The Best Public University In Every State
Elite private institutions often top the list of target schools when it comes to campus recruiting. But any company committed to finding the best talent across the country should be sure to include several public colleges and universities in their list of focus schools.
Public colleges and universities make up a large percentage of the United States’ degree-granting, and are also more affordable than private universities, offering students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to receive a world-class education. The average tuition at a ranked in-state public college is nearly 74% lower than the average cost at a private college.
With a little over 1,600 public colleges and universities in the U.S., deciding which to focus your recruiting efforts on can be a challenge. So using the U.S. News and World Report rankings, we’ve identified the best public university in every state to help you hone in on the right schools for your hiring needs. Whether you’re looking for leaders in STEM or you’re interested in recruiting local talent, any of these public universities will provide thousands of talented and competitive college graduates to choose from.
Alabama
Location: Auburn, AL
Undergraduate student population: 31,526
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 97
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 42
Located in a city that’s been ranked one of the best places to live, Auburn University also has a freshman retention rate of 92%, which is an indication of student satisfaction. Auburn University is also known for being the South’s first land-grant college (colleges granted federal land for agricultural and mechanical purposes). Notable graduates include six NASA astronauts, the former head of the Kennedy Space Center, and the nation’s first and only class of undergraduate wireless engineers. The most popular majors include business, management, marketing, engineering, biological and biomedical Sciences, and health-related programs.
Alaska
University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Undergraduate student population: 6,813
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 331
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 169
The University of Alaska-Fairbanks is a leader in Arctic research, specifically the circumpolar North. Studies on subjects like climate change, marine ecosystems, and mercury levels in wildlife help inform Alaskan policymakers and citizens of issues affecting their communities. University of Alaska-Fairbanks has 360 million acres for fieldwork to take place, where students can study everything from rural and community development, fisheries and ocean sciences, management, natural resources, and agricultural sciences. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks is the only Tier One National University in Alaska and offers 146 degrees and 32 certificates in 112 disciplines.
Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ
Undergraduate student population: 49,471
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 105
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 48
Founded in 1885, The University of Arizona is one of the largest public institutions in the state. The school is one of the top 20 public research universities in the nation, and #1 in astronomy and astrophysics, with researchers aiming to answer bigger questions such as the origin of comets, the risk of asteroids, and how we are making history in space exploration. The University of Arizona students have more than 100 majors to choose from. The most popular majors are business, biological and biomedical sciences, and engineering, health professions, and psychology.
Arkansas
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Undergraduate student population: 29,068
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 176
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 87
Classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as having “the highest possible level of research,” the University of Arkansas places among the top 3% of American universities having the highest level of research activity. The university has 10 colleges and schools that offer more than 210 academic programs. Its students come from all 50 states and represent more than 120 countries. The Fulbright Scholarship program was created by graduate and former president of the university, J. William Fulbright, and Bill and Hillary Clinton each taught in law school before entering the White House.
California
University of California-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Undergraduate student population: 31,002
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 19
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 1
In addition to its No. 1 ranking for top public schools, the University of California-Los Angeles is also the 20th best national university in the country and 16th in best undergraduate engineering programs. More than 30% of undergraduates at UCLA are the first generation in their family to graduate from a four-year college or university, and UCLA’s faculty includes numerous Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and National Medal of Science recipients, among other prestigious awards, fellowships, and grants. The university has a highly competitive acceptance rate of 11% and is the most applied-to university in the country.
Colorado
Location: Golden, CO
Undergraduate student population: 7,172
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 89
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 38
Colorado School of Mines is known for its commitment to the study of the earth, energy, and the environment. Mines is home to the Center for Space Resources, a research and technology development center that studies how space and planetary resources can benefit society on earth. It ranks 3rd in the country for its petroleum engineering graduate program, according to U.S. News and World Report. The most popular majors at Mines include mechanical and chemical engineering, computer and information sciences, and electrical and civil engineering.
Connecticut
Location: Storrs, CT
Undergraduate student population: 18,567
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 67
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 26
The University of Connecticut is one of the nation’s leading research institutions and offers more than 120 majors in 10 schools and colleges. The state supplied a $1.5 billion investment to strengthen the school’s science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives, such as Bioscience Connecticut and The Jackson Laboratory. The Neag School of Education at UConn is ranked the 28th best education school in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and notable alumni include former senior vice president at Nintendo George Harrison, WNBA star Sue Bird, and 1996 physics Nobel Prize winner David Lee.
Delaware
Location: Newark, DE
Undergraduate student population: 23,257
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 89
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 38
The University of Delaware offers 150 majors and minors and 250+ graduate and post-baccalaureate programs throughout 10 colleges. U.S. News and World Report ranks the internationally recognized College of Engineering at the University of Delaware as the 54th best engineering school in the nation. The University of Delaware ran the country’s first study abroad program in 1923, and today about one-third of students study abroad, helping them develop a broad network of connections as well as learn about new cultures and perspectives.
Florida
Location: Gainesville, FL
Undergraduate student population: 55,781
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 29
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 5
The oldest university in the state, the University of Florida, has more than 55,000 students that can attend its 16 colleges. Since 1985, the University of Florida has been a member of the Association of American Universities, which is made up of 62 distinguished research universities across the United States. The most popular majors there include engineering, business, biological and biomedical sciences, and social sciences. The University of Florida ranks 33th in the nation for best undergraduate engineering programs among public institutions and has two times the national average of inventions produced per research dollar invested, according to its website.
Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate student population: 17,447
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 44
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 15
Aside from its public school classification, Georgia Institute of Technology has other impressive rankings. Its undergraduate engineering program is ranked 4th in the nation, and all of its graduate engineering programs rank in the top five in the nation, per Georgia Tech’s website. The Scheller College of Business also ranks 28th in undergraduate business programs. The school produces successful computer science graduates with an average starting salary of $101,000.
Hawaii
Location: Honolulu, HI
Undergraduate student population: 19,097
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 166
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 83
Located just outside of downtown Honolulu, the University of Hawaii at Manoa has options for the study of Asian and Pacific cultures, tropical medicine, ocean and marine sciences, astronomy, volcanology, international business, and more. Its international business program ranks in the top 13 in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is the alma mater of the parents of former United States President Barack Obama, and renowned oceanographer, Robert Ballard. UH Manoa researchers provide expertise to local leaders on issues like sustainability, climate, food systems, and health issues unique to Hawaii.
Idaho
Location: Moscow, ID
Undergraduate student population: 8,631
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 176
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 87
The University of Idaho prides itself on a focus in teaching, research, outreach and engagement. There are more than 96 undergraduate majors at the University of Idaho, and the most popular include business, engineering, social sciences, education, and natural resources and conservation. There are 80 masters programs for students to choose from, including business, law, engineering, and education. Many undergraduates participate in research on computer security, transportation innovations, environmental science, agricultural science, evolutionary biology, biomedical research, and power applications, among others.
Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location: Champaign, IL
Undergraduate student population: 34,779
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 41
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 13
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science, College of Engineering, and Department of Psychology are ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The university was the first to provide disability access to all university services, curricula and facilities. There are 150 undergraduate programs of study to choose from and more than 80 research centers and labs. Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert and the co-founder of YouTube, Steve Chen are among the notable alumni that graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Indiana
Purdue University-West Lafayette
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Undergraduate student population: 37,101
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 51
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 18
Purdue University-West Lafayette has many high-ranked programs and schools, including the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Twenty-two well-known American astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, studied at Purdue University, and U.S. News and World Report ranks it 5th in the nation for Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical engineering programs. One hundred and thirty countries and all 50 of the United States are represented in the student body. Purdue University has previously been given the title of #1 destination for international students in STEM disciplines, according to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Iowa
Location: Iowa City, IA
Undergraduate student population: 21,608
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 83
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 35
University of Iowa is a premier national public research university with a strong liberal arts program. The university encourages undergraduate involvement in research in the arts, humanities, natural/physical sciences, social sciences, health, medicine, engineering, and more. The university’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides research opportunities, professional development, and financial support to minorities interested in STEM careers. The University of Iowa is home to the distinguished Iowa Writer’s Workshop. Faculty at the school have included Kurt Vonnegut, Philip Roth, and John Irving, and graduates of the school have won 40 Pulitzer prizes.
Kansas
Location: Lawrence, KS
Undergraduate student population: 19,158
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 121
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 56
With 420 degrees and certificates in its 14 academic schools, more than 100 study abroad programs, and a highly ranked honors program, the University of Kansas prepares its students well for a competitive workforce. The University of Kansas is one of the 62 members of the Association of American Universities, and has been associated with more than 300 Fulbright scholars. The top majors there include psychology, journalism, nursing, accounting, and marketing.
Kentucky
Location: Lexington, KY
Undergraduate student population: 21,900
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 137
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 64
The University of Kentucky has nearly 350 clubs for students to get involved in and a strong Greek life and the award-winning student newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel. The university offers about 120 master's programs, including highly-ranked graduate programs in public affairs and health. The most popular fields of study at the University of Kentucky include business, health professions, and engineering. Its freshman retention rate is higher than the national average, at 85 percent. Notable alumni include actress Ashley Judd, professional basketball player Anthony Davis, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Louisiana
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Undergraduate student population: 29,273
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 176
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 87
Located in Louisiana’s capital, Louisiana State University is the state’s flagship university. It's one of only a handful of institutions that are specified as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university. LSU offers bachelor, master's, and doctoral degrees in several different fields like agriculture, business, coastal environmental sciences, engineering, and communication, and also offers over 65 online studies for remote students.
Maine
Location: Orono, ME
Undergraduate student population: 9,447
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 219
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 112
The University of Maine is the state’s only public university classified by the Carnegie Foundation as being a doctoral-granting university that has “High Research Activity.” Researchers at the University of Maine study advanced materials, marine sciences, climate change, environmental studies, forestry, engineering, and aquaculture. UMaine students have the opportunity to work on projects for NASA and the U.S. military and get hands-on research experience tagging wildlife, conducting medical research, and studying how Antarctic ice sheets react to climate change. Alumni have won Pulitzer and Nobel Peace Prizes and work for the United Nations, Google, General Electric, and the Los Angeles Times.
Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park
Location: College Park, MD
Undergraduate student population: 30,922
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 55
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 19
With a suburban campus located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, the University of Maryland is a great place for students who want a residential lifestyle with easy access to big cities. The A. James Clark School of Engineering is ranked 21st best in the nation, and the UMD Health School has the nation’s 10th-best audiology program. Research opportunities for students are abundant at the school: Recently, researchers at the School of Engineering demonstrated a way to make salty water drinkable by using a self-cleaning device made of wood that would make small-scale desalination more practical.
Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Location: Amherst, MA
Undergraduate student population: 24,231
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 67
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 26
Though the University of Massachusetts Amherst is large, students can get a smaller school feel by taking classes at nearby smaller liberal arts colleges like Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. Students can choose from over 100 majors and even have the option to design their own major through the Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, co-ops, and research where they’re able to work alongside faculty in subjects such as energy and materials, the environment, governance and society, and life sciences and health.
Michigan
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Undergraduate student population: 32,282
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 25
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 3
Admission at the University of Michigan is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 20%. U.S. News and World Report rank it as the 25th best university in the nation, and the University of Michigan’s bachelor of business administration program is 4th in the nation. Notable alumni include actress Lucy Liu, actor Darren Criss, CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, CEO and director of JetBlue Airways David Barger, and Katie Bouman, who helped produce the first image of a black hole in April 2019.
Minnesota
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Undergraduate student population: 35,433
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 62
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 23
Students at the University of Minnesota learn from the best: Faculty include members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and other prestigious organizations. Students have the opportunity to do research alongside faculty on subjects like DNA repair, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and more. Students on campus come from 130 nations, 84.3% were in the top 25 percent of their class, and people of color represent about 30% of the student population. In addition, the University of Minnesota ranks 14th in research spend each year, investing roughly $1.07 Billion.
Mississippi
Location: Oxford, MS
Undergraduate student population: 18,737
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 152
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 78
University of Mississippi is one of the R1: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity, a prestigious ranking by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Notable alumni include writer and Nobel Prize laureate William Faulkner, civil rights movement leader James Meredith, writer John Grisham, and football player Eli Manning. University of Mississippi is the state’s largest university and was ranked one of the nation’s fastest growing universities by the Almanac of Higher Education. Students represent all 50 states and 90 countries, and 23% of all students identify with a minority group.
Missouri
Location: Columbia, MO
Undergraduate student population: 23,706
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 121
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 56
The University of Missouri is famously home to the world’s first school of journalism. It’s also the first public university with a school of education and holds the state’s first and only veterinary school. The most popular majors include business, health professions, communication and journalism, engineering, and social sciences. The university has more than 280 majors and more than 70 online options. Notable alumni include actor Jon Hamm, singer Sheryl Crow, and U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill.
Montana
Location: Bozeman, MT
Undergraduate student population: 16,688
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 263
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 132
With over 250 areas of study for undergrads, 40 master's programs, and state-of-the-art research facilities in Bozeman, Montana, Montana State University is the state's premier research university. It's the largest university in the state, and its popular majors include Engineering, Business, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Health Professions. MSU is a Carnegie top-tier research university with millions of acres of wilderness to enhance the out-of-classroom study experience. Of note, researchers like alumni Mary Schweitzer attended MSU and discovered soft tissue in a Tyrannosaurus rex bone.
Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Location: Lincoln, NE
Undergraduate student population: 20,954
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 151
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 72
The University of Nebraska is one of the nation’s fastest-growing research institutions and has a strong research presence. In 2016, Springer Nature’s international list of Rising Stars in research ranked the University of Nebraska 9th, with leadership in fields like food and water security, early childhood development, and nanoscience. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers groundbreaking education for many families, with 1 in 4 students identifying as the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university. There are over 150 majors to choose from, along with 400 student organizations to check out. Notable alumni include investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett and television talk show host Johnny Carson.
Nevada
Location: Reno, NV
Undergraduate student population: 17,025
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 263
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 132
The University of Nevada-Reno is the state’s first institution of higher education and the leading research institution. It’s well known for its programs in earthquake science and engineering, with one of the largest earthquake simulation laboratories in the country. It’s also known for its programs in neuroscience, environmental science, bioscience, biotechnology, and advanced autonomous systems. The University of Nevada offers 76 majors and 70 minors and holds an R2 Carnegie Classification as a comprehensive doctoral university with high research activity.
New Hampshire
Location: Durham, NH
Undergraduate student population: 11,490
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 137
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 64
The University of New Hampshire students conduct offshore research at the UNH-Cornell Shoals Marine Laboratory, work alongside professors who advised the White House on the BP oil spill disaster, and help build instruments for NASA satellites. The university comprises seven colleges and three schools, including the Graduate School, Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, and the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space. The four-year graduation rate is 70% and some popular majors include business administration and management, biological science, engineering, and health professions.
New Jersey
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Location: Piscataway, NJ
Undergraduate student population: 36,152
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 55
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 19
Established in 1766, Rutgers University is the 8th oldest higher education institution in the country. Today it has more than 150 undergraduate majors, more than 400 graduate programs, and is home to 175 research centers and institutes. The most popular undergraduate majors are computer and information sciences, psychology, biology, information science, and economics. Rutgers and partners form New Jersey’s largest academic health system, and it is a member of Association of American Universities, a group of America’s leading research universities.
New Mexico
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Undergraduate student population: 21,738
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 212
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 107
The University of New Mexico offers more than 215 degree and certificate programs, including 94 baccalaureates, 71 master's, and 37 doctoral degrees. Students at the University of New Mexico can participate in more than 345 student organizations that are academic, service, political, cultural, and religious. The University of New Mexico is also the only Hispanic Serving Institution in the U.S. that is a Carnegie Research University with Very High Research Activity. University of New Mexico researchers work with NASA in moon rock studies that will advance understanding of the moon.
New York
Location: Stony Brook, NY
Undergraduate student population: 17,999
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 77
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 31
Stony Brook University—SUNY is one of 64 schools in the State University of New York system and is located in the heart of the North Shore of Long Island. With students from all 50 states and more than 150 countries, Stony Brook offers 200 undergrad programs and more than 100 master's programs. Regarded as the No. 1 U.S. Institution for Reducing Inequalities in Higher Education, Stony Brook also provides one of the best value educations in the nation through its commitment to affordability, access, and student success.
North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Undergraduate student population: 19,897
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 29
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 5
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the nation’s first public university. Students are encouraged to give back to the community while at the university. They participate in projects like starting community gardens for the hungry, conducting EPA-funded research with professors, or creating a digital collection of North Carolina history for one of the University of North Carolina’s libraries. Students can study abroad in more than 70 countries and choose from more than 70 majors and minors. The most popular ones included social sciences, biological sciences, journalism, multi/interdisciplinary studies, and computer and information sciences.
North Dakota
Location: Grand Forks, ND
Undergraduate student population: 9,718
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 250
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 124
The University of North Dakota has a strong liberal arts foundation and abundant research opportunities. The university is recognized for its research and development of unmanned aircraft systems, rural health, and petroleum engineering. UND has one of the best wellness centers in the nation and was ranked as one of the healthiest colleges in the United States. Popular majors at the University of North Dakota include business, health professions, transportation and materials moving, engineering, and education.
Ohio
Location: Columbus, OH
Undergraduate student population: 47,106
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 49
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 16
The Ohio State University is recognized as a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center. The Ohio State College of Medicine improves health in local communities by transforming scientific discoveries into clinical therapies. Students can choose from more than 200 undergraduate majors or design their own through the Personalized Study Program. The school has a high retention rate of 94%, and the 4-year graduation rate is 67%.
Oklahoma
Location: Norman, OK
Undergraduate student population: 28,042
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 127
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 61
University of Oklahoma is a public research university founded in 1890 that offers over 170 undergraduate programs, including popular majors in business, engineering, communication, and social sciences. OU is the largest research institution in the state of Oklahoma, with more than 575 faculty members across 18 colleges. About 25% of students join its large Greek system, composed of over 40 fraternities and sororities. With a 90% retention rate for first year students, the University of Oklahoma is committed to student success.
Oregon
Location: Eugene, OR
Undergraduate student population: 19,340
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 105
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 48
The University of Oregon has more than 300 academic programs for students to choose from. It's centered around its College of Arts and Sciences, which means that every student graduates with a broad liberal arts and sciences degree regardless of major. The university’s Robert D. Clark Honors College is the oldest honors college in the United States, with about 800 students that take advantage of its scholarships, networking, and seminars. The most popular majors at the University of Oregon include business, advertising, social sciences, psychology, and economics.
Pennsylvania
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate student population: 29,238
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 62
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 23
Since 1787, the University of Pittsburgh has been a top-tier research university located in the heart of Pittsburgh. It offers more than 100 undergraduate degree programs across 16 colleges. The university has earned national accolades for its highly-ranked School of Medicine, School of Education, and Swanson School of Engineering. Known for its research in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the School of Medicine receives one of the highest amounts of funding from the National Institute of Health. Some of the most popular majors include business, engineering, biological science, and health professions.
Rhode Island
Location: Kingston, RI
Undergraduate student population: 13,982
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 182
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 91
The University of Rhode Island began as an agricultural school and today offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 80 graduate programs. 58 nations are represented in the student body, and 22% of newly admitted students identify as people of color. The University of Rhode Island is committed to the advancement of research. Since 2007, more than $900 million has been invested in campus projects which included new facilities for chemistry and forensic science, pharmacy, and communications.
South Carolina
Location: Clemson, SC
Undergraduate student population: 21,653
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 77
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 31
Clemson University is one of the most selective public research universities in the country, with an acceptance rate of 49 percent, and high student satisfaction with a freshman retention rate of 93 percent. Clemson is an R1 Carnegie research university and focuses on subjects such as sustainable environment, cyberinfrastructure and big data science, health innovation, human resilience, and more. According to Princeton Review, Clemson is ranked # 1 for Career Services, helping students land great internships and jobs out of school. Students tend to major in engineering, business management, biological and biomedical sciences, and health professions.
South Dakota
Location: Vermillion, SD
Undergraduate student population: 9,464
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 263
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 132
The University of South Dakota, founded in 1862, offers 200 academic programs across eight major colleges. The most popular major, with 34% of graduates participating, is in health professions and related programs and followed by business, education, biological sciences, and journalism. Consistency is key, and the University of South Dakota has been recognized as one of the Princeton Review’s “387 Best Colleges” for 22 consecutive years.
Tennessee
Location: Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate student population: 25,067
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 115
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 53
The University of Tennessee manages the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where students can work with faculty to find research solutions to problems in energy and security. Its supply chain management/logistics concentration within the business program ranks 3rd in Supply Chain Management / Logistics. Students initiated a “green fee” in 2005, which increased the student facilities fee to establish funding for green power and campus sustainability initiatives. The university has been recognized by the EPA as the largest higher education purchaser of green power through the Green Power Partnership program.
Texas
Location: Austin, TX
Undergraduate student population: 40,916
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 38
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 10
The University of Texas at Austin is a very large research university with degree offerings to match: 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 13 colleges and schools. The university’s McCombs School of Business ranks 18th for best business schools and 8th for part-time MBA programs. The student-to-faculty ratio matches the national of 18:1, despite the extremely large student population. Students can also participate in many on-campus activities, with the school having more than 1,000 clubs and organizations. Some of the most popular majors include communication, engineering, biological sciences, and business.
Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Undergraduate student population: 25,826
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 105
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 48
The University of Utah has several prominent schools and its college of engineering is ranked 61st in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The School of Medicine is the only medical school in the state and is also regarded for its primary care. William Devries, an alumnus of the School of Medicine, performed the first artificial heart transplant on a human patient. The student-to-faculty ratio is very low at 3.4:1, which can be an important factor in student success.
Vermont
Location: Burlington, VT
Undergraduate student population: 11,626
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 121
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 56
Along with traditional indoor classrooms, the University of Vermont has unique outdoor classroom settings. The cutting-edge Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory is a waterfront campus with a floating classroom on Lake Champlain. While there, students can also study lake ecology on the Melosira, a 45-ft long research boat. Over 92% of seniors report being involved in research, an internship, or other experience-based learning during their time at the University of Vermont, and over 100 students have won or been finalists in scholarship competitions like the Fulbright and Goldwater in the last five years.
Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Undergraduate student population: 17,299
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 25
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 3
The University of Virginia ranks 25th among National Universities by U.S. News and World Report and has several high-ranking specialized areas of study. The Darden School of Business is ranked 14th in the country, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science ranks 37th for best engineering schools. The university’s research centers include the Center for Applied Biomechanics, which studies the impact and injury that high-speed car crashes cause, and the Center for Safe and Secure Nuclear Energy. Popular majors at the University of Virginia include liberal arts, social sciences, engineering, and business.
Washington
Location: Seattle, WA
Undergraduate student population: 36,206
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 55
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 19
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public universities on the west coast. It has a low acceptance rate of 53% and a high 4-year graduation rate of 71%. The university is associated with seven Nobel Prize wins; has 296 research centers, including the Asian Law Center, Autism Center, Cancer Vaccine Institute, and Center for AIDS research. It was also ranked 6th by U.S. News and World Report for Best Global Universities.
West Virginia
Location: Morgantown, WV
Undergraduate student population: 25,474
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 234
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 118
West Virginia University alumni include 70 Fulbright, 47 Goldwater, 25 Truman, 88 Gilman, 22 Boren, and 25 Rhodes scholars. The university has a strong research program with a focus on STEM education, rural healthcare, natural resources utilization, and radio astronomy, to name a few. West Virginia University has one of the first accredited forensic science programs in the United States and the largest crime scene training complex in the country. Students typically major in engineering, business, management, marketing, communication, journalism, social sciences, and biological and biomedical Sciences.
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location: Madison, WI
Undergraduate student population: 35,474
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 38
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 10
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is 8th in the nation among universities for volume of research, with annual research expenditures of more than $1.38 billion. Research centers include the Institute on Aging, Aquatic Sciences Center, Center for Child and Family Well-being, Cardiovascular Research Center, and more. The University of Wisconsin offers 600 undergraduate and graduate majors and more than 9,000 courses. Since 2010, 65% of job growth in the STEM field in the United States is the result of partnerships between advanced industries and research institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Wyoming
Location: Laramie, WY
Undergraduate student population: 8,869
U.S. News and World Report Overall National Universities Ranking: No. 202
U.S. News and World Report Top Public Schools ranking: No. 103
The University of Wyoming offers over 200 areas of study, and popular majors include psychology, elementary education and teaching, criminal justice/safety studies, and exercise science. The university has a robust research program, focusing on the interface between science and technology, environment and natural resources, arts and language, and more. Students are encouraged to get involved in research, and a number of scholarships exist to facilitate this. Examples include the McNair Scholars program, which prepares students from groups that are typically underrepresented in graduate school for eventual success in doctoral degree programs, and the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium, which includes research fellowships and internships for students.
Public universities offer many benefits to students like lower tuition costs, wide range of degree offerings, and cutting-edge facilities like science labs, teaching hospitals, and libraries. Students who emerge from these schools are hardworking, talented, and ready for the workforce. Make sure to include these top-ranked public universities in your recruitment strategies.
Download our guide “Beyond The Ivy League” for more information on expanding your recruitment reach and finding students at the top public schools, HBCUs, and HSIs.
