2024 Top Public Universities in America

• East Lansing, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  6,164 reviews

Senior: Michigan State University has truly transformed my academic journey. As a transfer student, choosing MSU was the best decision I ever made. The warm welcome from both faculty and peers made me feel right at home. Through engaging classes, I not only gained knowledge but also forged incredible friendships. Joining a professional business fraternity was a pivotal move; the networking opportunities and mentorship have been invaluable. I'm thrilled to share that I've already secured a full-time job offer, thanks to the solid foundation MSU provided. My time here has been nothing short of extraordinary. Go Green!... Read 6,164 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $8,738

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  7,416 reviews

Freshman: I started attending Florida International University this summer and I absolutely love it. This is the only University that attracted me in Florida. The diversity in this school is truly incredible, there’s so many people from different backgrounds and it’s nice to get to know them. The people there also feel very welcoming and inclusive, and that’s what I really look for in a school. It lets make me gain more knowledge and become less ignorant of others. The professors I’ve had so far are incredible too, they are understanding and good at teaching. It feels like there is a strong support system and you can go to people when you feel troubled. The only bad thing is the parking situation because it can get very complicated at time but its something that can be fixed very quickly. I still love it there tho!... Read 7,416 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $9,398

• SAT range 1060-1240

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,415 reviews

Junior: NC State is not just a school with great academics, campus, and people, but instead a wildly diverse cosmopolitan community. At State there is truly something for everyone. For those who don’t know or have never visited campus, State is located close to Downtown Raleigh. Students enjoy its busy commercial areas as well as the abundance of tech companies, government departments, and awesome parks. On the weekends, friends and myself enjoy the nightlife of Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle. Besides the sense of place that NC State provides, the faculty is remarkable. They retain a sense of intellectual prowess without that air of elitism that other public and private universities might have. Every faculty member I have interacted with has been down to earth and actually cares about student success. I have made so many great connections and friendships since being here. Even though the campus is huge and our student body is large, State feels like a close knit community. Go pack!... Read 3,415 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $14,328

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Clemson, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  3,582 reviews

Senior: Clemson exceeds in all aspects of the college experience. Academics are challenging, yet push you to work hard and grow as an individual. Professors are helpful and supportive along your journey. There is excellent advising for classes, careers, and leadership. Clemson has a great social and academic balance that will make your experience valuable. You will learn from the people around you and learn so much about yourself in the process. Clemson has such a welcoming and safe campus. There are so many opportunities and organizations to get involved with whether that be clubs, sports, intermurals, greek life, alumni association, student council, and the list goes on. Clemson also provides internship opportunities and jobs to get your foot in the door with careers. They hold a career fair every semester as well as mock interviews that allows you to get feedback and build your resume! Clemson is all around a fantastic school to grow you as an individual.... Read 3,582 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $23,732

• SAT range 1220-1420

• College Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  5,525 reviews

Junior: The University of Maryland is truly a place like no other. Stepping foot on campus is like walking into an alternate universe. The students are excited, the campus seems to become more beautiful everyday and the list goes on and on. I have had such an amazing experience at Maryland so far and it can all be attributed to the spirit, culture and personality of the school. All professors are willing to lend a hand whenever needed and meeting new classmates each semester will always be one of my favorite parts. The classes offered are very interesting as they range from the psychology of happiness to Brazilian cinema, you can truly do it all here. I would not change anything about my experience this far academically but one thing I would like to see is a larger presence at our football games. We have so much spirit and we should all be going to cheer the players on! Other than that University of Maryland is truly a special place!... Read 5,525 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1330-1510

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,804 reviews

Senior: The UofM Twin Cities is an amazing public university! It offers just about any program you can think of and many of these programs are ranked extremely well in the United States, as well as around the world. Much of the faculty is involved in groundbreaking research, which enables students to be involved in research as well. The academic standards are rigorous but not too demanding to be successful. The location in the Twin Cities is wonderful for access to opportunities in the community for internships and partnerships. There are tons of student groups and activities for students to get involved in, which helps makes the large school feel smaller and offers opportunity to build a close knit community here. Having Division I sports means there is always a fun sporting event to go to, many of which are free for current students. There is a fair amount of diversity, although this is an area I would like to see growth in. I also would like to see a decrease in tuition costs.... Read 4,804 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $17,468

• SAT range 1310-1490

• Stillwater, OK•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  3,673 reviews

Sophomore: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oklahoma State University. The professors invest into students and are clearly passionate about their areas of expertise. The school as a whole prioritizes its students by putting on events to get involved, offering academic support such as tutoring, and has an overwhelming sense of school spirit that makes OSU feel like home away from home. It is easy to get involved and meet those with common interests. As far as changes, there is not much that I would like to see different on my campus! One positive change would be increasing the dining options, especially for students with allergies. Additionally, lengthening the hours of operations for the dining halls would be greatly beneficial. All together, OSU has done an excellent job at meeting students where they are at and prioritizing not only their wellbeing but also providing a quality education.... Read 3,673 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $14,603

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Piscataway, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  6,038 reviews

Junior: Rutgers University is a transformative institution that offers a world-class education. The faculty's expertise and dedication to student success are remarkable. The campus facilities are top-notch, providing an excellent environment for learning and growth. Rutgers fosters a vibrant and diverse community, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. The university's emphasis on research and innovation opens doors to exciting opportunities. With extensive extracurricular offerings and a robust alumni network, Rutgers, particularly the Business School, prepares students for rewarding careers. Proud to be a Scarlet Knight!... Read 6,038 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $11,803

• SAT range 1240-1470

• Golden, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  962 reviews

Freshman: Colorado School of Mines is a perfect school for those who are seeking to learn from others, are inspired by innovation and technology, and are driven to achieve. Yes, it is a very academically rigorous school but there are so many fun events, great resources, and support offered and the community is so supportive. I love going to a smaller school and being able to get involved in my school community and get a substantial amount of professional and career advice already just as a first-year undergrad!... Read 962 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $26,179

• SAT range 1310-1470

• Bloomington, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  4,922 reviews

Junior: Indiana University Bloomington is truly the most welcoming atmosphere I have ever been fortunate to experience. There is a wonderful blend of academics and social life with an enormous amount of opportunities for both. Not only are the students and faculty incredibly supportive, but the campus itself quite literally "blooms" with bright green forestry and wildlife (pun intended)! One of my favorite aspects of the university is that most of the upperclassmen become mentors for new incoming students. This continuous cycle of lending a hand gives students the chance to have 24/7 guidance and a chance to give back as they approach graduation. I have absolutely adored all of my professors and been challenged to achieve more than I ever dreamed of. If I had to recommend the university to change something, it may just be to hire more professors so that smaller class sizes are more common so that peers feel more like a family. However, even the larger lectures can be very energizing!... Read 4,922 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,386

• SAT range 1160-1380

• Auburn, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2,550 reviews

Freshman: Auburn University is a great state university! There are plenty of opportunities to explore campus and make connections. Every year they have over a month’s worth of freshman related events to go to, it’s very welcoming. Advisors are friendly and I have had no problems with my professors. Study and you will get the most out of your classes, though Auburn has plenty of free tutoring/aid for students as well! The only things that have been a problem are parking and housing. I live off campus, but I have heard about the hygiene of on some on campus buildings being below par. Parking is also extremely limited, and there is a lot of construction going on in Auburn. There’s nothing wrong with the academia itself, but be prepared to take extra time to park in designated areas and walk to classes. Investing in a scooter or bike may be wise, but arranging your schedule to be manageably walkable also works. AU is very thorough with campus safety so the only issue there is extra exercise.... Read 2,550 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $23,873

• SAT range 1150-1320

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,496 reviews

Alum: I love nearly everything about this school! The sports are great, there are major entertainment events, art and religion are honored, there are over 1,000 student organizations, and I have had incredible professors consistently throughout my years (although peers in other majors did not always say this). In the area, there is hiking, skiing, several summer festivals, several thrift stores, and a high proportion of restaurants with different ethnic cuisines. Recommendation for change are prioritizing updates to dorm buildings and increasing accessibility to groceries downtown, as this is where a large number of students live (without their cars). It has many international students, but is otherwise limited in diversity. It mostly reflects the state/region, so I do not see this as something that necessarily needs to change.... Read 7,496 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Tempe, AZ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  11,676 reviews

Freshman: Welcome to the sun-soaked wonderland of Arizona State University (ASU), where your academic adventure unfolds amidst a backdrop of innovation, collaboration, and endless opportunities! ASU's Tempe campus is not just a place to study; it's a haven of discovery. Picture yourself strolling through a futuristic landscape of sleek, sustainable buildings and lush greenery, all under the warm Arizona sun. The campus isn't just bricks and mortar; it's an ecosystem designed to nurture your dreams. As a computer science student, you'll be greeted by labs that practically hum with innovation. The state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge software are your playgrounds for exploration. The libraries are your treasure troves, offering boundless knowledge at your fingertips. And the Wi-Fi? It's like a secret power source, connecting you to the digital universe everywhere you go. ASU isn't just a university; it's a gateway to a world of possibilities.... Read 11,676 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $14,653

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  4,580 reviews

Freshman: I find the University of Massachusetts Amherst a very open en welcoming university. As an international student, it can be hard to be far away from home, but I believe UMass Amherst does a great job in making students feel at home; UMass has a close community of students who genuinely care for each other. Generally, I think studying at UMass Amherst is the best choice I have ever made. Every aspect of my college life is better then I could ever imagine - I have the chance to play sport competitively, get education at a high level and connect with a lot of special and interesting people. And of course enjoy the best dining halls of the country!... Read 4,580 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,291

• SAT range 1250-1460

• Norman, OK•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  3,194 reviews

Junior: Boomer Sooner! I recently transferred to OU and have loved every single moment. The University of Oklahoma has such a large and diverse population that you cannot fail to find your place here. There are so many colleges, courses, and professors to choose from. There are entire departments dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all students, all you have to do is ask around. There are more than 100 student organizations on campus, cultural, academic, sport-oriented, and religious organizations for students to choose from, and if you feel any of the existing organizations does not cater for your needs, you are allowed to make your own. There is academic advising, peer tutoring, group tutoring sessions, a library database with more than enough information, and office hours provided by professors and teaching assistants among other services to ensure that students are supported to produce the best results at school. OU is so big that there's enough room for everyone to thrive.... Read 3,194 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $22,022

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Iowa City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  3,837 reviews

Freshman: Overall, there are so many resources available to students. Everywhere I go, it seems like university administration is dying to give away opportunities to students. Whether it be scholarships, clubs, food, or merch, I think every time I walk into the IMU there's an event involving a giveaway. The school did an amazing job planning and scheduling events for freshman during the OnIowa! week where only freshman had moved in. I actually met a lot of my current friends during that week. My only negative experience regarding administration is an inconsistency with the dining hall food and with completing work orders for dorms. Also, the apps used for doing laundry in the dorms have been glitchy, and sometimes prevent people from using machines that are clearly not in use. The campus is beautiful, and very different than any other campus I've been too because it's so engrained into the fabric of Iowa City itself. There's lots of bike paths and nature if you need a break from the city as well... Read 3,837 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,599

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Birmingham, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,275 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience with the University of Alabama at Birmingham so far! The campus is exhilarating, especially because it stretches over several blocks of Birmingham. There are "blue lights" on every block, making it a pretty safe campus. The dorms are nice, and so is the recreation center. The cafeteria always has good food, but there's also tons of restaurants around the city to choose from! This campus is probably the best in Alabama for diversity within the students. Overall, it's a great school with great students.... Read 2,275 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $16,990

• SAT range 1140-1340

• University , MS•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  2,232 reviews

Freshman: The University of Mississippi, also called Ole Miss, has been an amazing experience for me so far. I've only been in the university for about two months, and in that short period of time, I've been able to do many things. I especially love the very high quality of the professors. They've exceeded every single one of my expectations, and I really enjoy attending their classes! I've also had a really great experience with the International Student & Scholar Services; they're staff has worked hard to ensure that I get everything I need as an international student. The campus is really beautiful, and everything seems to blend in pretty well. There's also a great sports scene if you're into that! Of course, there are some things that could use some work, such as the quality of housing and the variety of food options offered on campus. However, the positives far outweight the negatives, and I feel very satisfied with my experience as of now. I totally recommend attending this university!... Read 2,232 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $13,528

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Columbia, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  4,570 reviews

Freshman: The university of South Carolina is very diverse. The professors are very genuine and passionate about what the teach. The campus is in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia. It gives you the mix of city life in a more southern area. The students are very kind and love to have fun. The athletic teams here work very hard and continue to improve each and every season. The campus has tons of options for affordable housing. I personally find the 650 Lincoln the best. The campus has many food options, from home-cooked food, to establishments such as Chick-fil-a, jersey mikes, Starbucks, and many more options. The student life is great, and very safe. The campus has its own police force, with emergency stations placed all throughout campus. It's known that if you press an emergency station, an officer will be there to help in less than 60 seconds. If you're looking for a diverse, and fun community to learn and grow with, then the University of South Carolina is an amazing place to apply to!... Read 4,570 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $21,898

• SAT range 1150-1360

• Sarasota, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  99 reviews

Alum: I had an extraordinary time at USFSM! While they did not have dorms, they made up for it in events and camaraderie. There is always something going on at USFSM - whether it is during Week of Welcome, or Relaxation week during Finals, or presentations, the campus is buzzing. Everyone at USFSM, including the chancellor, is easily accessible. Everyone wants you to be successful, and provides you with the tools to do so. You can join student government, any club you can imagine, or nothing at all. There was never a time where I felt I wasn't welcomed. There are no "cliques" either. Everyone was friendly and approachable.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 24%

• Net price $2,734

• SAT range 1160-1290

• Houghton, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,038 reviews

Freshman: I recently got admitted into Michigan tech! So far it has been a thrilling affair with their admission process. It was really easy to apply and I'm really happy that I have the opportunity to go to such a great university. I had always wanted to be a husky and my dream is finally coming into fruition. Financing was my only obstacle. I had the grades, extracurricular activities, sports but not the money to get there. Niche and several other scholarships have given me hope that I might eventually end up there. Michigan tech has been helpful with all the opportunities they have provided. To sum it all up, I'm happy I got the chance.... Read 1,038 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,826

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Ames, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,939 reviews

Alum: I was fortunate to have a number of options for colleges to attend, and am thankful I went with Iowa State! To me, this was the Goldilocks option: big college in a small town with a good balance between academics, social life, clubs, leadership, sports, and other opportunities. The campus is beautiful, the people are nice, the tradition and college spirit are strong. The classes, student jobs, and leadership experiences I held directly prepared me for grad school and my professional career. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience and always look forward to returning to Ames as an alum.... Read 3,939 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,422

• SAT range 1070-1330

• Salt Lake City, UT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  4,274 reviews

Sophomore: I am completely satisfied with my University of Utah experience. I am fortunate and proud to say I have been given a Full Scholarship since I graduated from High School in the year 2021 always maintaining a 4.0. My scholastic ability has always received the highest scores due to my dedication and Love for education and making learning my main focus throughout my early school years. My strength has always been Mathematics. my love and interest in Cosomoes started at a very young age and continues to expand with each and coming year of my life. I am 19 years old and it's difficult to keep my insatiable need to learn more and more at Bea! My Love and interest in this majestic universe led me to choose Astrophysics/Astronomy as my choice in my chosen field for my lifetime,which I know will keep evolving, and will never cease to amaze my content need to learn more! My love for philosophy will expand my need to learn to its maximum extent. Thank you for your time. Gavin Farley... Read 4,274 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $12,972

• SAT range 1180-1390

• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  4,745 reviews

Freshman: Campus life is fantastic, there is so much to do and so many cool and friendly events to meet people and network/make connections with staff, faculty, and other students/student organizations on campus. So far, I've talked to many student-led organization members and staff of the honors college, and they were, along with the rest of the campus, very welcoming. At the moment, I would change the way the transportation system around the school works, and there should be a guide implemented on how to use the transportation apps with ease. Other than that, I love my school so far, and I can't wait to spend the next 4 years here!... Read 4,745 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,263

• SAT range 1070-1370

• Lubbock, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  5,331 reviews

Junior: What I love most about going to Texas Tech are the people I've met there. I've become close friends with cancer survivors, people from halfway around the world, and people who've led protests! Almost everyone there is kind and willing to give you the time of day to just talk if you want. Classes at Tech are also excellent. The professors and instructors do an excellent job of covering material and are usually very patient with the student body. Speaking of which, Texas Tech has helped me to discover my passion for mathematics. Prior to coming here, I used to struggle and fear the topic, but after taking Calculus I've learned that It can beautiful and sometimes wonderfully simple. There's plenty to do outside of academics at Tech. A myriad of clubs and organizations are always looking for new members to join. Several facilities such as the Rec Center, the Library, and Urbanovsky park allow anyone to get out and explore campus.... Read 5,331 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,057

• SAT range 1110-1280