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2019 Top Public Universities in AmericaAbout this List

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

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  1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,032
    #1 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,032 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,107
    #2 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: I absolutely love everything about the University of Virginia. I visited several colleges before making my decision and knew that UVA was the place for me. It has a great reputation, the grounds are beautiful, and being part of a sports team is an added plus and has many rewards. My team is like family. Also, the area around the university, is very inviting. There is so much to do with lots of dining and shopping. I know that having a UVA degree will help me in the future in finding a good job. I can't picture myself to be anywhere else! This University has it all!
    Read 2,107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,594 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,838
    #3 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: Overall, I've had a great experience here at UCLA. The academics are incredible with very supportive professors and the campus food is top tier. My general consensus is that while most people are campus keep to themselves and are very shy, once that barrier is broken the potential to make lifelong friends is staggering. The campus is a little hilly though, so a good pair of walking shoes is an absolute necessity for happy feet. Your calves will be sculpted in no time! All in all, I am absolutely enjoying my experience here and I want to prolong it as long as possible. No regrets in deciding to get my degree here. Go Bruins!
    Read 4,838 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,760 Net Price
    • 1220-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. United States Military Academy at West Point

    • 4 Year
    • West Point, NY
    • 289
    #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 289 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • 1180-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,897
    #5 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: UC Berkeley provides outstanding environment for students to achieve and conquer their academic and career goals. Many people think of Cal as a cut-throat school but on the contrary, the amount of peer support I encountered within this school is amazing. Students in Cal uplift each other because studying here is hard but the products of that studying open doors to many career opportunities. At times it may feel overwhelming to find own place in such a big school, but Cal has plenty college resources for every kind of person. Go Bears!
    Read 3,897 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,939
    #6 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 1,939 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,873 Net Price
    • 1090-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,278
    #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 2,278 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,100 Net Price
    • 1270-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Virginia Tech

    • 4 Year
    • Blacksburg, VA
    • 3,651
    #8 Top Public Universities in America

    Senior: Virginia Tech was my last choice out of 6 schools I applied for and got into. I went there on an Air Force scholarship and joined the Corps of Cadets. I was hesitant and nervous about going there and having the military experience, but I was proven wrong. The training and experience that I have so far received from the program has been incredible. This sort of experience you can't really get anywhere else. Then coupled with the fact that I also get to experience a "real" college lifestyle at Tech with the civilian component has made the experience all the better. It's a tough school for sure but very much worth the time going there. If you're hesitant like I was going here, take the risk and go!
    Read 3,651 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,700 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,847
    #9 Top Public Universities in America

    Sophomore: Best decision I've made in my life. I am a business honors student here at the University of Texas at Austin and I had choices among the best business schools in the nation: UMich, NYU, Indiana University, and Texas A&M. The student body is extremely smart and well-rounded. I highly doubt you would find this type of social scene where the students are all so high-achieving as well. The faculty is amazing and there are so many resources for the students that can be used. UT is great at sports, academics, partying, and outdoor activities. It really is the best school, and hook 'em horns forever!
    Read 5,847 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. College of William & Mary

    • 4 Year
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • 1,431
    #10 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: I love this college! There are many things to do in Williamsburg, but also around campus, as well. It's a smaller school, which is great, and the majority of the professors try to get to know their students. It's fairly easy to get into undergraduate research here, which is great for future endeavors. The housing process is bad because they don't do a head count of everyone and have to deal with running out of housing/rooms. The course selection website is awful and constantly crashes when trying to register. Other than that, it's great.
    Read 1,431 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,415 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 3,007
    #11 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: There are so many great things about UW-Madison. There is always something to do on and off campus. UW ensures that there is a place and event for everyone. The education and educators are top noche; I have never loved learning so much. The campus and facilities are amazing and well kept. In their School of Human Ecology, they had design students design their bathrooms, creating a mystical place to go when nature calls! My only complaint is their high tuition cost. As most people know, the cost of education increases every year and it has made it difficult for people to go to college without needing to worry about debt. As an out of state student, my I have to pay full tuition which adds on to the stress of getting an education. Although the university does their best to provide scholarships for people in need to financial aid, I feel as if they lack the scholarships for people who don't come from low income families, but are paying for their education independently.
    Read 3,007 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,910 Net Price
    • 1280-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Florida

    • 4 Year
    • Gainesville, FL
    • 7,077
    #12 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 7,077 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 42% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,283 Net Price
    • 1240-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    • 4 Year
    • Champaign, IL
    • 4,352
    #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 4,352 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,638 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Georgia

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, GA
    • 5,137
    #14 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: Living on campus as a freshman or beyond, it is very easy to become involved. There are many campus organizations that are seeking student involvement and that host events. From my experience, professors are interested in you doing your best, so they work well with their students to help them succeed. Living in the area is nice- there is a nice scene downtown. There are good restaurants, concerts are always going on in the theater, there are good places to shop, and you're not too far from Atlanta or north Georgia!
    Read 5,137 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,934 Net Price
    • 1200-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Colorado School of Mines

    • 4 Year
    • Golden, CO
    • 834
    #15 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 834 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,472 Net Price
    • 1310-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of Washington

    • 4 Year
    • Seattle, WA
    • 4,027
    #16 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: The UW offers many clubs and opportunities to find your own home inside the larger community. As a Freshman and from a smaller town, it was quite intimidating attending such a large school. In that vein, there is exceptional diversity on this campus. You'll meet people from all tracks of life, from as young as 17 to as old as 65, and from every continent (besides Antarctica, of course)!
    The campus is expansive and will most certainly impress anyone who gets the chance to explore it. As for academics, it's a research school and the classes reflect this standard. Every teacher I've had has been well informed in their topics and project true enthusiasm for student learning. However, many of the classes offered are what's called a "weed out" class, meaning they are very intense and meant to oust those unfit for that major. The university does provide methods for studying and tutoring, however, which can aid those who are struggling.
    Read 4,027 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,443 Net Price
    • 1190-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,406
    #17 Top Public Universities in America

    Sophomore: I just finished my first year here and feel that I have gotten so much out of my experience already. I have been able to join organizations I care about. Within those organizations I have been able to really involve myself and secure a leadership position. I have also been able to get involved with research as an undergrad! This has been an awesome experience because I am already learning tangible skills. The campus is beautiful and compact enough to where I can get around just by walking. The faculty here is wonderful, and I have already started forming meaningful relationships with some of them.
    Read 4,406 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,117 Net Price
    • 1150-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of California - Santa Barbara

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Barbara, CA
    • 4,277
    #18 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 4,277 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,154 Net Price
    • 1190-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

    • 4 Year
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • 4,139
    #19 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: Coming to this University was quite the culture change considering the fact that I transferred from a junior college in California. I came out here because I was given the opportunity to be a student athlete in the sport of wrestling and I regret NOTHING. Everybody in this city in terms of administration, and students are very nice and give off a vibe that would be hard to be uncomfortable around. The only thing that I would change about this university is the cost of tuition, but I’m sure I’m not the only one that thinks that and it could be way worse than what it is. This is a very fine institution and it’s my home away from home, and I love it! Being right outside of the downtown city gives you so many opportunities to do things such as food, bars, and hanging out with your people. The only disadvantage about being here is the winter, but after all that, the spring and summer is beautiful!
    Read 4,139 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,808 Net Price
    • 1270-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,565
    #20 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: As I started my college education at Penn State back in 2016, I have participated extracurricular activities and learned a lot of new experiences from this University. Professor are wonderful to answer any questions you have in class during their office hours and for the extracurricular activities, I learned how to socialize better and learned the importance of teamwork!
    Read 6,565 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,346 Net Price
    • 1160-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • College Station, TX
    • 6,597
    #21 Top Public Universities in America

    Sophomore: 10/10 RATING! Honestly, one of the, if not, THE best schools out there. If there is one thing to say about Texas A&M University is that it is very welcoming. Professors, staff, student body, literally EVERYONE will greet you with a smile. Although, I haven't been here long, there is nowhere else where I would rather be. The school spirit here is amazing. Makes you feel like a part of some big family rather than an a school. You will make some life-long relationships here. The curriculum is vast and there is something for everyone. The campus itself is beautiful. Proud to be an Aggie!
    Read 6,597 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,554 Net Price
    • 1140-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,051
    #22 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: The Ohio State University has been my dream post-secondary school since I first heard and laid eyes on it during junior high school. One of the happiest days of my life was finding out that I was accepted into the school. Living on campus for the past school year has been an englihting experience for me and a reminder of why I think the university is so great. The professors clearly love their work and wish to express this feeling onto their students. The campus offers a wide variety of resources and activity centers: from the RecreatioN & Physical Activity Center(RPAC) to Counseling and Consultation Services to your personal career and academic advisors, the university does all it can to help students maintain a healthy mind and body while attending school. I would highly recommend coming to The Ohio State University as it is in my opinion one of the best schools in the country to pursue whatever your heart desires!
    Read 5,051 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,042 Net Price
    • 1260-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. North Carolina State University

    • 4 Year
    • Raleigh, NC
    • 3,015
    #23 Top Public Universities in America

    Junior: NC State, like any other university, has its pros and cons. The beautiful bricks, the scenic view from the top floor of Hill, and amazing ice cream are all wonderful aspects of being a part of the Pack. NCSU will certainly leave you with some good memories. But, it will also leave you with some bad ones too.
     If you plan on entering the College of Engineering, just remember that this is the most popular college. Engineering is one of the most (if not the most) popular major NC State is known for. Due to this, the program is very rigorous and you may not feel or receive the support that you need. Sometimes, you will feel like you are just a number. But, when you hit rock bottom (possibly by making your first C in your academic career, failing to CODA into the College of Engineering, or failing an exam that you spent hours upon hours studying for) know that you can get back up!
    Read 3,015 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,442 Net Price
    • 1230-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Clemson University

    • 4 Year
    • Clemson, SC
    • 3,063
    #24 Top Public Universities in America

    Freshman: I will never run out of amazing things to say about Clemson. If you want to feel like you are a part of a family, Clemson is the place to be. There was not one person that I met when I visited, faculty or students, that was not so welcoming and kind. The campus is so beautiful and open and it is somewhere that I feel as though I belong. I didn't want to leave when I went, I felt like I was supposed to stay there! The resources and technology that they have available to students are endless and the professors and world-renowned. The atmosphere and feeling of togetherness that you feel when you are there is so breathtaking and that's what makes going to Clemson so special; you truly are part of the Tiger Family.
    Read 3,063 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,757 Net Price
    • 1220-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,282
    #25 Top Public Universities in America

    Sophomore: MSU is one the best colleges in the nation! The university makes a concerned effort to make sure students can apply themselves. The academics are beyond top notch! The campus is easily one of the most beautiful in the state, and campus life is packed with many opportunities.
    Read 5,282 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,684 Net Price
    • 1100-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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