Top Public Universities in the USA 2025-26: Rankings, Tuition Fees, Eligibility & More

Did you know 18.58 million students were enrolled in the USA as of 5th July 2022? Of these, 13.19 million students opted for state-funded universities, while 5.09 million chose private ones. This shows how popular the public universities of the USA truly are. 

It’s no surprise that public universities in the USA are preferred by students from within the USA as well as outside the country. This is because of the affordable, high-quality education on offer at public universities, which can cost 15-20% less than private universities. Most public universities in the USA offer a wider range of STEM programs and specializations. So, students looking to study in the USA should make the most of what these public universities have to offer. 

To help you with this, we have created this guide where we will explore the top public universities in the USA, their rankings, scholarships, and FAQs. 

Top public universities in the USA 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 1,625 public universities in the USA. So, given the abundance of choices students have, the decision to pick the best one might seem overwhelming. 

To help with this decision, we have listed the top 10 public universities in the USA ranked according to the US News and World Report for 2025.

Next, we will look at some of these top public universities in detail to help you narrow your choices. 

University of California, Berkeley

Website: https://www.berkeley.edu/

Rank: #1 as Top Public Schools, #15 in National Universities by the US News and World Report

The University of California is a prestigious public research university in Berkeley, San Francisco.  

It was established in 1868 and is one of the oldest public universities in the USA. The campus stretches over 1,231 acres and includes over 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units. It offers multiple highly-ranked STEM programs that are very popular with international students. 

List of programs offered by this university 

Tuition fee

The annual tuition fee for out-of-state undergraduates at the University of California, Berkeley, varies by course.  For residents, the total cost for continuing students is $10,317.50, which includes tuition, student services fee, a campus fee, a health insurance fee, and others. New resident students have an additional document management fee of $233.00, bringing their total to $10,550.50. On the other hand, nonresident students face higher costs due to an extra nonresident supplemental tuition of $17,100.00. So, the total cost for continuing nonresident students goes up to $27,417.50. 

Application deadlines

The application period for regular admissions to UC Berkeley for 2025 runs from October 1 to November 30, 2024. 

Application fee

For international and non-immigrant applicants, the fee is $95. Fee waivers are available for students who may have special financial requirements, subject to a verification process.

University of California, Los Angeles

Website: https://www.ucla.edu/

Rank:  #42 QS World University Rankings in 2025,  #15 per the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2024

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public land-grant research university in Los Angeles. It is also a leading arts and cultural center in the USA, offering good programs in Film and Television, Psychology, and Business. 

List of programs offered by this university

Tuition fee

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) tuition fee varies depending on your residency status. 

For non-residents, the total estimated cost for the program, including tuition fees, food, and housing, is $76,259 as of February 2024. 

Application deadline

For the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) admissions open on August 1, and the deadline to apply is November 30, 2024. 

Application fee

The application fee for graduate programs is $155 for international students. The fee is non-refundable and covers administrative costs. It has to be paid using a debit or credit card. 

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Website: https://umich.edu/

Rank: #3 as the Top Public School in the USA by the US News and World Report

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a large, historic, and prestigious public university founded in 1817.  It offers over 280 degree programs, including the famous Bachelor of Business Administration at Michigan Ross. It is ranked 3rd on the US News list of best Public Universities in the USA for 2024. 

In 2022, the university reported $1.71 billion in research expenditures, 433 new inventions, and 16 startups, leading to its unique status as a “coordinate branch of state government,” giving it significant autonomy in the USA. 

List of the top programs offered by this university

Tuition fee

The tuition fees vary depending on the school and program you select. For example, an engineering undergraduate course may cost approximately $30,000 per year for out-of-state students. Graduate courses cost around $40,000 per year.

Application deadlines

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has different application deadlines:

• Early action: November 1, 2024
• Regular admission: February 1, 2025
• Deposit deadline: May 1, 2025

Application fee

The University of Michigan’s graduate studies application fee is $90 for non-US citizens. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid by credit card.

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Website: https://www.unc.edu/

Rank: Ranked 4th in Top Public Schools, 14th among Best Value Schools, and 8th in Business Programs as per the US News and World Report.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) is the first public university in the USA. It comprises 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences, offering highly ranked science and business programs. The university is renowned for its innovative teaching, research, and public service. It provides various academic programs at all levels, including 74 Bachelor’s programs, 104 Master’s programs, 65 Doctorate programs, and 7 professional degree programs.

List of top programs offered by this university 

Tuition fee

The tuition fee for out-of-state students is  $39,338 per annum. 

Application deadlines

For undergraduate admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

• Early Action: The application deadline is October 15, with decisions by January 31.
• Regular Decision: The application deadline is January 15, with decisions by March 31.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline for both Early Action and Regular Decision: May 1.

Most programs do not accept new students for the spring and summer terms. For the graduate programs that do, the application deadlines are:

• Spring: October 10, 2024
• Summer: March 12, 2025

Application fee

The application fee for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill varies depending on the type of admission and the program:

• International first-year students: The non-refundable application fee is $85.
• Graduate admissions: The non-refundable application fee is $95 per program.
• Transfer admissions: The non-refundable application fee is $85. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Website: https://www.virginia.edu/

Rank: #5 Top Public University in the USA by the US News & World Report, #1 Top College in Virginia in 2024 by Forbes.

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, UVA is renowned for its nationally ranked schools and programs, distinguished faculty, and strong emphasis on research. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio 15:1, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment for students. Among students admitted in 2023, 86% ranked among the top 10% of their high school class. The university also excels in athletics and has a proud history as a leading research institution as well.

List of top programs offered by this university 

Tuition fee

The tuition fee for out-of-state students is approximately $58,950. Room and boarding charges are an additional $15,000. 

Application deadline

The University of Virginia (UVA) has different admission deadlines for different application types:

• Early Decision: November 1, 2024
• Early Action: November 1, 2024
• Regular Decision: January 5, 2025
• Spring Transfer: October 1, 2024
• Fall Transfer: March 1, 2025

Application fee

The application fee for undergraduate students is $75 and for postgraduate students is $85. 

How to choose the best public university to study in the USA?

The best public universities in the USA offer engineering, business, arts, finance, and many other programs. But how do you select the right program and the right university? 

Here’s a list of a few factors to consider when choosing the best program to study at public universities in the USA:

Review the program outcomes

One of the first steps in selecting a program is finding the outcomes it will provide. This helps get a clear picture of the technical and soft skills you must learn after graduation. It also gives you insight into the types of jobs you’ll be eligible for once you complete the program. So, evaluate the outcome before you finalize any program. 

Check the program duration

The duration of the program is also important because it helps you plan how it fits into your personal and professional life. Some programs are accelerated courses, perfect if you want to complete your studies quickly and transition into the workforce sooner. Knowing the duration also helps with financial planning.

Identify the faculty expertise

The quality and experience of a faculty will significantly impact your learning experience. Research the academic background, industry experience, and research interests of some of the top faculty members who will deliver the program. Look for their published works and get to know more about their involvement in ongoing projects related to your interest. You can often find this information on the university’s website.

Compare curriculums and specializations

Research the program’s curriculum and compare the core courses and electives. Check if the program offers any specializations that you’re interested in pursuing in your career. You can also check if the program offers hands-on projects and internship opportunities where you can enhance your skill set. 

By now, it should be obvious that with thousands of programs to choose from, you might have to go through a lot of research, background analysis, and prospects to choose the best program. This can be overwhelming, but the right tool can make the process much easier and more efficient.

SelectRight acts as a bridge between your credentials and the ‘best’ program. The USP of SelectRight is that it replaces opinions with data-backed analysis. The AI algorithm that powers SelectRight crunches 8 million data points to match the best universities and programs with your profile. 

Let’s see how SelectRight works:

1. Create your profile on SelectRight. 
2. SelectRight will then create your personalized shortlist of the best universities and programs from its database of 40,000+ programs and 4000+ universities. 
3. It compares the programs based on the rankings, university repuation, total cost, and many other factors that matter to you.  
4. You can also talk to an advisor to get personalized advice and help with your applications.
5. Once you select a particular program, SelectRight lets you build a community of peers with students who are headed to the same program. 

SelectRight has helped students by providing unbiased advice on program selection and student life abroad. If you are targeting Spring ‘25 admissions, SelectRight can help you find the perfect program. Sign up on SelectRight today!

Scholarships to study at a public university in the USA

International students are not eligible for federal or state-based scholarships. However, many university-funded and other scholarships cover tuition, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowances. 

Here are some options:

University-specific scholarships

1. Western Michigan University offers a scholarship for international undergraduate students.
2. The University of Arizona offers the Wildcat Award for students based on merit, regardless of whether they learn on campus, online, or through a hybrid mode.
3. The Virginia Commonwealth University offers merit-based scholarships during the fall semester.
4. The University of Minnesota offers the Global Excellence Scholarship and the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which is renewable and offers funding of up to $15,000 annually.
5. The University of Wisconsin Superior offers a non-resident tuition waiver program for international students who can prove special need for financial support.

International scholarships

1. Powell Scholars Program
2. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
3. Tata Scholarship
4. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Education loans for top programs at public universities in the USA 

Education loans are another way to fund your Master’s in the USA apart from relying on scholarships or financial grants. In fact, most scholarships only cover tuition fees either in full or in part, which means students still need an education loan to fund the rest of the costs. Here’s how students can get an education loan to study at a top public university in the USA:

1. Look for banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) that offer education loans. Compare them based on interest rates, terms of repayment, application process, eligibility criteria, and other terms.
2. Fill out the application form and submit all the necessary documents. This usually includes proof of admission, financial status, and collateral if required.
3. Wait for the bank to process your application and notify you about the approval decision. This process can take up to 2 weeks, even in the best scenarios.

However, this process can be very frustrating for students because in most cases, they do not know until the last moment whether they will get their loan approved in time. Moreover, students often fail to find the right loan because they don’t know which lender is the best for them. They also lack access to a trusted expert who can guide and provide genuine, unbiased guidance. 

This problem is solved by FundRight, a free AI-driven platform that helps you secure the best education loan at the right cost from the right lender. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Register on FundRight and complete your profile.
2. Submit your course details, institution information, and financial needs.
3. Receive competitive loan offers from multiple lenders.
4. Compare the offers and select the best one with the help of financial experts.
5. Upload all required documents securely and wait for loan approval, which typically takes about 10 days.

Using FundRight, you can be assured of getting the best education loan without the hassle of dealing with multiple lenders individually. This streamlined process increases your chances of securing the right loan quickly and efficiently.

For students targeting Spring ’25 programs, join FundRight today and take the stress out of finding the perfect education loan.

Benefits of studying a master’s in the USA from top public universities

Here are some benefits of studying an MS at one of the top public universities in the USA:

Lower tuition fee

The tuition fee for public universities is much lower than private universities for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2023–2024 academic year, the average annual tuition fee for full-time students at public universities (for four-year programs) in the United States was $11,260 for in-state students and $29,150 for international students. This is 15-20% cheaper than tuition fees charged by private universities in the USA. 

Excellent research opportunities

Public universities offer research-centric Master’s programs that are directly funded by the state. This funding and support from the industry opens up valuable opportunities for students in various fields. For example, the University of Michigan and the California Institute of Technology receive millions from federal research funds. 

Majors and specialization

Public universities may offer various majors and degrees, including traditional and emerging fields. These degrees are in sync with the demands of the corporate sector, which means graduates are well-prepared to apply for and be selected for top roles in major industries. 

Reputation and prestige

Public universities in the USA enjoy a strong reputation and are well respected nationally and internationally. Universities like the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor are a testament to the high quality of education delivered at public educational institutes in the USA. 

Size

Public universities feature large campuses with extensive resources, including labs, libraries, and sports facilities. All public universities have diverse student populations and are home to various clubs and groups, where students can meet up with like-minded individuals. You’ll get ample opportunities for both networking and social interactions during your higher education at a public university in the USA. 

FAQs 

1. What are the best public universities in the USA for 2024-25?

According to the US News & World Report rankings, the top public universities in the USA for 2024-25 are the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; the University of Virginia; and Georgia Institute of Technology.

2. What are the average tuition fees at top public universities?

The average tuition fees at public universities in the USA are based on residency status. In-state students’ average tuition fee for the 2022-2023 academic year was $10,388 at four-year public institutions. For out-of-state students, the average was $22,698.

3. What are the admission requirements for top public universities?

The admission requirements for public universities in the USA are straightforward. You must have completed a high school diploma or undergraduate with a minimum GPA of 3-4. You must also submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement of purpose. 

4. Are top public universities affordable for international students?

Unfortunately, tuition fees for international students in public universities are comparatively higher than that of in-state students. However, the silver lining is that public universities offer generous scholarships, grants, and several merit-based and need-based financial aid packages to students worldwide. So, you must look for universities and research about their financial aid policies before admission.

5. What are the most popular majors at top public universities in the USA?

The most popular majors at top public universities in the USA are Business, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, Computer and Information Sciences, Health Professions, Liberal Arts and Sciences. These programs are favorable among students. However, specific program offerings vary by institution. Students should review each school’s academic programs to find the best fit for their interests and career goals.