Top Public Schools National Universities

Public colleges and universities typically operate under the supervision of state governments and are funded, in part, by tax dollars and subsidies from the state. As a result, these universities often offer discounted tuition to residents of their states. Public schools run the gamut from small liberal arts colleges to large research institutions. These are the highest-ranked public colleges and universities in the 2017 Best Colleges rankings, listed according to their ranking category.

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University of California--Berkeley

Berkeley, CA
#1 in Top Public Schools
#20 in National Universities

The University of California—Berkeley, often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Typically, 95 percent or more of incoming freshmen at Berkeley choose to live on campus. There are more than 1,000 student organizations, ranging from political groups to a hang gliding club and everything in between. Berkeley also has a thriving Greek life with dozens of fraternity and sorority chapters. The California Golden Bears, Berkeley’s athletic teams, compete in the Pac-12 Conference and are known for their traditional arch rivalry with Stanford University. more

$40,191 (out-of-state), $13,509 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
27,496 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of California--Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA
#2 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#24 in National Universities (tie)

The University of California—Los Angeles, commonly referred to as UCLA, is located in the Westwood neighborhood of L.A., just five miles from the Pacific Ocean. UCLA guarantees housing for three years. Students can join any of the more than 800 student organizations, including 60 or so Greek chapters, which represent about 13 percent of the student body. The university has a number of student media groups including a newspaper, magazine, and radio and TV stations. The UCLA Bruins compete in the Pac-12 Conference of NCAA’s Division I and are well known for their successful men’s and women’s water polo teams. The Bruins’ football team plays its home games at the famous Rose Bowl stadium in nearby Pasadena. more

$39,518 (out-of-state), $12,836 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
29,585 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA
#2 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#24 in National Universities (tie)

Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville. It’s referred to among insiders as Mr. Jefferson’s University or simply The University. Only first-year students are required to live on campus, and many upperclassmen live in off-campus apartments or fraternity and sorority houses. Greek life is prominent at UVA with a membership that includes approximately 30 percent of the student body. The Cavaliers, known unofficially as Wahoos or ‘Hoos, are members of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference and are well known for their consistently dominant men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. more

$45,066 (out-of-state), $15,722 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
16,736 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Michigan--Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI
#4 in Top Public Schools
#27 in National Universities

The University of Michigan boasts one of the best college towns in the country: Ann Arbor, only 45 minutes from the city of Detroit. Freshmen are guaranteed housing but are not required to live on campus. Nearly 20 percent of the undergraduate student body is affiliated with Greek life at Michigan, which contains approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters. If Greek life does not sound appealing, there are more than 900 other student organizations from which to choose. The Michigan Wolverines have many traditions: Their colors are maize and blue, their widely known chant is "Go Blue!," their stadium is called the "Big House," and their football program, known for its fierce rivalry with Ohio State, is one of the most storied teams in college football. more

$43,476 (out-of-state), $13,856 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
28,312 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC
#5 in Top Public Schools
#30 in National Universities

The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, often referred to as UNC, offers a wide range of student activities. Popular student organizations include The Daily Tarheel, UNC’s student newspaper, and WXYC, the student-run radio station. More than 3,000 students are members of Greek life. Chapel Hill, which surrounds UNC, is often considered one of the best college towns in the country, offering music, restaurants and shopping. Almost half of all undergraduates live on campus in one of the residence halls or apartment complexes. The North Carolina Tar Heels are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference and are known for their men’s basketball team, which maintains a storied rivalry with nearby institution Duke University and is one of the most successful programs in college basketball. Former players include Michael Jordan and Vince Carter. more

$33,916 (out-of-state), $8,834 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
18,415 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

College of William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA
#6 in Top Public Schools
#32 in National Universities

The College of William and Mary is second oldest college in the country. It was founded by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. The school’s NCAA Division I varsity sports teams, known as the "Tribe," participate in the Colonial Athletic Association. Students are involved with the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity, the nation’s first academic Greek society, as well as other fraternities and sororities on campus. All freshmen are required to live on campus and the majority of upperclassmen live on campus as well. The school is located in historic downtown Williamsburg, Va.  more

$41,718 (out-of-state), $18,687 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
6,301 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA
#7 in Top Public Schools
#34 in National Universities

Georgia Tech, located in the heart of Atlanta, offers a wide range of student activities. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, an NCAA Division I team, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have a fierce rivalry with the University of Georgia. Since 1961, the football team has been led onto the field at home games by the Ramblin' Wreck, a restored 1930 Model A Ford Sport Coupe. Georgia Tech has a small but vibrant Greek community. Freshmen are offered housing, but aren't required to live on campus. In addition to its campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia Tech has campuses in France, Ireland, Costa Rica, Singapore and China. more

$32,404 (out-of-state), $12,212 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
15,142 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of California--Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA
#8 in Top Public Schools
#37 in National Universities

Located 100 miles up the coast from Los Angeles, the University of California—Santa Barbara sits atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Students can get involved in any of the more than 400 clubs and organizations on campus, including a Greek community that comprises about 10 percent of undergraduate students. UCSB provides housing to about 30 percent of students in eight residence halls and several university apartment complexes.The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos compete primarily in the NCAA Division I Big West Conference and are known for their successful women’s basketball and men’s soccer teams. Non-varsity students can join a club team such as cycling, surfing, rugby or ski and snowboard. more

$40,704 (out-of-state), $14,022 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
20,607 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of California--Irvine

Irvine, CA
#9 in Top Public Schools
#39 in National Universities

On the sunny campus of the University of California—Irvine, students don't have far to go to decompress after class. The Pacific Ocean is a quick 5-mile trip away, attracting surfers, sailors and sunbathers alike. Seated in Orange County, the bustling campus is home to more than 500 student organizations, including nearly 50 fraternities and sororities. The UC—Irvine Anteaters compete at the Division I level in the Big West Conference, cheered on by non-traditional mascot Peter the Anteater and a group of student fans called Eater Nation. While UC Irvine is known as a commuter school, university officials have tried to combat that status by offering more on-campus residence options. Freshmen are not required to live on campus, but more than three-fourths of first-year students choose to do so. Getting around UC Irvine is easy with the school's ZotWheels, a fleet of blue and gold bicycles that students can pick up and ride to four campus locations. Commuters looking to be more energy efficient can carpool to campus with other students through the university's Zimride Rideshare Community. more

$39,458 (out-of-state), $14,750 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
25,256 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of California--Davis

Davis, CA
#10 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#44 in National Universities (tie)

The University of California—Davis, one of 10 schools in the University of California system, was originally established as a farm school for UC - Berkeley. Located just 15 miles from Sacramento, UC Davis’s campus contains an airport, fire department and a collection of outdoor sculptures called Eggheads. There are more than 500 student organizations on campus in addition to a sizeable Greek community that comprises about 65 fraternity and sorority chapters. All freshmen are guaranteed housing, and after their first year students typically move off campus or live in university apartments. The UC Davis Aggies field more than 20 NCAA Division I teams, and students can join the Aggie Pack, the largest student spirit organization in the country. more

$40,728 (out-of-state), $14,046 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
28,384 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of California--San Diego

La Jolla, CA
#10 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#44 in National Universities (tie)

The University of California—San Diego lies alongside the Pacific Ocean in the La Jolla community of San Diego. The UCSD Tritons compete in more than 20 NCAA Division II sports, mainly in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The school has hundreds of student organizations, and the university hosts a thriving Greek community. All freshmen are eligible for guaranteed on-campus housing for two years, but they are not required to live on campus. The campus has an aquarium and is home to the Large High Performance Outdoor Shake Table, which tests structures’ ability to withstand simulated earthquakes. more

$41,387 (out-of-state), $14,705 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
26,590 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL
#10 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#44 in National Universities (tie)

The University of Illinois is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in east-central Illinois, only a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. The school’s Fighting Illini participate in more than 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference. The university boasts the largest Greek system in the world, and almost a quarter of the student body is involved. It’s not hard to find something to do on campus with more than 1,000 student organizations, including professional, political and philanthropic clubs. All freshmen are required to live on campus. more

$31,320 (out-of-state), $15,698 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
33,368 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Wisconsin--Madison

Madison, WI
#10 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#44 in National Universities (tie)

The University of Wisconsin—Madison lies along the southern shore of Lake Mendota in the city of Madison. The Wisconsin Badgers compete in more than 20 NCAA Division I sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference. Students can get involved in more than 800 organizations on campus. There is also an active Greek life and social scene on campus, evident in Wisconsin’s reputation as one of the top party schools in the country. Freshmen are not required to live on campus, but many choose to do so. Students can opt to live in one of several residential communities where they learn and live with other students and faculty. more

$32,738 (out-of-state), $10,488 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
31,662 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

Pennsylvania State University--University Park

University Park, PA
#14 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#50 in National Universities (tie)

There is rarely a dull moment on the Pennsylvania State University—University Park campus, also known as Happy Valley. With around 950 clubs and organizations, there are broad opportunities to get involved in campus life. The school mascot is the Nittany Lion, and teams compete in the Division I Big 10 Conference. The football team plays in Beaver Stadium, which is one of the largest arenas in North America with room for more than 107,000 fans. Penn State is home to a thriving Greek system with nearly 90 sororities and fraternities. About 15,000 students volunteer in THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Students raise money for pediatric cancer research and awareness throughout the year and participate in a 46-hour dance marathon - no sitting or sleeping allowed. Freshmen must live in one of five housing areas on campus. Across the street from campus is State College, a bustling small town with an array of coffee shops, restaurants, shops and bars populated mostly by students. Surrounded by mountains, the school is also close to skiing, snowboarding and hiking opportunities. more

$32,382 (out-of-state), $17,900 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
40,742 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL
#14 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#50 in National Universities (tie)

The University of Florida is about two miles away from downtown Gainesville, a college town bolstered by the school’s nearly 50,000 students. The Florida Gators sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference, and are supported by mascots Albert and Alberta the Alligators. The Gator football team, which competes in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — commonly called the "The Swamp" — is particularly notorious. The team became the namesake of popular sports drink Gatorade in 1966, after freshmen Gators experimented with the novel beverage. The annual Gator Growl, held each Homecoming weekend, has been called the largest student-run pep rally in the world. About 15 percent of students are involved in the school’s 60-plus fraternities and sororities. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, though about 80 percent opt to do so. All students can partake in Gator Nights, held every Friday, which offer free late-night entertainment and a free “midnight breakfast.” more

$28,666 (out-of-state), $6,389 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
35,043 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

Ohio State University--Columbus

Columbus, OH
#16 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#54 in National Universities (tie)

Located in the state capital of Columbus, The Ohio State University is a sprawling school with seemingly endless opportunities for students to get involved. There are more than 1,000 clubs and organizations on campus, including about 65 fraternities and sororities. Sports are another big part of campus life, with the Ohio State Buckeyes competing in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The athletic teams are named after the state tree and cheered on by mascot Brutus Buckeye. The football stadium, which was completed in 1922, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. All Ohio State freshmen must live in one of the more than 35 residence halls across campus, unless a student is from Central Ohio and can commute from home. The Ohio State First Year Experience offers freshmen orientation, mentors and special programming to ease the transition into college. Freshmen can also go on the school’s community service spring break, a trip to Chicago that is only open to first-year students. Local community service opportunities are easy to find through the school’s Pay It Forward program, which includes an online listing of volunteer events. Students can also study abroad in more than 40 countries through Ohio State. more

$29,229 (out-of-state), $10,037 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
45,289 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Washington

Seattle, WA
#16 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#54 in National Universities (tie)

Located in the University District neighborhood (known as the U District) just north of downtown Seattle, the University of Washington is a cutting-edge research university with a long-standing history as one of the oldest public institutions on the West Coast. Students can join one of the school’s 500-plus student organizations, including about 50 sororities and fraternities, or can start a brand new club with at least four other students. University of Washington is known as a commuter school, and freshmen are not required to live on campus. Housing is not guaranteed for any student. For those that do reside in the residence halls, the university stresses “living green” through energy conservation and recycling. On the sports fields, the school’s varsity athletes are competitive in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. The football team, in particular, is a traditional league stand-out. The teams are represented by two mascots: one, a costumed student known as Harry the Husky Dawg, and the other, Dubs, a live Alaskan husky. The university gym is free for students seeking a workout. more

$34,791 (out-of-state), $10,753 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
31,063 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Georgia

Athens, GA
#18 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#56 in National Universities (tie)

At its founding, The University of Georgia made history as the first public, state-supported college in America. These days, the school is known for its vibrant student community. UGA’s college town of Athens was rated among the best college towns in the country by U.S. News, and the competitive Bulldogs sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. There are more than 600 student clubs and organizations, including about 60 Greek chapters that involve almost 25 percent of UGA students. Community service is a particularly big focus, with student-run philanthropies such as UGA Miracle, a yearlong fundraiser and 24-hour Dance Marathon for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. First-year students must live on campus, but Atlanta is 60 miles away for those itching for a road trip. more

$29,844 (out-of-state), $11,634 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
27,547 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Texas--Austin

Austin, TX
#18 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#56 in National Universities (tie)

Everything is bigger in Texas, as the saying goes, and it holds true at the University of Texas—Austin, one of the largest schools in the nation. The school has one of the biggest Greek systems in the country, two of the largest student publications and more than 900 clubs and organizations for students. The UT—Austin sports teams are notorious competitors in the Division I Big 12 Conference, supported by mascot Bevo the Longhorn. The UT Tower, a lofty campus structure, is lit in the school’s burnt orange color after notable sports achievements and glows a ‘#1’ when a team wins a national championship. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, and may choose to live in downtown Austin, situated about a quarter mile away. The vibrant city is known for its music, food, outdoor activities and nightlife, and students can travel for free on the capitol Metro buses with proof of ID. more

$34,676 (out-of-state), $9,806 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
39,619 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

Purdue University--West Lafayette

West Lafayette, IN
#20 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#60 in National Universities (tie)

Purdue University's West Lafayette, Indiana, campus is the main campus in the Purdue University system, which encompasses four other campuses throughout the state. Nearly 20 percent of students are affiliated with Greek life, and Purdue offers a wide range of activities and organizations. Performance groups include the "All American" Marching Band, four jazz bands and two symphony orchestras. The Boilermakers, Purdue’s athletic teams, compete in the Division I Big Ten Conference and are well known for their dominant men’s and women’s basketball teams. The Boilermaker Special, Purdue’s official mascot, is a railroad locomotive cared for and maintained by the student-run Purdue Reamer Club. Although no students are required to live in university housing, about one-third of undergraduates live on campus. more

$28,804 (out-of-state), $10,002 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
29,497 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT
#20 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#60 in National Universities (tie)

The University of Connecticut, located in Storrs, was originally known as the Storrs Agricultural School ­— a fitting name for an institution surrounded by farmland. Storrs is a sleepy town about a 30-minute drive from Hartford; 60 minutes from Providence, R.I.; and 90 minutes from Boston. Without many activities off campus, students can get involved in the more than 450 clubs and organizations on campus, including more than 30 fraternities and sororities. They can also catch a film in the on-campus movie theater and skate for free in the school’s ice rink. Sports are a major focus for students; the UConn Huskies compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference, in which UConn’s basketball teams are especially ferocious competitors. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, though more than 70 percent of all undergraduates choose to do so. Each year before final exams, students gather for Spring Weekend, a fun-filled, multi-day celebration that began as the school’s Campus Community Carnival in the 1940s. more

$35,858 (out-of-state), $14,066 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
18,826 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Maryland--College Park

College Park, MD
#20 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#60 in National Universities (tie)

Located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, the University of Maryland offers students a suburban lifestyle within easy reach of big-city experiences. The flagship campus in College Park, which has its own subway stop on the D.C.-area Metro transit system, is often considered a commuter school. Accordingly, freshmen do not have to live on campus. There are more than 800 clubs and organizations on campus, including about 35 fraternities and sororities that involve approximately 15 percent of the student population. Students looking for additional activities can visit the university's "Free Stuff @ Maryland" website, which offers a comprehensive listing of presentations, events and movie screenings with no admission charges. Sports also offer yearlong distractions. The Maryland Terrapins compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The mascot, Testudo, is a Diamondback terrapin — a species of turtle that is the official state reptile. One of several Testudo sculptures on campus sits in front of McKeldin Library, and rubbing its nose is thought to bring good luck, particularly before exams. more

$32,045 (out-of-state), $10,181 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
27,443 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

Clemson University

Clemson, SC
#23 in Top Public Schools
#66 in National Universities

As a student at Clemson, get ready to love the color orange. The orange Clemson Tigers compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The teams are supported by notoriously passionate student fans and two costumed student mascots, known as The Tiger and The Tiger Cub. There are more than 400 student clubs and organizations, and about 25 percent of students are involved in the school's large Greek system. Clemson is set on Hartwell Lake, where students can sail, swim and fish. For indoor fun, the on-campus Underground Recreation Center has a bowling alley, arcade and billiards room. Students can travel for free on campus bus system The CAT, which connects students between Clemson University and the nearby city of Clemson, S.C. The city of Clemson is within walking distance of campus, too, and offers a typical active college scene with many shopping, dining and nightlife options. Freshmen must live in university housing, and nearly half of all students choose to live on the school's picturesque, tree-lined campus. more

$32,796 (out-of-state), $14,240 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
18,016 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA
#24 in Top Public Schools
#68 in National Universities

Located in the Oakland neighborhood, Pitt’s campus is a 3-mile trip from bustling downtown Pittsburgh. The city is home to powerhouse professional sports teams, such as the Steelers and Penguins, and dozens of unique cultural centers, like the Andy Warhol Museum and Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Pitt students get free admission to these and other select museums throughout the school year. Because Pittsburgh is bordered by three rivers, kayaking, sailing and fishing opportunities are plentiful. City buses stop every 10 to 15 minutes on campus, and students can ride public transportation into the city for free with school ID. Freshmen do not have to live on campus. Pitt has a sizeable Greek community of about 35 fraternities and sororities. Students in Arts and Sciences majors can earn hands-on credits in internships, research and teaching with the help of the university’s Office of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. The Pittsburgh Panthers sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. Pitt students are notorious for their avid support at sporting events, particularly for forming a riotous cheering section known as the Oakland Zoo at basketball games. Students who attend the most home sporting events get priority purchasing when game tickets are in high demand through the school’s Loyalty Points system. more

$29,758 (out-of-state), $18,618 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
18,908 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more

Rutgers University--New Brunswick

Piscataway, NJ
#25 in Top Public Schools
#70 in National Universities

For high school students who can't decide what their ideal college campus would look like, Rutgers University may be the solution. The flagship campus of New Jersey's state university, based in New Brunswick, is actually split into five mini-campuses known as Douglass, Cook, College Avenue, Busch and Livingston. Each campus has a unique setting and identity, from the hip student feel of the College Avenue campus to the farmland and science buildings at Cook Campus. Each mini-campus has its own student center and dining options. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but those who choose to do so have options on each campus, too. There are more than 400 student clubs and organizations across the mini-campuses, including more than 80 fraternities and sororities. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The university also has a virtual campus on Second Life. more

$30,023 (out-of-state), $14,372 (in-state) Tuition and Fees
35,484 Undergraduate Enrollment
SAT, GPA and more