Top 10 Public Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
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Colleges and universities in the U.S. provide an accessible path to higher education for many students. Contrary to what some people might think, the best public universities can prove just as rigorous as many private institutions.
Small liberal arts colleges and large state universities make up the many public schools that offer both on-campus and online degrees. Because of their high-quality faculty and numerous programs, public colleges and universities often do well in college ranking.
Top 10 Public Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
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We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana University Bloomington serves a large student body of approximately 33,000 undergraduates and 43,260 total students. Even so, the university maintains an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio for undergraduates, with 64% of classes enrolling fewer than 30 students.
IU requires standardized test scores for admission consideration. Admitted applicants generally earned a median SAT score of 1255 and a median ACT score of 28.
In the 2020-2021 school year, out-of-state tuition and fees totaled $37,600, while tuition and fees for in-state students were $11,220. During the 2018-2019 school year, 63% of IU's students received financial aid, including grants and scholarships.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Cal State LA serves approximately 26,360 students. As a federally designated Hispanic and Asian American-serving institution, the university enrolls an ethnically and economically diverse student body.
A New York Times report assessed students' social mobility by the proportion of lower-income students ascending to the top 40% of earners. The report ranked Cal State LA as the sixth-highest institution for student mobility in the nation.
Cal State LA requires applicants to submit standardized test scores. The middle 50% of admitted students score 890-1080 on the SAT and 15-20 on the ACT. Once enrolled, 19% of students major in business, marketing, management, or a related area, while 11% major in healthcare-related disciplines.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
The University of Florida provides online learners with access to over 500 courses throughout the academic year. Many classes provide a more intimate setting, with 27% of courses enrolling 10-19 students, and 32% enrolling fewer than nine students.
In addition to this innovative remote learning format, the university offers several noteworthy degrees. Popular programs at UF include a bachelor's in business and a bachelor's in psychology.
Many students appreciate the flexibility and affordability of a distance learning format.
UF's distance learners avoid many expenses that their in-person counterparts must pay, such as an activity fee, health services fee, and transportation fee, and can often save up to 40% in tuition.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
One of the largest universities in the U.S., the University of Central Florida maintains a total undergraduate enrollment of 59,480 and a total graduate enrollment of 10,040.
To serve a vast student population, UCF offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and offers courses both online and in person. The university also offers several especially strong programs, including a master's in nursing and a master's in homeland security and emergency management.
Approximately 58% of UCF's full-time undergraduate students receive need-based aid to reduce their expenses. With these accessible aid options in place, 50% of all first-time undergraduate students graduate debt-free.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
In the fall of 2020, 33,270 undergraduate and 7,050 graduate students were enrolled at Texas Tech. This research institution offers hundreds of programs to suit the needs of a large student body. Among the most popular programs are the bachelor's in petroleum engineering, the master's in engineering, and the MBA.
The university offers multiple financial aid opportunities. Approximately 70% of Texas Tech students receive financial aid and 50% receive scholarships. In fact, in 2019, PayScale named Texas Tech the second-best return on investment among universities in the Big 12 Conference.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ - 4 years
- Campus
With total research expenditures reaching $673 million in 2020, Arizona State University prioritizes innovative academic leadership. The university offers popular programs and leading research in fields, such as anthropology and geological science.
A plethora of financial aid infrastructures and scholarship opportunities help make ASU accessible to students of all backgrounds. Over 84% of undergraduates receive need-based aid, grants, or scholarships. Approximately 65% of students receive merit-based scholarships during their first year.
Incoming students must be in the top 25% of their high school class, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, score 22 or higher on the ACT (24 for out-of-state students), or score 1120 or higher on the SAT (1180 for out-of-state students).
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
In 2020, Sierra Club lauded Colorado State University for its sustainability-focused culture and ranked it seventh on the list of the coolest schools in the nation. Many students are drawn to the university's scenic location and innovative sustainability initiatives, along with CSU's collection of nearly 300 academic programs and research opportunities.
At CSU, 14% of undergraduate students pursue business, marketing, or management-related majors, while 13% pursue biological and biomedical sciences, and 11% pursue engineering.
Undergraduates are permitted to lead and conduct research in various academic disciplines. This unique approach allows students to build experiences that help them stand out as they pursue employment or graduate education. About 75% of CSU graduates find employment related to their major.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of West Florida serves more than 13,000 students across five academic colleges. Nursing is the university's top field of study, with 23% of 2019 graduates earning a degree in this discipline.
UWF also offers several excellent online programs, including a master's in information technology and a master's in computer technology. The university delivers most online coursework asynchronously, although some programs include in-person requirements.
UWF students typically pay 40% less in annual tuition than the national average.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Campus
Penn State World Campus provides approximately 14,000 remote learners with over 150 accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's most popular programs include the bachelor's in psychology and the online MBA.
Learners can access many of the benefits available to all Penn State students, such as alumni networks and research databases. World Campus graduates earn the same Penn State degree as their in-person counterparts.
Penn State World Campus charges tuition on a per-credit basis. Although costs are the same for in-state and out-of-state learners, expenses vary among programs. Some programs deliver all coursework asynchronously, while others require in-person residencies and attendance at live online courses.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
New Mexico State University serves more than 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students, offering 180 programs across seven colleges. In 2016, expenditures for NMSU's multidisciplinary research programs totaled $110,118,460. Despite its size and influence, NMSU maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1.
The university offers numerous support services, including a writing center, a math success center, and campus tutoring. Students in need of additional flexibility can enroll online.
Many of NMSU's students also receive financial aid. During the 2017-2018 school year, 97% of students received some form of financial aid, 47% received Pell Grants, and 75% received state or local grants.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
What Is a Public University?
A public university or college receives funding from its state government, generally resulting in lower tuition for students. Many top public universities in the U.S. started as land-grant schools that states established to educate their residents.
Public universities tend to enroll more students, who often attend larger classes than at private colleges. Some of the best public colleges offer both technical and liberal arts programs, providing students several majors from which to choose.
Public vs. Private Universities
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Campus Size
Public institutions tend to enroll tens of thousands of students, compared to private schools, which typically serve up to a few thousand learners. These large student bodies often include learners from various parts of the country and around the world. Compared to private institutions, many top public universities in the U.S. also reflect more diversity.
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Admittance Rates
Many applicants find that they can gain admission to top public colleges more easily than private institutions, which may maintain more rigorous admission requirements. Public universities and colleges generally boast higher admission rates, making them a viable option for students with lower high school grades.
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Cost of Attendance
Many students find that public postsecondary education generally costs less than private schooling. State funding and private donations help reduce the cost of tuition and fees. Students can also subsidize their education through loans and other types of financial aid.
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Academic Offerings
The best public universities and colleges offer a wide selection of programs and majors, more so than some private schools. Students might find engineering, business, liberal arts, and other diverse majors coexisting on their public campus. First-year students who remain unsure of their direction might find these diverse offerings beneficial when selecting a major.
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Campus Life
Students wanting a rich campus life might appreciate the athletic programs, Greek life, and other activities public universities can offer. Even students who do not pursue athletics can enjoy the sporting events that the best public universities in the U.S. usually offer.
How to Choose a Public University
Check the Accreditation Status
The best state schools and universities hold accreditation, which demonstrates an institution's adherence to the highest academic standards by external agencies. Applicants who choose schools without the appropriate national or regional accreditation might find it difficult to transfer credits from their school to an accredited college or university.
They will also not likely secure financial aid, and they may have difficulty gaining employment.
National vs. Regional Accreditation
Choosing a school with national or regional accreditation depends on the kind of education students pursue. National accreditation is typically awarded to technical or trade schools, vocational colleges, and some religious institutions.
Four-year colleges and universities and schools offering graduate degrees generally receive regional accreditation. Individuals enrolled in regionally accredited schools can transfer their credits more easily than they could from a nationally accredited institution. A nonprofit, top state university usually holds regional accreditation, which tends to carry more prestige.
Programmatic Accreditation
Many programs at the best public colleges and universities hold programmatic accreditation, which comes from a professional association associated with a specific discipline. For example, a psychology department might receive programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association.
Applicants interested in psychology, business administration, engineering, education, medicine, and other technical disciplines might consider a school with the appropriate programmatic accreditation. This type of accreditation can sometimes hold more prestige than institutional.
Choose a Degree Level
Choosing the right degree level from public universities and colleges can depend on chosen field, desired salary range, and expected job availability. Students should research their desired careers to learn which degree level best fits their goals.
Some learners might pursue an associate degree to supplement their work experience or prepare for a career change. Professionals wanting to gain more advanced skills, increase their income, or become more competitive on the job market might consider a bachelor's or master's degree.
Associate Degree
An associate degree might suit learners who want to acquire more skills or take the first step toward a four-year degree. Both associate of science (AS) and associate of arts (AA) programs take about two years.
This degree can benefit students seeking careers in criminal justice, fashion, accounting, business management, and information technology. The average total cost of an associate degree is about $16,040 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with an associate degree tend to earn a median weekly pay of almost $890, compared to just under $750 for high school graduates. Some learners pursue an associate degree before transferring into a four-year program to save money.
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete. Tuition at a four-year public institution costs an average of $25,620 per year. Students can pursue a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) to obtain more specialized training, expanding their employment opportunities.
A bachelor's from a top state college can also make graduates more competitive in the job market and qualify them for admission to a master's program.
Associate degree-holders who advance to a bachelor's from a top public university can potentially increase their earnings. According to the BLS, bachelor's degree-holders make a median salary of about $1,250 per week, compared to about $890 for associate degree-holders.
Master's Degree
Students who want to take their careers to the next level can pursue a master of science (MS), master of arts (MA), or master of business administration (MBA). Most master's programs require up to two years of full-time study and cost as much as $30,000 per year at top U.S. public universities.
A master's degree can equip graduates with specialized technical knowledge and provide more employment and professional advancement opportunities. The BLS projects that jobs requiring master's degrees could grow by 15% between 2019 and 2029. The BLS also reports that graduates with a master's degree earned a median annual salary of $78,210 in 2020.
Median Annual Earnings by Level of Education
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Median annual earnings of an individual with a high school diploma: $34,900 -
Median annual earnings of an individual with an associate degree: $40,000 -
Median annual earnings of an individual with a bachelor's degree: $54,700 -
Median annual earnings of an individual with a master's degree: $65,000
Source: NCES
Choose a Major
Choosing a major is a critical decision for many students applying to the best state universities. Applicants should consider specific factors when deciding what they should study, such as the total cost of tuition and fees.
Other considerations include employment rates, job availability, anticipated salary range, and opportunities for earning an advanced degree. Students should consider the major's fit with their personality and the workload they can expect to take on.
Major | Percentage of Degrees Conferred |
---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities | 39% |
Health Professions and Related Programs | 18% |
Business, Management, Marketing, and Support Services | 12% |
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting | 3% |
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services | 3% |
Source: NCES
Major | Percentage of Degrees Conferred |
---|---|
Business, Management, Marketing, and Support Services | 19% |
Health Professions and Related Programs | 12% |
Social Sciences and History | 8% |
Engineering and Engineering Technologies | 6% |
Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 6% |
Source: NCES
Major | Percentage of Degrees Conferred |
---|---|
Business | 23% |
Education | 18% |
Health Professions and Related Programs | 15% |
Engineering and Engineering Technologies | 6% |
Public Administration and Social Services | 6% |
Source: NCES
How Much Does a Degree Cost From a Public University?
The cost of a four-year degree from a public university or college varies depending on the location, program, and residency status. Including tuition and additional expenses, the cost of attending a public institution can total $25,860 per year.
Some students find that paying for higher education is a challenge. They might consider financial aid, scholarships, or work-study programs to offset the cost.
In-state vs. Out-of-state
Students wanting to save money should consider enrolling in the best state schools in the state where they live. Attending an out-of-state school can be considerably more expensive. For example, the average annual cost to attend an in-state four-year school is $25,860, compared to a yearly cost of $43,720 for out-of-state public universities and colleges.
Tuition and fees for public higher education have risen considerably in the past several decades. Adjusting figures for inflation, tuition and fees averaged $2,080 in the 1963-1964 school year, compared to $9,580 during the 2020-2021 term.
How to Pay for College
Cost does not have to be an obstacle to students who might experience challenges financing college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, loans and grants are common forms of payment, with 83% of first-time students attending four-year schools receiving financial aid.
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The FAFSA
Financial aid helps many students attend top public universities. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify for loans, grants, and work-study programs by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
National, local, and state governments use the FAFSA to award aid to students in need. Using the total cost of attendance and a family's expected contribution, the FAFSA calculates the amount of financial aid students can receive. Available aid can include work-study, repayable loans, and grants that recipients do not have to pay back.
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Scholarship and Grants
Many students prefer to receive scholarships and grants because, unlike loans, recipients do not need to pay them back. In 2019, 58% of families relied on scholarships, and 48% used grants to fund a student's education at a public university or college.
The federal government and some private organizations provide grants, which vary in eligibility requirements and may include demonstrated financial need or membership in the armed forces. Schools and private organizations offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships.
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Work-Study Programs
Work-study is a viable option for students who want to reduce or eliminate the need for student loans. This form of financial aid allows students to work a specific number of hours each week in exchange for financial assistance. Students typically receive a work-study job because of financial need.
Money from work-study can go toward books, personal expenses, and other academic needs. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, work-study allows students to acquire work experience while taking advantage of federally subsidized funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one public university?
Public university rankings vary according to the organizations conducting them and the criteria they use. Schools like the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Michigan typically rank highly among public universities and the top 25 postsecondary schools nationwide.
What's the difference between public and private universities?
Public and private universities differ in the tuition and fees students pay. Public schools typically cost less than private institutions because of tax revenue and state funding. Public schools also tend to maintain higher acceptance rates.
What is the most expensive public university?
In-state tuition for the most expensive public universities exceeded $18,000 in the 2020-2021 academic year. William and Mary College in Virginia topped this list at about $23,360. Several of the most expensive public schools for nonresidents include some University of California institutions, with UC San Diego the most costly at $41,390 per year.
What is the hardest public college to get into?
Low acceptance rates can make some public universities challenging to get into. The University of California, Los Angeles accepts only 12% of applicants. Acceptance rates at top-ranked public universities usually fall below 40%.