The United States has many prestigious universities, both public and private. Public universities offer top-notch education and a unique campus experience. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 public universities in the United States and what makes them stand out. From academic excellence to student satisfaction, these institutions are committed to providing a world-class education.
A Closer Look at the Top 10 Public Universities
Public colleges and universities are usually overseen by state governments and receive funding through state tax dollars and subsidies. Consequently, they often provide reduced tuition rates for in-state residents. Public institutions range from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities.
In general, a top public university in USA has a larger campus to accommodate more students than private universities. The best public colleges and universities are known for their research initiatives. Additionally, public universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents, making them more affordable than top private institutions.
Here is our list of the best public universities in USA:
1. University of California, Berkeley
- #1 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #15 National University (U.S. News)
- #47 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #12 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
The University of California, Berkeley, commonly known as Cal, is located with a view of the San Francisco Bay. Typically, over 95% of incoming freshmen opt to live on campus. Berkeley has more than 1,000 student organizations, ranging from political groups to a hang gliding club. The university also has an active Greek life with numerous fraternity and sorority chapters. The California Golden Bears, Berkeley’s athletic teams, compete in the Pac-12 Conference and have a historic rivalry with Stanford University.
Considered as the top public university in USA, Berkeley is home to 14 schools and colleges, including various graduate and professional schools such as the School of Optometry and the Graduate School of Journalism. Notable graduate programs include the Haas School of Business, the Graduate School of Education, the College of Engineering, and the School of Law.
2. University of California, Los Angeles
- #1 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #15 National University (U.S. News)
- #19 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #42 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
Right within the vicinity of the Westwood neighborhood, just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, UCLA includes the College of Letters and Sciences, along with numerous graduate schools and programs. These include the Anderson School of Management, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Law, and the David Geffen School of Medicine. UCLA also boasts the prestigious School of Theater, Film and Television, and the School of Dentistry. The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation.
UCLA’s Southern California campus covers over 400 acres near the coast. The Bruin Walk, a bustling pathway, links the residence halls to the campus center. As one of the public universities in the United States, UCLA guarantees housing for students for three years. The university offers more than 1,000 student organizations, including media groups and over 65 Greek chapters, which involve about 13% of the student body.
3. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
- #3 Public University (U.S. News)
- #21 National University (U.S. News)
- #21 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #44 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor—one of the best college towns in the U.S.—is just 45 minutes from Detroit. Freshmen are guaranteed housing but aren’t required to live on campus. Students can join over 1,500 organizations and 62 Greek chapters. Athletics are big, with a notable football rivalry with Ohio State.
Michigan boasts highly-ranked graduate programs, making it one of the public universities in the United States. These programs include the Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Law School, Medical School, School of Dentistry, and Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Its hospitals and health centers are among the nation’s top-ranked.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- #4 Public University (U.S. News)
- #22 National University (U.S. News)
- #43 Best Colleges (Niche)
- =155 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) offers many student activities, including The Daily Tar Heel newspaper and WXYC radio station. Nearly 20% of students join Greek life. About half of undergraduates live on campus. The North Carolina Tar Heels, part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, are famous for their men’s basketball team and its rivalry with Duke University.
UNC includes several schools, with the largest being the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate programs include the Kenan-Flagler Business School, School of Education, School of Law, School of Medicine, Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Social Work, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and School of Government. By state law, at least 82% of each freshman class must be from North Carolina.
UNC, one of the best public universities in the United States, received over $1.2 billion in research funding in 2023, placing it among the top research universities in the nation. The university is part of the Research Triangle, along with Duke University and NC State University. UNC has a freshman retention rate of 97% and a six-year graduation rate of 91%, which are among the highest in the nation.
- #5 Public University (U.S. News)
- #24 National University (U.S. News)
- #30 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #297 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia (UVA) is located in Charlottesville and often called Mr. Jefferson’s University or simply The University. Only first-year students are required to live on campus, but many upperclassmen live in off-campus apartments or fraternity and sorority houses.
About 35% of students participate in Greek life. The Cavaliers, also known as Wahoos or ‘Hoos, compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference and are known for their strong men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. The Virginia Cavaliers have won numerous NCAA championships, particularly in lacrosse, basketball, and soccer.
UVA has highly-ranked graduate programs, including the Darden School of Business, Curry School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Law, and School of Medicine, making it one of the best public colleges in the country. The university’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library houses one of the 25 remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence, known as a Dunlap Broadside.
6. University of California, Davis
- #6 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #28 National University (U.S. News)
- #75 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #130 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
UC Davis, one of the top public universities in the United States, offers worldclass academic programs through its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Its graduate programs include the Graduate School of Management, School of Law, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and School of Veterinary Medicine. Other distinguished programs are the School of Education and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. Undergraduates can study in the College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, College of Biological Sciences, or College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Prominent research initiatives at UC Davis include the One Health Institute, focusing on human, animal, and environmental health, the Genome Center, leading in genetic research and personalized medicine, and the Agricultural Sustainability Institute, developing sustainable farming practices and improving food systems.
7. University of California, San Diego
- #6 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #28 National University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #65 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #72 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is located in La Jolla, near the Pacific Ocean. The UCSD Tritons compete in over 20 NCAA Division II sports, mainly in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
The university has hundreds of student organizations and an active Greek community. Freshmen are eligible for guaranteed on-campus housing for two years, but it’s not mandatory. The campus features an aquarium and a large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table for testing earthquake resilience.
UCSD, one of the top public universities in the United States, has six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, and five graduate and professional schools. Its School of Medicine and Jacobs School of Engineering are highly ranked. One tradition observed at UCSD is the Sun God Festival, featuring concerts, carnival activities, vendors, and student booths. UCSD’s International House hosts around 350 students from over 30 countries.
8. University of Florida
- #6 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #28 National University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #39 Best Colleges (Niche)
- +215 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
As one of the best public colleges on the East Coast, the university offers highly respected graduate programs through the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Warrington College of Business, Levin College of Law, and the College of Medicine. It is also affiliated with Oak Hammock, a retirement community where students can gain work experience, complete internships, and find mentors.
Approximately 15 percent of students participate in the school’s 60-plus fraternities and sororities. While freshmen are not required to live on campus, over 75 percent choose to do so.
9. University of Texas at Austin
- #9 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #32 National University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #42 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #66 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation’s largest universities, with 13 schools and colleges, including the largest, the College of Liberal Arts. It offers highly ranked graduate programs like the McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of Engineering, and School of Nursing, making it one of the top public universities in the United States. Students can join over 1,000 clubs and organizations or participate in the extensive Greek system.
The university has several student media outlets and competitive Division I Big 12 Conference sports teams. UT also offers hundreds of study abroad programs, with popular destinations including Spain, Italy, the UK, France, and China. Freshmen are not required to live on campus.
10. Georgia Institute of Technology
- #10 Public University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #33 National University (U.S. News) (tie)
- #28 Best Colleges (Niche)
- #114 Global University (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
Georgia Tech, situated in the heart of Atlanta, offers a variety of student activities. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, an NCAA Division I team, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and maintain a fierce rivalry with the University of Georgia. Georgia Tech has a small but active Greek community. While freshmen are offered housing, they are not required to live on campus. In addition to its campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia Tech has locations in France, Ireland, Costa Rica, Singapore, and China.
Georgia Tech comprises six colleges, including the highly ranked College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. The institution is highly active in research, with the Georgia Tech Research Institute conducting significant government and industry research. Additionally, Georgia Tech is a key player in the Georgia Research Alliance, contributing to the state’s economic development strategy.
The school’s faculty and staff newspaper, The Whistle, is named after the steam whistle in the Tech Tower that blows according to the campus class schedule and each time the Yellow Jackets score a touchdown.
Public University vs Private University: How Do You Choose?
Choosing between a public university and a private university depends on various factors, including cost, academic offerings, and campus life. Most public universities in the United States, such as the University of California, Berkeley or the University of Michigan, often have larger student bodies and offer a wider range of programs and resources. They tend to be more affordable, especially for in-state residents, due to state funding and subsidies.
For example, the average annual tuition for in-state students at public universities is approximately $9,580, compared to $33,150 at private institutions. Public universities also tend to have more diverse student populations and extensive research opportunities because they collaborate with state industries and government agencies.
Private universities, on the other hand, such as Harvard or Stanford, typically have smaller class sizes and lower student-to-faculty ratios which provide a more personalized education experience. They often have larger endowments, allowing for substantial financial aid packages; for instance, Stanford’s endowment per student is about $1.6 million. This financial support can sometimes make private universities more affordable than their sticker price suggests.
Private institutions may also offer unique programs and prestigious networks that can benefit students in their future careers. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual priorities, including financial considerations, desired academic programs, and personal preferences for a campus environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best public university in the US in terms of research?
The top public university in USA in terms of research is the University of California, Berkeley. It consistently ranks highest for research funding and output, receiving over $1.2 billion in 2023. Home to many renowned research institutes, Berkeley has produced 25 Nobel laureates, underscoring its significant contributions to various fields.
2. What is the best public university in the US in terms of sports?
The University of Florida is often considered the best public university in the US for sports. Its athletic program, the Florida Gators, has won 42 national championships, including recent titles in football, basketball, and baseball. The Gators consistently rank highly in the Learfield Directors’ Cup and have a strong presence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
3. What is the best public university in the US for Greek life?
The University of Alabama is known for having the best Greek life among public universities in the United States. With over 11,000 students in 66 fraternities and sororities, Alabama has one of the largest and most active Greek systems. Greek life is central to campus culture, offering social, philanthropic, and leadership opportunities. The Greek organizations are noted for their grand houses, strong alumni networks, and community involvement.
4. How many public universities are there in the United States?
There are approximately 1,626 public universities and colleges in the United States. This number includes state universities, community colleges, and other public institutions of higher education.
6. Do public universities in the USA accept international students?
Yes, public universities in the United States accept international students. In the 2020-2021 academic year, over 340,000 international students were enrolled. These universities provide support services like orientation programs, academic advising, and cultural integration activities to ensure a welcoming environment.
7. What is the most expensive public school in America?
The most expensive public school in America is the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. For the 2023-2024 academic year, out-of-state undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $55,000 per year, making it one of the highest-cost public universities in the country.
