Top Public Universities in the United States

If you are an international student seeking to apply for undergraduate college programs in the US – you have probably heard of all of the famous schools – the Ivy League names that charge tuition fees.

Because of this cost concern, there is a growing trend with students to attend public instead of pricey private schools.  There are some truly world-class public schools in the US, and below we have sourced a list of the best public schools across the country.

It is worth keeping in mind that many public schools offer scholarships that grant international students in-state tuition even when they aren’t residents of the states where the schools are located.  If your grades are outstanding and high tuition is a concern for you, you may wish to look more closely into some of the following public universities for scholarship opportunities.

Top 25 US Public Schools for Undergraduate Education

Rank	School
#1	University of California–​Berkeley  Berkeley, CA
#2	University of California–​Los Angeles  Los Angeles, CA
#2	University of Virginia  Charlottesville, VA
#4	University of Michigan–​Ann Arbor  Ann Arbor, MI
#5	University of North Carolina–​Chapel Hill  Chapel Hill, NC
#6	College of William and Mary  Williamsburg, VA
#7	Georgia Institute of Technology  Atlanta, GA
#8	University of California–​Davis  Davis, CA
#8	University of California–​San Diego  La Jolla, CA
#10	University of California–​Santa Barbara  Santa Barbara, CA
#10	University of Wisconsin–​Madison  Madison, WI
#12	University of California–​Irvine  Irvine, CA
#13	Pennsylvania State University–​University Park  University Park, PA
#13	University of Illinois–​Urbana-​Champaign  Champaign, IL
#13	University of Texas–​Austin  Austin, TX
#13	University of Washington  Seattle, WA
#17	University of Florida  Gainesville, FL
#18	Ohio State University–​Columbus  Columbus, OH
#19	University of Maryland–​College Park  College Park, MD
#19	University of Pittsburgh  Pittsburgh, PA
#21	University of Connecticut  Storrs, CT
#21	University of Georgia  Athens, GA
#23	Purdue University–​West Lafayette  West Lafayette, IN
#23	Texas A&M University–​College Station  College Station, TX
#25	Clemson University  Clemson, SC

- Source: Forbes

Although the top private schools have a longstanding reputation for excellence, the price tag of higher education in the US has risen so much that many schools traditionally considered second tier are now being viewed as equal to the historically most prestigious universities.

And for all of you sports fans out there, keep in mind that public schools often have the advantage of incredible sports cultures. Many of the schools listed above have amazing tradition in football, basketball and many other sports that can make one’s university experience much more rewarding and interesting.

You are always welcome to reach out to me to discuss the pros and cons of different undergraduate schools (and their sports!). I welcome your emails at david@transcendadmissions.com.

Regards,

David Johnston