Public Universities in USA
Updated on 05 May, 2023
Shivangi Mishra
Content Writer
Public universities in the USA are a crucial part of the American higher education system, providing accessible and affordable education to millions of students each year. These public universities, which the government primarily funds, offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as research opportunities and extracurricular activities.
From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, public universities in the USA are known for their academic excellence, diverse student populations, and commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. This article will explore the best public universities in the USA.
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Table of Contents
- Best Public Universities in the USA:
- 1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor:
- 2. University of California, Berkeley (UCB):
- 3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA):
- 4. University of California, San Diego (UCSD):
- 5. University of Washington
- 6. Georgia Institute of Technology
- 7. University of Illinois:
- 8. Purdue University:
- 9. Michigan State University(MSU):
- 10. University of Florida:
- Conclusion:
- FAQs
Best Public Universities in the USA:
According to QS World University Ranking 2023, below is the list of public universities in the USA:
| Public University | QS World Ranking 2023 |
| University of Michigan | 25 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 27 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 44 |
| University Diego of California, San (UCSD) | 53 |
| University of Washington | 80 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 88 |
| University of Illinois | 85 |
| Purdue University | 129 |
| Michigan State University | 159 |
| University of Florida | 188 |
These universities are known for their academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong faculty. They offer a wide range of programs, from business to engineering to the humanities, and are located in diverse regions across the country. Let’s know about the best public universities in USA for international students in a little detail:
1.University of Michigan-Ann Arbor:
Acceptance Rate: 20%
Application Fee: $75
Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this flagship campus is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong athletic programs. With over 46,000 students, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former US President Gerald Ford and Google co-founder Larry Page.
2.University of California, Berkeley (UCB):
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Application Fee: $70
Located in Berkeley, California. UCB is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and commitment to public service. With over 42,000 students, UCB offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its faculty includes many Nobel laureates and other renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
3.University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA):
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Application Fee: $70
Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California with over 45,000 students, UCLA is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong athletic programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 12 schools and colleges, and its faculty includes many Nobel laureates and renowned scholars and researchers. UCLA has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and actor James Franco.
4.University of California, San Diego (UCSD):
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Application Fee: $70
Located in La Jolla, California. With over 38,000 students, UCSD is one of the top-ranked universities in the United States, known for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and innovative programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including biochemist and Nobel laureate Stanley Cohen and producer Alexander Payne.
5.University of Washington
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Application Fee: $80
Located in Seattle, Washington. With over 54,000 students, UW is one of the largest universities on the West Coast of the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and commitment to public service. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including its highly regarded medical and law schools. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. Senator Brock Adams and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
| Public vs Private Universities in USA | ||
| Aspect | Public Universities | Private Universities |
| Funding | Receive funding from state governments and are thus more affordable | Receive funding from private sources and tuition fees |
| Tuition | Lower tuition fees for in-state students | Higher tuition fees, but may offer more financial aid opportunities |
| Student Population | Often have larger student populations | Tend to have smaller student populations |
| Programs and Majors | Offer a wider range of majors and programs | May have a more specialized focus |
| Admissions | Admissions may be less selective for in-state students, but the competition is high for international students | Less competitive that public institutes |
| Campus Life | Often offer a diverse student body and a variety of extracurricular activities | May offer a more close-knit community and a range of unique activities |
| Examples | University of California system, the State University of New York, and the University of Texas | Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
6.Georgia Institute of Technology
Acceptance Rate: 18%
Application Fee: $75
Located in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 32,000 students, Georgia Tech is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded programs in engineering, computer science, and business. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian.
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7.University of Illinois:
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Application Fee: $50
With over 89,000 students, the University of Illinois is one of the largest public universities in the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and diverse student body. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded programs in engineering, computer science, and business. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Barack Obama and PayPal co-founder Max Levchin.
8.Purdue University:
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Application Fee: $60
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana. With over 46,000 students, Purdue is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and agriculture education. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. Astronaut Neil Armstrong and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
9.Michigan State University(MSU):
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Application Fee: $65
Located in East Lansing, Michigan. With over 50,000 students, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong athletic programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded programs in education, business, and agriculture. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis and NBA player Draymond Green.
10.University of Florida:
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Application Fee: $30
Located in Gainesville, Florida. With over 56,000 students, UF is one of the largest universities in the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong athletic programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly regarded programs in business, law, and medicine. Its faculty includes many renowned scholars and researchers, and the university has produced numerous notable alumni, including former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Bob Graham and NFL player Emmitt Smith.
Conclusion:
Public universities in the United States offer a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for students at an affordable cost. They may also have a more diverse student body and a wider range of extracurricular activities. Private universities may have a more specialized focus and offer a more close-knit community. They may also offer more financial aid opportunities to help offset the higher tuition fees.
Public universities are often ranked highly in various academic rankings. For instance, in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, six of the top ten national universities were public universities. Overall, public universities in the USA provide an accessible and high-quality education for millions of students each year.
FAQs
Are public universities in the USA free?
No, public universities in the USA are not entirely free. However, public universities do typically have lower tuition rates than private universities.
Is the USA expensive for international students?
Yes, the United States can be expensive for international students, and international students have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
Which are the cheapest universities in the USA for international students?
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Texas A&M University—Kingsville and Minot State University are a few of the cheapest universities in the USA.