Highlights:
- Top Universities: As per US News and World Reports, University of California Berkeley, University of California Los Angeles, and University of Michigan Ann Arbor are the top 3 public universities in USA
- Cost Comparison: Top public universities charge between USD 25,000 and USD 50,000 annually, whereas private universities charge around USD 40,000 to USD 75,000.
- Admission Requirements: Students need a high school diploma for undergraduate programs, a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for master's programs, and minimum IELTS scores of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Intakes: Majority of the public universities in USA accept international students in Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes.
- Popular Programs: Popular fields of study at these universities include Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Healthcare and Nursing, Economics, Data Science, Biotechnology, and Social Sciences. STEM courses are particularly favored by international students
Popular public universities in USA include University of California Berkeley, University of California Los Angeles, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill among others. These best public universities in USA are funded by the government and have lower tuition fees than private ones. For example, tuition fees in top public colleges in US are around 20.81 - 41.62 lakhs annually. Whereas, private universities in USA charge around 33.30 - 62.44 lakhs. Unlike others, America's top public universities also accept students on the basis of scores in exams to study in USA. Varying upon universities, the minimum entry requirements for the top public colleges in America include the following
- High school diploma, certificate or equivalent (for bachelors)
- Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (for masters)
- Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 or equivalent
- Work experience (varies, 2 years minimum)
Why Study at the Public Universities in USA?
Some reasons for choosing public universities to study in USA are as follows
- Tuition fees: Public universities have lower tuition fees as the state funds them. Yearly tuition fees range between 20.81 - 41.62 lakhs, and the living expenses are around 8.32 - 20.81 lakhs
- Degree options: The majority of the public universities in USA offer a wider range of degree programs. Be it arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, business and management, you have options to study them all.
- Scholarships: Public universities tend to offer more scholarships to international students. Fulbright Scholarship, Tata Scholarship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are a few popular scholarships to study in USA.
- No Application fees: Some public universities in USA for international students do not charge any application fee. This attracts students with financial difficulties.
- Internship and Job Opportunities: Many public universities in the USA have strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with ample internship and job opportunities. USEH International, Spirit Cultural Exchange, Intern Abroad HQ are among the companies that offer paid internships for international students.
Table of Content
Top 10 Public Universities in USA
Whether you want to study bachelors, masters, PhD or MBA programs, top public universities in USA offer all. But how to choose among the best public universities in the US? Here, we have listed the top 10 public colleges in USA along with their national and global rankings.
| Public School Ranking | Top Public Universities in USA | National Rank | Global Rank, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of California, Berkeley | #15 |
#10 in QS #9 in THE |
| University of California, Los Angeles |
#29 in QS #18 in THE |
||
| #3 | University of Michigan--Ann Arbor | #21 |
#33 in QS #23 in THE |
| #4 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | #22 |
#132 in QS #72 in THE |
| #5 | University of Virginia | #24 |
#260 in QS #166 in THE |
#6 |
University of California, Davis | #28 |
#118 in QS #59 in THE |
| University of California, San Diego |
#62 in QS #34 in THE |
||
| University of Florida |
#168 in QS #132 in THE |
||
| #9 | University of Texas at Austin | #32 |
#58 in QS #52 in THE |
| #10 | Georgia Institute of Technology | #33 |
#97 in QS #36 in THE |
Popular Programs at the Top Ten Public Universities in the United States
USA offers a diverse array of programs in almost every possible and imaginable field. Be it undergraduate, MS in USA or MBA, you have multiple options for all. According to a recent report, more than 50% chose to study STEM courses in USA. To be specific, some other popular subjects are the following
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Economics and Finance
- Data Science and Analytics
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences
- Social and Natural Sciences
The popular programs at the 10 best public universities in the United States are tabulated below with tuition fees and acceptance rates.
| University | Popular Streams | On-campus Cost of Attendance per year (USD) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | Social Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary studies | 49,468 to 53,034 | 11% |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Mathematics and Statistics, Engineering | 70,058 to 76,327 | 9% |
| University of Michigan--Ann Arbor | Computer and Information Sciences, Business Administration and Management, Economics, Behavioral Neuroscience, Mechanical Engineering | 76,294 to 82,080 | 18% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Communication, Computer and Information Sciences | 60,040 | 17% |
| University of Virginia | Liberal Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Business, Biology | 78,214 to 79,574 | 19% |
| University of California, Davis | Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, Education, Biochemistry | 78,901 to 80,977 | 37% |
| University of California, San Diego | Biochemistry, Computer Science, Psychology, Economics, Bioengineering | 68,169 to 77,886 | 24% |
| University of Florida | Engineering, Business & Management, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Professions | 45,808 to 53,374 | 23% |
| University of Texas at Austin | Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Accounting, Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering | 41,762 to 67,392 | 31% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Business, Management, Marketing | 52,120 | 17% |
Note: 1 USD= 83.30 INR as of May 18, 2024
Top Public Universities in USA for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Check out top public universities in USA for undergraduate and graduate programs.
| Top Public Universities for UG Programs | Top Public Universities for PG Programs |
|---|---|
| University of Michigan | University of California Berkeley |
| Ohio State University | Wright State University |
| University of Georgia | University of South Florida |
| North Carolina State University | University of California Santa Barbara |
| University of Virginia | University of California Irvine |
Best Public Universities in United States Admissions
International students must complete some processes in order to enroll in the applicable program at their selected good public universities in USA. Check the application deadlines for top universities in USA before applying, so that you can maximize your admission chances.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Top Public Colleges in the United States
The vast options of majors and affordable fees have made the top public colleges in the United States popular. For admission to public universities in USA, you need to submit an online application with some documents with it. However, some fundamental requirements for international students to be accepted to the best public universities in America are as follows
- Must have completed 10+2 while applying for an undergraduate program. And must have finished at least 16 years of school to apply for graduate-level courses.
- Qualifying scores in IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DET
- Standardized test scores like SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT
- Must have a valid passport
- Updated resume or CV
- American student visa
You must have to submit the below-mentioned documents to get into any of the top public university in the United States
Jobs After Studying at the Top Public Colleges in USA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the average U.S. annual salary in quarter 4 of 2023 was 59,384.2 USD. This is up 5.4% from the same time period in 2022 when the average American was making 56,316 USD per year. 9 Average weekly earnings reached 1,142 USD, while the average American made 4,949 USD per month in quarter 4 of 2023. However, some popular job roles in USA and their salaries after studying at a public university in USA for international students are presented below.
| University | Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | Software Engineer | 117,982 |
| Data Scientist | 118,718 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 88,354 | |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Software Engineer | 107,374 |
| Data Scientist | 100,540 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 85,718 | |
| University of Michigan--Ann Arbor | Software Engineer | 92,803 |
| Data Scientist | 93,737 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 79,812 | |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Software Engineer | 89,463 |
| Data Scientist | 99,500 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 70,834 | |
| University of Virginia | Software Engineer | 91,740 |
| Data Scientist | 93,677 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 85,323 | |
| University of California, Davis | Software Engineer | 115,632 |
| Data Analyst | 66,241 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 86,600 | |
| University of California, San Diego | Software Engineer | 106,427 |
| Data Scientist | 95,173 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 85,925 | |
| University of Florida | Software Engineer | 93,373 |
| Data Analyst | 63,465 | |
| Project Manager (General) | 82,133 |
Note: 1 USD= 83.30 INR as of May 18, 2024
To conclude, USA public universities for international students are known for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and vibrant campus cultures. Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, flexible credit transfer options, many scholarship opportunities are some of the benefits of public universities in USA.
FAQs
Ques: What are the top public universities in the USA for 2024?
Ans: The top public universities for 2024 include the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), University of Michigan, University of Virginia, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ques: How do public universities compare to private universities in terms of cost?
Ans: Public universities generally have lower tuition fees compared to private universities, especially for in-state students. They also offer various financial aid options, making them a cost-effective choice for higher education.
Ques: What are the advantages of attending a public university?
Ans: Advantages include lower tuition costs, diverse student populations, extensive research opportunities, wide-ranging academic programs, strong alumni networks, and significant state funding for facilities and resources.
Ques: How can I qualify for in-state tuition at a public university?
Ans: Qualification for in-state tuition typically requires residency in the state for a specified period (usually 12 months) before enrollment, demonstrated through documentation such as a driver's license, voter registration, and tax returns.
Ques: What are the best public universities for STEM programs?
Ans: Some of the best public universities for STEM programs include UC Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, and University of Texas at Austin.
Ques: How do I apply for financial aid at a public university?
Ans: To apply for financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. Additionally, check the university's financial aid office for any state-specific or institutional aid forms and deadlines.
Ques: What are the top public universities for international students?
Ans: Top public universities welcoming international students include UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, UCLA, University of Washington, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, known for their global programs and diverse campus communities.
Ques: How do public universities support student career development?
Ans: Public universities offer extensive career services, including internships, co-op programs, job fairs, resume workshops, networking events, and alumni mentoring to help students transition from college to career.
Ques: What are the admission requirements for top public universities?
Ans: Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma, strong GPA, competitive SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and extracurricular involvement. Some programs may have additional requirements.
Ques: How do public universities contribute to research and innovation?
Ans: Public universities often lead in research and innovation, receiving substantial funding from federal and state agencies. They provide cutting-edge facilities, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and encourage student participation in research projects.
Found 512 universities
| Rank | College Info | Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.) | Top Courses | Ranking & Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 |  University of Florida, GainesvilleFlorida, Usa24%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $29.9K/YrLiving: $12.1K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceGRE308TOEFL90$30.1K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 202+ More Programs | |
| #22 |  University of Arizona, TucsonArizona, Usa57.7%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $38.6K/YrLiving: $19.2K/YrAdmission | M.S Data ScienceTOEFL79PTE60$35K/Yr Course duration: 18 months 300+ More Programs | |
| #23 |  University of Pittsburgh, PittsburghPennsylvania, Usa49.7%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $45.1K/YrLiving: $13.4K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceDuolingo125TOEFL90$51.9K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 144+ More Programs | |
| #24 |  University of Colorado-Boulder, BoulderColorado, Usa79.6%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $41K/YrLiving: $14K/YrAdmission | M.S Data ScienceDuolingo120IELTS6.5PTE54$40.4K/Yr Course duration: 18 months 149+ More Programs | |
| #25 |  Texas A&M-College Station, College StationTexas, Usa67%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $33.4K/YrLiving: $8.4K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceIELTS6$17.6K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 178+ More Programs | |
| #26 |  University of Virginia, CharlottesvilleVirginia, Usa17%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $47.3K/YrLiving: $15.9K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceTOEFL90$39.9K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 50+ More Programs | |
| #27 |  Indiana University, BloomingtonIndiana, Usa70%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $38.4K/YrLiving: $14K/YrAdmission | M.S Data ScienceGRE300TOEFL100$34K/Yr Course duration: 1 year 127+ More Programs | |
| #28 |  UC-SantaCruz, Santa CruzCalifornia, Usa61%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $33.2K/YrLiving: $16.1K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer Science and Enginee...TOEFL89$30.6K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 79+ More Programs | |
| #29 |  University of Illinois-Chicago, ChicagoIllinois, Usa15%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $42.1K/YrLiving: $14.6K/YrAdmission | M.S Business AnalyticsIELTS6.5PTE54$27.3K/Yr Course duration: 1 year 146+ More Programs | |
| #30 |  University of Utah, Salt Lake CityUtah, Usa87%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $32.4K/YrLiving: $12.5K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceDuolingo110TOEFL105$38.6K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 348+ More Programs | |
 | ||||
| #31 |  Arizona State University, TempeArizona, Usa89%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $33.5K/YrLiving: $19K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceDuolingo105TOEFL90$40.5K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 200+ More Programs | |
| #32 |  University at Buffalo, BuffaloNew York, Usa60%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $27.3K/YrLiving: $10.2K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer Science and Enginee...GRE309IELTS6.5PTE55$25K/Yr Course duration: 18 months 234+ More Programs | |
| #33 |  University of Hawaii at Manoa, HonoluluHawaii, Usa85%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $33.8K/YrLiving: $13.7K/YrAdmission | M.S Mechanical EngineeringDuolingo95IELTS6$42.1K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 140+ More Programs | |
| #34 |  University of Iowa, Iowa CityIowa, Usa86%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $25.8K/YrLiving: $10.4K/YrAdmission | M.S Business AnalyticsDuolingo120TOEFL100PTE68$19.5K/Yr Course duration: 1 year 197+ More Programs | |
| #35 |  North Carolina State University, RaleighNorth Carolina, Usa41%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $35K/YrLiving: $16.1K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceDuolingo110TOEFL80$33.1K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 155+ More Programs | |
| #36 |  University of California-Riverside, RiversideCalifornia, Usa70%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $21.4K/YrLiving: $15.5K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer EngineeringIELTS7$38.8K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 130+ More Programs | |
| #37 |  Stony Brook University, Stony BrookNew York, Usa42%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $26.1K/YrLiving: $13.4K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceIELTS6.5$13.2K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 82+ More Programs | |
| #38 |  University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleTennessee, Usa46%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $31.9K/YrLiving: $10.7K/YrAdmission | M.S Computer ScienceDuolingo120TOEFL80$28.1K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 245+ More Programs | |
| #39 |  Rutgers University - New Jersey, New BrunswickNew Jersey, Usa65%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $34K/YrLiving: $12.5K/YrAdmission | M.P.HIELTS7.5$23.4K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 253+ More Programs | |
| #40 |  Oregon Health & Science University, PortlandOregon, Usa3.8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $27.3K/YrAdmission | M.S Biomedical InformaticsIELTS6.5$47K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 19+ More Programs | |
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