2020 Top Public Universities in America

Best Colleges

807 results

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
4,173 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 4,173 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$16,856 Net Price
1330-1510 SAT Range
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University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
5,024 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 5,024 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
14% Acceptance Rate
$15,002 Net Price
1290-1520 SAT Range
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University of Virginia
4 Year
Charlottesville, VA
2,186 reviews
#3 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I loved my first year at the University of Virginia. The students, faculty, and administration work together to create an inspiring and welcoming community. I enjoyed going to sporting events (2019 National Champions) and spending time in Charlottesville. I cannot wait to return to UVA this fall, and I am incredibly grateful to be a Wahoo!
Read 2,186 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
26% Acceptance Rate
$17,845 Net Price
1330-1500 SAT Range
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United States Military Academy at West Point
4 Year
West Point, NY
299 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 299 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
11% Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
1140-1350 SAT Range
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Georgia Institute of Technology
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
2,003 reviews
#5 Top Public Universities in America
Graduate Student: I would like to recommend Georgia Tech(GT) to prospective student due to several attractive experiences. As its name showed, the school is to focused on enhancing disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics so that many students can have numerous chances to be involved in intensive education and professional researches. In addition, the GT has offered one of the largest career fair which bridges between academia and industry. Thus, GT students easily experience to apply for co-op, internship and full-time positions every semester from hundreds of companies. In fact, most of GT alumni have been offered by employer before they graduate. Lastly, GT students can experience many club activities in terms of cultural diversity, athletics, and professional leadership. On campus, I have been involved in diverse student organizations such as Student Government Association (SGA), Korean American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) and Archery club.
Read 2,003 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
22% Acceptance Rate
$16,950 Net Price
1390-1540 SAT Range
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University of California - Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
4,003 reviews
#6 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
Read 4,003 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
15% Acceptance Rate
$17,862 Net Price
1320-1530 SAT Range
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4 Year
Chapel Hill, NC
2,366 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 2,366 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$11,649 Net Price
1270-1480 SAT Range
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University of Texas - Austin
4 Year
Austin, TX
6,052 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 6,052 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
39% Acceptance Rate
$14,156 Net Price
1230-1480 SAT Range
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William & Mary
4 Year
Williamsburg, VA
1,473 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 1,473 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
37% Acceptance Rate
$15,622 Net Price
1310-1490 SAT Range
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Virginia Tech
4 Year
Blacksburg, VA
3,792 reviews
#10 Top Public Universities in America
Junior: As an engineering major, the education provided is superb (compared to what I have heard and seen fro other universities). Being a "Hokie" actually means something: the community here is Blacksburg is very strong and always behind each other. There are tons of clubs/activities to join so no matter what you're interested in, more than likely you can find a group of people who share that interest! All around, an amazing place to attend college. The education is difficult but worth it.
Read 3,792 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
65% Acceptance Rate
$18,349 Net Price
1180-1390 SAT Range
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University of Florida
4 Year
Gainesville, FL
7,317 reviews
#11 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: The University of Florida is a prestigious university ranked in the top 10 public schools in the U.S. UF has a beautiful campus with magestic trees and red brick buildings. My experience with UF has more than exceeded my expectations. They care about each student and faculty member even though there are thousands. They cater to the needs of young leaders inspired to succeed at the university. There are various amenities across campus that are included in tuition, and at least one thing bound to interest every person there. Classes are quality instruction, and professors with charismatic personalities. Student clubs are vast and abundant, so inclusion of all types of people is guaranteed. Lastly, UF is constantly working to better the community and atmosphere of campus to better benefit its inhabitants.

One thing UF could work on is accommodating the large number of students on campus. Lines are always long, and resources limited sometimes. Other than that, great university!
Read 7,317 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
39% Acceptance Rate
$11,313 Net Price
1280-1440 SAT Range
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University of Wisconsin
4 Year
Madison, WI
3,101 reviews
#12 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: I have completely fallen in love with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It has extremely interesting and challenging academic programs and many resources to explore interests and prepare for the work force. Aside from the great academics, it also has such an amazing atmosphere full of fun experiences. This ranges from sporting events to restaurants downtown and many other events that the university organizes for students of all interests. There are so many clubs to be involved in so everyone feels like they have a place they fit in. I would recommend the University of Wisconsin Madison continuously because it truly is the best fit for me and so many others!
Read 3,101 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
52% Acceptance Rate
$14,169 Net Price
1280-1450 SAT Range
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 Year
Champaign, IL
4,515 reviews
#13 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: I transferred here for the Spring 2020 semester and it is honestly an amazing school. The academics are great for a public university and it offers a lot of resources if you take rigorous courses. The campus itself is beautiful and provides a lot of space. I also love the social aspect of the school and making friends isn’t hard as there are very friendly people across campus. The food at the dining halls are alright it’s what you would expect, some offer better choices than others. Typically the rice at the union isn’t cooked properly but apart from that the food isn’t that bad. The party atmosphere is also huge, it’s a big part of the school’s culture and one I enjoy a lot. The area around campus is also relatively safe. Overall a great school!
Read 4,515 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
62% Acceptance Rate
$15,829 Net Price
1200-1460 SAT Range
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University of Georgia
4 Year
Athens, GA
5,292 reviews
#14 Top Public Universities in America
Senior: The University of Georgia provides so many resources and outlets for students to grow their identity and passions. I love the atmosphere it provides for students to transition into the next stage of life with the tailgates, the athletics, the traditions, and the activities. Downtown Athens is a special place to many in the community, and it truly is like no other. This place draws the attention of those who enjoy food, sightseeing, and having fun. UGA is an incredible school with so many opportunities and genuine people. I have met some of my closest friends here, and I have also been able to challenge myself. The College of Education has pushed me to think beyond my comfort zone, and I am so thankful for the professors and experiences, especially study abroads! Something that I would love to see change is the diversity and integration of the Athens community with UGA students. It would be incredibly powerful for this community to unite and grow together while supporting one another!
Read 5,292 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$15,539 Net Price
1240-1410 SAT Range
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University of California - Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
4,386 reviews
#15 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: UCSB has this aura surrounding it that makes it enchanted. The skies are usually clear and the weather is splendid to the point that some people could get sick of the sunny weather, but not many do! Many professors express enthusiasm for their subject; however that does not include the math department. Those professors in humanities have passions for social justice primarily, but everyone on campus believes in improvement, hence the organized demonstrations that occur quarterly. We are a united, diverse campus that voices concerns in regard to any social reform. Just recently, we joined UCSC by standing in solidarity with the graduate students fighting for COLA. This campus may have difficult courses, but the resources available to its students has made it manageable to keep up with course material. The CLAS program is especially useful in my case for chemistry and math. The extra practice and one-on-one attention keeps me motivated and productive.
Read 4,386 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$16,912 Net Price
1230-1460 SAT Range
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Purdue University
4 Year
West Lafayette, IN
4,604 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 4,604 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
58% Acceptance Rate
$11,898 Net Price
1180-1410 SAT Range
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Colorado School of Mines
4 Year
Golden, CO
866 reviews
#17 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: What I love most about CSM is its prestige. If you want to major in STEM this is the place to go. I have had great experiences with the professors and the community in general at Mines. In only two years Mines has not only molded me for the professional world, but for life as well.
At this school, it's okay and even cool to be a nerd. Being surrounded by brilliant people has helped me become who I really am. Not only is the academic side amazing but so is the recreational and the athletics side.
Our athletics are A1 and are extremely fun to take a study break and watch. The athletes on campus are also smart, just like you, so they aren't like jocks.
The location of the school is great, within walking distance from downtown Golden which is amazing!
Have no complaints besides the homework!
Read 866 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$25,767 Net Price
1290-1450 SAT Range
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University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
4 Year
Minneapolis, MN
4,308 reviews
#18 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: My experience with the University of Minnesota so far has been excellent. There are many things that I enjoy about the school, some examples being the location and campus of the school, the challenging four year nursing program that is offered to incoming freshman, and the countless activities that one can participate inside and outside of school grounds. The location of the University of Minnesota is great because you are in the center of Minneapolis and there are plenty of things to do everyday such as museums, sporting events, and concerts. The campus and architecture is beautiful and gives students a wonderful university feel. The nursing program is awesome because it admits you immediately as a freshman and begins your career preparation right away! There are so many different clubs and activities that are available to all students at the U such as art clubs, book clubs, and intermural sports. I would not change one thing about this university!
Read 4,308 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
52% Acceptance Rate
$16,691 Net Price
1270-1480 SAT Range
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University of Washington
4 Year
Seattle, WA
4,167 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 4,167 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$9,765 Net Price
1220-1460 SAT Range
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Penn State
4 Year
University Park, PA
6,815 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 6,815 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
56% Acceptance Rate
$26,151 Net Price
1160-1360 SAT Range
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The Ohio State University
4 Year
Columbus, OH
5,260 reviews
#21 Top Public Universities in America
Alum: When I entered Ohio State, I was undecided about which major I wanted to pursue. The University Exploration program was incredible in teaching me about all of the different majors and opportunities that Ohio State has to offer. I eventually decided to major in psychology and minor in general business. Both programs provided me with unique opportunities to learn. I worked as a Teaching Assistant at the Fisher College of Business, and as a Research Assistant in the psychology department. My professors were outstanding and kind, especially in the psychology program. I highly recommend Ohio State to everyone!
Read 5,260 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
52% Acceptance Rate
$18,694 Net Price
1240-1450 SAT Range
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Texas A&M University
4 Year
College Station, TX
6,876 reviews
#22 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: I live the atmosphere around A&M. Students and professors genuinely want to build each other up and help each other out. That is kindness I have not seen anywhere else. I am so thankful to be able to share the Aggie experience with fellow peers and the sourrounding community. I think A&M does a fine job at accommodating to the study habits of students, with multiple libraries that are open 24/7 and an incredible advising staff. I would mike to see less construction, but I realize that is just something that takes time. I also think that making sports, other than football more well known could benefit funding for the programs and would love to hear more about Golfing opportunities!
Read 6,876 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
68% Acceptance Rate
$19,118 Net Price
1170-1380 SAT Range
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North Carolina State University
4 Year
Raleigh, NC
3,108 reviews
#23 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: After finishing my freshman year at NC State, I'm so glad I chose to go there. Everyone there is so welcoming and even after only the first week there I truly felt like I was a member of the Wolfpack. Even though NC State isn't known for sports everyone still gets really excited on game day and we have a great student section. The campus itself is beautiful and academics are also great there. There's some really interesting classes and so many different majors. All of the professors I've had so far have been genuinely interested in what they're teaching and really helpful. There really is something for everyone there.

Although everyone was sent home due to COVID-19, we were emailed with updates from administration almost daily and all of my teachers did their best to keep my classes on track and in communication.

I'm excited to go back in the fall and I can't wait for the next three years!
Read 3,108 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
47% Acceptance Rate
$14,771 Net Price
1250-1390 SAT Range
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Clemson University
4 Year
Clemson, SC
3,196 reviews
#24 Top Public Universities in America
Freshman: Clemson is a great university! It is beautiful, fun, and full of life! The academics are interesting and challenging, and the professors do care about their students. My one complaint is the overall lack of accessibility. As a student with a chronic pain condition that makes walking difficult, Clemson is hard to navigate at times because it is very hilly, and doesn’t provide a lot of accommodations to the landscape. But besides that, it’s such a wonderful place! I truly love it!
Read 3,196 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
47% Acceptance Rate
$19,508 Net Price
1220-1400 SAT Range
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University of Pittsburgh
4 Year
Pittsburgh, PA
4,000 reviews
#25 Top Public Universities in America
Sophomore: Pitt is an excellent university which combines high-quality academics and an incredibly warm community. The university is located in Oakland, in the heart of Pittsburgh and a short (free) bus ride away from the bustling downtown containing the cultural district and another short bus ride from the quaint communities of squirrel hill and shadyside filled with cute coffee shops. The campus itself has a wide selection of fast casual restaurant chains and practically contains the Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art. Pitt is also right next to Schenley Park in which you can go for a reflective nature walk and be one with the trees of Pittsburgh.

tldr: Pitt is an amazing school!
Read 4,000 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
59% Acceptance Rate
$24,040 Net Price
1270-1430 SAT Range
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ECPI University - Virginia Beach, VA
4 Year
Virginia Beach, VA
1,252 reviews
Freshman: So far my experience with ECPI has been great! The instructors are very helpful and my student success coordinator, admissions advisor, financial advisor, and anyone else I need are just a quick call or email away. All of the staff that I have dealt with so far were very encouraging and helpful!
Read 1,252 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
72% Acceptance Rate
$18,664 Net Price
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ECPI University - Richmond West, VA
Richmond, VA
4 reviews
Freshman: I am really enjoying my learning experience at ECPI. The instructors are outstanding. Even through the remote learning process their commitment to helping me and my classmates have been above and beyond. They even have given their cell phone numbers out to the class for us to be able to reach them even if we are no longer taking their class at the time.
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South University - Richmond
4 Year
Glen Allen, VA
156 reviews
Junior: What I like about South University, is that the staff and the professors want to see the students succeed in the career that they are pursuing. I haven’t felt like I’m a inconvenience to them and that means the world to me. Unlike any other colleges or universities that I’ve been to or seen, they actually have an appreciation week for their students, and that’s honestly needed because college students are overly stressed out at times. One improvement that South University could improve on, is how certain programs are laid out, such as certain information is not always clear or presented. South University is a great school, and I recommend anyone who are looking to further their education to apply there.
Read 156 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
100% Acceptance Rate
$20,933 Net Price
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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

ECPI University - Virginia Beach, VA

ECPI University - Richmond West, VA

South University - Richmond