Public universities in USA

All these universities are known for top-quality education and cutting-edge research. Experienced professors and hands-on learning make the experience even better. From career counselling to internships, public universities provide the support a student needs.

This article is all about the top public universities in the USA. We’ll share our top 10 picks along with additional information you might be looking for. Let’s start!

Overview of Public Universities in the USA

The establishment of Public universities in the United States dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. They began as a way to make higher education more accessible to people across the country. The first public university, the University of North Carolina, was founded in 1789. Over time, many more public universities were established. Today, there are over 1,600 public universities in the USA.

The US government has always supported public universities by funding research and helping with policies.  One of the biggest contributions of public universities is that they provide affordable education to millions of students. They also offer strong support services like internships and career counselling to help students succeed.

Most of the state universities in the US are highly ranked internationally. These universities continue to play a key role in shaping the future of education in the US.

Criteria for Ranking Public Universities

The ranking of public universities in the USA is based on various factors. Different platforms use different methodologies to create the rank list. Some of the key criteria among these are:

Academic Excellence

Almost every platform prioritizes the academic excellence of a university when ranking them. This refers to the quality of education, research output, and faculty expertise at the university.

Infrastructure

The facilities, libraries, research labs, and technology available on campus also have a great role in ranking high (or low). Almost all the public universities in the US are known for their state-of-the-art facilities.

Student Support Services

From academic advising to career counselling, public universities offer many support services to help students succeed. This is an important factor when ranking universities. Because these services greatly enhance the student experience.

Reputation and Accreditation

The reputation of a university is built over time through its academic achievements and impact.

Top 10 Public Universities in the USA

Different platforms rank US universities based on various criteria. Here, we are following the U.S. News rankings for the top 10 public universities:

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA is currently the US’s top university. It’s located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Known for its prestigious academic programs and research, UCLA is one of the most well-regarded public universities worldwide.

With an acceptance rate of about 9%, UCLA is also one of the most competitive to get into. This university has a strong reputation in fields like psychology, economics, and sociology. UCLA’s sports teams, the Bruins, are another big draw. They are known for their achievements in NCAA competitions.

The campus itself is a beautiful mix of modern facilities and historic architecture. The famous beaches of Santa Monica and the heart of Hollywood are just a short drive away. Nearby, you can find shopping centres, hospitals, and other amenities for a convenient life.

Tuition Fee: Approximately $14,208 for in-state and $46,503 for out-of-state students.

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-3 years

Established: 1919

Total Programs: 220

Total Students: 46676

Faculty Members: 5,464

Location: Los Angeles, California

2. University of California, Berkeley

The second top public university in the US is the University of California, but it’s Berkeley campus. It’s often simply referred to as "Berkeley". It’s a powerhouse when it comes to research and academics. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has always kept ranking among the top public universities in the world.

Berkeley is famous for its rigorous science and engineering programs. The university’s alumni include numerous Nobel laureates and leaders across various fields.

The campus is surrounded by natural beauty. With San Francisco just a quick drive away, students have access to a vibrant city life full of cultural and career opportunities. Berkeley’s graduates tend to excel in their fields, with many going on to earn PhDs or become top professionals in industries like tech, finance, and healthcare.

Tuition Fee: $16,832 for in-state and $51,032 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years

Established: 1868

Total Programs: 300 programs

Total Students: 45,000

Faculty Members: 1,500

Location: Berkeley, California

3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Our next top public university in the US is the University of Michigan, located in the charming town of Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan is one of the best universities in the USA. This university was established in 1817. Hence, it’s one of the oldest universities in the country.

Over the years, the University of Michigan has gained a reputation for both academic excellence and school spirit. The university is especially well-known for its business, engineering, and public policy programs.

Ann Arbor itself is a welcoming city known for its beautiful parks, unique shops, and cultural events. It’s not far from Detroit, so students have easy access to a larger metropolitan area.

Tuition Fee: $18,848 for in-state and $63,081 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years

Established: 1817

Total Programs: 250

Total Students: 52,356

Faculty Members: 8,189

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

4. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia, the US’s next top public university, was founded in 1819. It’s a historical gem nestled in the scenic city of Charlottesville. This university is popularly known for its classical architecture and stunning campus.

Some of UVA’s most popular programs are in business, social sciences, and the liberal arts. With a graduation rate of 95%, students from worldwide thrive here both academically and socially.

Additionally, Charlottesville, with its vibrant arts scene and historic landmarks, provides a rich cultural experience for students. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, too.

Tuition Fee: Approximately $20,000 for in-state students and $53,000 for out-of-state students.

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: Varies by program

Established: 1819

Total Programs: 230+

Total Students: Over 25,300

Faculty Members: 13100+

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

5. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Another old and top public university in the US is The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Started in 1795, UNC’s rich history is matched by a commitment to academic excellence. Particularly, fields like law, medicine, and business are highly valued subjects.

The campus is known for its southern charm, featuring lush green spaces. Also, its historic buildings make for a truly inspiring place to study. The university’s sports teams, especially the Tar Heels basketball team, have a storied legacy, and game days are a huge part of campus life.

With both a strong academic reputation and a vibrant community, UNC provides a well-rounded experience for students.

Tuition Fee: $9,003 for in-state and $41,211 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-3 years

Established: 1789

Total Programs: 260

Total Students: 32,234

Faculty Members: 4,234

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

6. University of California, San Diego

Next, we have the University of California, San Diego. Nestled in the stunning coastal community of La Jolla, it’s a university with a view. Founded in 1960, it has quickly risen to become one of the top public research universities in the country.

The campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean. UC San Diego is highly known for its strengths in biology, computer science, and cognitive science.

The laid-back Southern California lifestyle is combined with access to high-tech industries and research facilities. So, whether it’s taking a stroll along the cliffs or working on cutting-edge research, students here get the best of both worlds.

Tuition Fee: $16,815 for in-state and $51,015 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-3 years

Established: 1960

Total Programs: 140+

Total Students: 42,968

Faculty Members: 3,804

Location: La Jolla, California

7. University of Florida

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida is another top public university in the USA. It offers students a lively college experience mixed with top-notch academics. Founded in 1853, it’s well-known for its programs in the health sciences, business and engineering. It’s also home to the famous Florida Gators sports teams.

Gainesville itself is a student-friendly city with a small-town vibe. But there are also plenty of amenities and activities. Whether it’s catching a football game or exploring local nature spots, there’s always something to do. Graduates of UF tend to do well in the job market, thanks to the university’s strong reputation among employers.

Tuition Fee: $6,381 for in-state and $28,658 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years (Master’s), 4-5  years (Ph. D.)

Established: 1853

Total Programs: 300+

Total Students: 60,489

Faculty Members: 1,740

Location: Gainesville, Florida

8. University of Texas, Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is not just a university. It’s a part of the city’s cultural fabric. This university ranked 8th nationally in the US. Founded in 1883, UT Austin is a major player in areas like engineering, communications, and the arts.

The campus is located right in the heart of Austin. It’s a city known for its live music, tech scene, and overall creativity. Students at UT Austin can enjoy the energy of a large university combined with the opportunities of being in a thriving city.

With employers eager to hire graduates, the university offers a springboard into various industries. Plus, the school’s vibrant sports culture adds an extra layer of excitement to campus life.

Tuition Fee: $11,678 for in-state and $42,778 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-6 years

Established: 1883

Total Programs: 170+

Total Students: 51,000

Faculty Members: 3,000

Location: Austin, Texas

9. University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin, Madison, established in 1848, is a cornerstone of public education in the Midwest. It’s well-known for its research output, especially in areas like economics, computer science, and psychology.

The campus is located on an isthmus between two lakes. It offers beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities for students. Madison is a lively, welcoming city that’s frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in the US.

This university has strong connections to local industries, particularly healthcare and technology. No wonder it’s ranked among the top ten public universities in the USA.

Tuition Fee: $11,216 for in-state students and $40,612 for out-of-state students.

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 1-5 years

Established: 1848

Total Programs: 600+

Total Students: 48,557

Faculty Members: 26,755

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

10. University of Washington

Finally, we have The University of Washington as the 10th top public university in the US nationally. Located in Seattle, it’s a top-tier research university that has earned a global reputation.

Established in 1861, UW is especially well-known for its programs in biomedical science, computer science, and engineering. Its scenic campus sits right near downtown Seattle.

With major companies like Microsoft and Amazon nearby, students have excellent opportunities for internships and careers in tech and business. The university’s strong research culture, combined with its location in one of the most innovative cities in the U.S.

Tuition Fee: $12,973 for in-state and $43,209 for out-of-state students

Undergraduate Duration: 4 years

Postgraduate Duration: 2-5 years

Established: 1861

Total Programs: 260

Total Students: 52,319

Faculty Members: 4,000

Location: Seattle, Washington

Top 30 Public Universities in the USA

University Name	Established Year	Website
University of California-Berkeley	1868	www.berkeley.edu
University of California-Los Angeles	1919	www.ucla.edu
University of Florida	1853	www.ufl.edu
University of California-San Diego	1960	www.ucsd.edu
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	1789	www.unc.edu
University of California-Santa Barbara	1909	www.ucsb.edu
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	1861	www.washington.edu
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	1817	www.umich.edu
University of Virginia-Main Campus	1819	www.virginia.edu
University of California-Irvine	1965	www.uci.edu
University of Maryland-College Park	1856	www.umd.edu
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	1885	www.gatech.edu
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	1867	www.illinois.edu
University of California-Davis	1905	www.ucdavis.edu
The University of Texas at Austin	1883	www.utexas.edu
University of Wisconsin-Madison	1848	www.wisc.edu
William & Mary	1693	www.wm.edu
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	1901	www.calpoly.edu
Purdue University-Main Campus	1869	www.purdue.edu
Florida State University	1851	www.fsu.edu
University of Georgia	1785	www.uga.edu
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College	1919	www.baruch.cuny.edu
Texas A & M University-College Station	1876	www.tamu.edu
Ohio State University-Main Campus	1870	www.osu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus	1855	www.psu.edu
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus	1787	www.pitt.edu
Indiana University-Bloomington	1820	www.indiana.edu
Michigan State University	1855	www.msu.edu

Comparison of Public and Private Universities in the USA

Now, let’s compare public and private universities in the USA. Both offer great opportunities, but they differ in some key ways.

Funding and Tuition Fees

Public universities get their fund from the government. This keeps their tuition fees lower, especially for in-state students. Private universities rely on tuition fees and donations, so they usually cost more. However, private schools often provide more scholarships and financial aid.

Program Offerings and Quality

Public universities tend to have more programs and larger classes. Private universities may have fewer programs but often offer smaller classes and more personalized learning. Both types offer quality education, but the learning experience can feel different.

Campus Life and Facilities

Public universities usually have big campuses with lots of facilities and activities. They’re full of students so that the experience can be very lively. Private universities might have smaller campuses, but this can mean closer relationships with classmates and staff.

Application Process for Public Universities

Applying to public universities in the US can seem difficult, but it becomes easier when you know the steps. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Choose Your Colleges: Start by making a list of universities. Consider your GPA, test scores, and the school’s requirements. You can aim for 8 to 10 colleges minimum, including those you are confident about.
2. Get Your Transcripts Ready: If you’re an international student, you may need to have your transcript evaluated.
3. Recommendation Letters: You will need one or two recommendation letters from your teachers or professors.
4. Language Requirements: You must take an English proficiency test (Just in case you’re not a native English speaker). For example, TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. Make sure you check this with each university.
5. Standardized Tests: Check if the universities you’re applying to require tests like the SAT or ACT. Some might also need a GRE or GMAT, depending on the program.
6. Submit Your Applications: Fill out the application forms and attach your transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters. Then, submit your application online. There also can be an application fee ($35-$100).

Conclusion

Public universities in USA offer students a unique blend of affordability, academic excellence, and a vibrant campus life. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge research opportunities or a well-rounded education, these institutions provide a solid foundation for your future.