333 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$11,100 Net Price
1270-1460 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Texas - Austin
4 Year
Austin, TX
5,974 reviews
#8 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Wonderful, engaged, and passionate professors separate this school from the rest! The workload is challenging at times but encourages young people to truly dive into their studies and gain a greater understanding of the subjects they learn instead of memorizing the material short-term for tests and then losing the knowledge soon after! The resources that the university provides are bountiful and purposeful. The location of campus is in the heart of Texas and surrounded by lots to see, do, and experience. The vast majority of people are warm and caring. Efforts made on campus and off to ensure the safety and prosperity of UT's students are evident and there are good feelings all around!
Read 5,974 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$14,356 Net Price
1220-1460 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
William & Mary
4 Year
Williamsburg, VA
1,456 reviews
#9 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: Graduated on ‘87 and stayed interested in all things W&M. Have been back to visit multiple times. The core of the W&M experience remains unchanged: a superlative academic experience in a quaint, yet fun environment. A party school it is not; but, most applicants know that in advance and understand that wild times can be found if you look hard enough. The facilities are very good and always improving. The campus is compact and inspiring in both nature and architecture. I’d go back if it could!
Read 1,456 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$17,415 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Virginia Tech
4 Year
Blacksburg, VA
3,746 reviews
#10 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: As a freshman, I haven't fully experienced Virginia Tech yet, but I can tell that the campus is beautiful, it's a relatively safe school, and the professors are very knowledgeable. The food offered in the dining halls or on-campus restaurants is amazing and sustainably sourced. For example, the horticulture department is partnered with the dining halls, and uses a farm for teaching/research for horticulture students which in turn provides fresh produce for the dining halls. Virginia Tech is a great place to be!
Read 3,746 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$18,700 Net Price
1180-1360 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Florida
4 Year
Gainesville, FL
7,225 reviews
#11 Top Public Universities in America
Senior: The University of Florida still continues to amaze me even after my three years of attendance. There are so many clubs, organizations, and other opportunities that continue to arise for their students. This school is also part of organizations that the Gainesville community benefits on, such as the Big Event. This organization is held by the University of Florida students and upholding leaders, who participate in cleaning up various areas in Gainesville. There is a large variety of good that this school does for not only their students but also the surrounding area. Not to mention the professors do their best to teach students the required material in order for their future successes to be met. Overall, the University of Florida has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of their students, staff, the surrounding community, and much more!
Read 7,225 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
42% Acceptance Rate
$15,283 Net Price
1240-1400 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Wisconsin
4 Year
Madison, WI
3,067 reviews
#12 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 3,067 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$15,910 Net Price
1280-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 Year
Champaign, IL
4,440 reviews
#13 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the University of Illinois. First of all, the campus is absolutely beautiful. While it may seem big to outsiders, it is just right. Big enough to meet new people and have different experiences but also small when need be. Depending on what you're interested in and join, that helps make the campus smaller as well. Some of the dorms needed updating, such as my freshman dorm did not have an elevator or air conditioning in 2014/2015. The campus is organized by college and offers many libraries and places to study. The bar scene is already different than when I went but I loved it when I was there. Overall, I loved my experience when I was in undergrad and I miss being an Illini!
Read 4,440 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
62% Acceptance Rate
$16,638 Net Price
1340-1500 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Georgia
4 Year
Athens, GA
5,231 reviews
#14 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: The competitive intensity within the classroom, along with the rigor of each course are what makes Georgia such an elite school academically. Georgia has many amazing professors that clearly know the entire face of their preferred subject. Georgia offers an abundance of course types with different levels which helps students to increase the amount of rigor in their schedules. The school itself is very well-built and well-kept. All of the staff at Georgia works tremendously hard to keep the facility safe. Everyone loves coming out to watch Georgia football. The environment on gameday is insane! I love Georgia’s culture as it’s so easy to make friends as there are a multitude of people on campus at all times. Georgia is a place that will better students’ academic and social lives, and will teach them valuable life lessons along the way.
Read 5,231 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$15,934 Net Price
1200-1370 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of California - Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
4,347 reviews
#15 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: UC Santa Barbara represents everything that is good in the world. Students are kind, outgoing, smart, curious, and eager to grow. They're booksmart, but they also know how to connect with people. The library is filled to the brim during the week, but the surrounding neighborhood of Isla Vista pulses with energy on the weekends. Work and play intermingle at UCSB and that's I think what makes the school turn out such well-rounded people who take the professional world by storm by being both highly intellectual and relatable. Professors have open door policies and genuinely want to see you succeed. They stay late after class to read your essay outlines, hold extra office hours before big exams, assist with putting study groups together. But, they're also human beings who are easy to connect with and who are always dispensing helpful post-graduation and life advice. The word "community" is very much alive and well at UCSB. Go Gauchos!
Read 4,347 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
33% Acceptance Rate
$16,154 Net Price
1190-1400 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Purdue University
4 Year
West Lafayette, IN
4,532 reviews
#16 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Purdue University is an overall great university. One of the best parts of Purdue I have experienced is the amount of diversity. Although Purdue is a school known for its great engineering program, I have met plenty of students within medical, business, agricultural, etc. Purdue also has a large international presence, where I have met many students with different backgrounds, have had the opportunity to learn about cultures as well. As a lifelong sports fan, Purdue also participates in the Big Ten Conference, which allows for incredible sporting events among with top tier collegiate athlete showcases. Purdue is a university where there is plenty of opportunity to fit in and find your place, as it is very diverse and doesn't fit a stereotype as a whole. Whatever path you chose, Purdue is a great school with great experiences to produce with it!
Read 4,532 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$12,117 Net Price
1150-1380 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Colorado School of Mines
4 Year
Golden, CO
849 reviews
#17 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: Mines is a fantastic school for anyone interested in STEM. It's curriculum is extremely difficult, which is why a degree from Mines is so valuable! The student body hosts a collaborative environment, which is very helpful when studying for exams or doing homework. Free time is hard to come by, but when you do you're surrounded by beautiful landscape, minutes from climbing, an hour from skiing. So happy to call Mines my home away from home!
Read 849 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
56% Acceptance Rate
$25,472 Net Price
1310-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
4 Year
Minneapolis, MN
4,248 reviews
#18 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: Lack of diversity, POCs will have to face micro-aggression and biases from students and teachers. Lack of diversity and inclusion programs in schools like Carlson and CSE. There is also a lack of mental health awareness in the STEM schools. However, the MIS program at Carlson is phenomenal for career opportunities. Carlson well prepares its students for the future! Besides academics, students can thrive through student organizations since there are thousands on campus!
Read 4,248 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
50% Acceptance Rate
$16,808 Net Price
1270-1480 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Washington
4 Year
Seattle, WA
4,125 reviews
#19 Top Public Universities in America
Niche User: The huskies have been a part of my life since my birth due to my dad's alumni status, and the memories we share with the Huskies are some the greatest of my life. The college life at UW is nothing short of stellar, as whatever you are interested in, there is a group that you can run with. Whether you are obsessed with athletics or a professional gamer, everyone at UW respects you and treats you as one of their own. Being so close to huge corporations such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon helps you build corporate connections that fashion a great potential career. There are few drawbacks to the University of Washington, such as a lack of air conditioning in the dorms or the sometimes understaffed food courts, but in general the college is amazing. The college alumni are successful and never fail to give back to the University, keeping it perpetually great, and assists mightily in the creation of future Husky success stories. Keep up the work UW, and GO DAWGS!
Read 4,125 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
46% Acceptance Rate
$9,443 Net Price
1190-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Penn State
4 Year
University Park, PA
6,719 reviews
#20 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: I love the friendly environment on campus and exciting downtown area. It is an eventful campus with many opportunities for success and expansion of ones self. No matter what career path you are on, Penn State offers many extraciricular programs that have meaningful networking purposes and ideal work experience in a multitude of ways. There are plenty jobs available on/off campus, but experience could come in many fashions. There are internships, study abroad options, research projects and many more ways to be involved in this school! We also have largest alumni network of all universities so that assists in these options. I have taken part in these as I am a research assistant through my Biobehavioral health department and also plan to travel abroad this summer. Penn State not only makes your college experience fun and exciting, but prepares you for life after this magical time.
Read 6,719 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
50% Acceptance Rate
$25,346 Net Price
1160-1340 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
The Ohio State University
4 Year
Columbus, OH
5,178 reviews
#21 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: OH-IO! Know it, Yell it. The Ohio State University has an abundance of athletic talent from its football to its basketball program and even to their tennis program. There's never a dull moment on campus. Academic wise the university has an excellent engineering department where the professors are committed to your success by teaching you valuable life skills such as learning to code in multiple programming languages and exposing you to internships. For example, Proctor and Gamble coordinated with my introductory engineering class for a lab and opened my eyes to the possibilities that OSU offered. The university does have some departments lacking such as the Chemistry departments inconsistent grading, but overall a great university to attend and prosper.
Read 5,178 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
48% Acceptance Rate
$18,042 Net Price
1260-1450 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Texas A&M University
4 Year
College Station, TX
6,783 reviews
#22 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Texas A&M is an amazing school that makes every student feel apart of something important. It is incredible that such a large school can still find a way to assure that every student feels apart of the family that is the Aggies. There are so many amazing opportunities that comes along with attending Texas A&M which is another reason it is such an awesome school. Aggies helping Aggies. There is a club for everyone, there are people for everyone, there is a special place for everyone. Classes are great and professors truly want the best for the students. I have learned so much, school wise and about myself during my first year at TAMU and I can't wait to go back!
Read 6,783 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
71% Acceptance Rate
$19,554 Net Price
1140-1360 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
North Carolina State University
4 Year
Raleigh, NC
3,071 reviews
#23 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I love attending State! There are tons of great people and a ton of resources like, free tutoring, career guidance, and help with food insecurity. They have some nice options for housing however, a couple options are not too great. If you choose to live in University Towers you have to get the meal plan there which is at least $900 and you cant get it covered on financial aid unless you get a refund check. The food elsewhere is pretty good most days. The best dining hall is Case but, It's only open for athletes at dinner and they get way better food.
Read 3,071 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$13,442 Net Price
1230-1390 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
Clemson University
4 Year
Clemson, SC
3,141 reviews
#24 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: My first semester at Clemson University has been so great! I have really enjoyed the classes and the people are extremely friendly. It is sometimes hard to get around campus, but you can either take the bus, walk, or bike pretty much anywhere. Of course, football is a big deal so the games are extremely fun and its always great to get into the school spirit throughout the week. My advisor has been really helpful and there's so many resources like tutoring, career workshops and organizational clubs to help you be as successful as you can be.I love Clemson so much!
Read 3,141 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
47% Acceptance Rate
$18,757 Net Price
1220-1390 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
University of Pittsburgh
4 Year
Pittsburgh, PA
3,956 reviews
#25 Top Public Universities in America
Senior: The University of Pittsburgh is known in part for being a research institution, and it lives up to the reputation! Since my freshman year I have been able to partake in research in several different labs, and look forward to doing so again this coming Fall! The opportunities do not end there, however, there are a myriad of clubs and organizations a student can become involved in, and there are always events happening on campus that are both fun and educational!

There are also many opportunities and events that promote and help students with start-up business ideas such as the annual Randall Family Big Idea competition. Students have access to career fairs, resume reviews, and help in finding co-ops and internships on a regular basis as well.

The campus is quite large, and beautiful. I would definitely recommend going here for pretty much any major, especially physical sciences, engineering, and psychology students.
Read 3,956 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
60% Acceptance Rate
$22,848 Net Price
1240-1420 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Gene Juarez Academy - North Campus
2 Year
Mountlake Terrace, WA
11 reviews
College Senior: Our professors are called educators and all of them are beautiful, knows exactly what to do if you need help, willing to answer any questions and they never think you'd ask stupid questions. That's why you're in school is to learn. And they can be a best friend too!
Read 11 Reviews
100% Acceptance Rate
$12,796 Net Price
Will You Get In?
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Central Washington University
4 Year
Ellensburg, WA
1,440 reviews
Junior: Central Washington University was the best choice I could have made for a university. I have made the best of friends, the professors are awesome, and the class sizes are small. I have never not felt comfortable on the campus, or in the dorms. They are constantly trying to better themselves. And the town it is in is absolutely wonderful. You get a nice southern feel without being in the south. Everyone is nice, and the town is clean, and the there is a huge community pretense. Only 40 min from the next city and only a couple hours from Seattle I would recommend this school to anyone and everyone!
Read 1,440 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
86% Acceptance Rate
$14,124 Net Price
910-1100 SAT Range
Will You Get In?
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Western Washington University
4 Year
Bellingham, WA
2,088 reviews
Alum: I was interested in WWU because it’s close to home while still being far enough away. The campus is beautiful too. Bellingham is such a nice town. There’s a lot of good places to eat and things to do in the area.

Almost all of my professors were really good. Campus life is nice. There’s over 200 clubs so you’re bound to find something that interests you and find people to meet. There are not any fraternities or sororities but I prefer it that way. It’s not known as a party school, which is nice. I never felt unsafe on campus. Some classes have a long waitlist and it will likely get worse as time goes on. They keep admitting too many students. Psychology and Computer Science classes were very hard to get into. I overall really enjoyed my time here. I met a lot of cool people and made some of the best friends I’ve had here. I miss it. It’s definitely worth going here! It’s cheaper than a lot of colleges in Washington state but that isn’t a bad thing in this case!
Read 2,088 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
85% Acceptance Rate
$16,117 Net Price
1080-1280 SAT Range
Will You Get In?

1 of 33

2020 Top Public Universities in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

University of California - Los Angeles

University of Virginia

United States Military Academy at West Point

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of California - Berkeley

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Texas - Austin

William & Mary

Virginia Tech

University of Florida

University of Wisconsin

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Georgia

University of California - Santa Barbara

Purdue University

Colorado School of Mines

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

University of Washington

Penn State

The Ohio State University

Texas A&M University

North Carolina State University

Clemson University

University of Pittsburgh

Gene Juarez Academy - North Campus

Central Washington University

Western Washington University