Top 12 Public Universities in the USA Worth Applying to in 2025

Public universities in the USA are a smart choice to pursue top-quality learning in the country at a fraction of the cost of a private university. To help you make an informed choice for your higher education journey in the USA, we’ve put together a list of the top 12 public universities in the USA.

Key Highlights The USA is among the top-preferred study-abroad destinations for higher learning for students worldwide. The country offers unmatched education, brilliant infrastructure, and a diverse range of courses and specializations. US public universities stand out for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and lucrative career prospects.

Top 12 Public Universities in the USA in 2025 with QS World University Rankings

Aspiring to study at a leading public university in the USA? Based on the latest QS World University Rankings 2025, here is a list of the top 12 public universities known for their  academic excellence and global standing.

University Name	QS World University Rankings 2025
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	42
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	44
University of Texas, Austin	66
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign	=69
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)	72
Georgia Institute of Technology	114
University of California, Davis	130
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	=155
University of Florida	=215
University of Virginia	297
University of California, Irvine	307

Also Read: Why Study in USA: Benefits, Career Opportunities, and More

Top Public Universities in the USA for MS

Public universities in the USA offer a diverse range of courses for both Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Those aspiring to pursue a Master’s (MS) course in the USA can consider the following public universities:

1. Georgia Institute of Technology: One of the top research institutions in the country that offers a wide array of courses focused on science and technology. The university is ideal for students who wish to advance their research in a specific area of expertise.

• Student acceptance rate: 16% 
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Popular courses: MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Cybersecurity, MS in Computer Science
• Why it’s worth applying to in 2025: High quality of academics, particularly in STEM fields of study

2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: One of the top-ranked public universities in the USA, the institution demonstrates a culture of academic excellence in learning, research, innovation, sports, and arts. 

• Student acceptance rate: 18% 
• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Popular courses: MS in Computer Science and Engineering, MS in Higher Education Administration, MS in Data Science
• Why it’s worth applying to in 2025: Highest number of student applications during the Fall intake in 2025 (Source: https://record.umich.edu/articles/u-m-receivesrecord-numberof-applicationsfor-fall-2025/)

3. University of Virginia: A US public university that has been among the oldest institutions in the country, established in 1819. It is renowned for its top faculty, leading research facilities, and world-class academics.

• Student acceptance rate: 17% 
• Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
• Popular courses: MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• Why it’s worth applying to in 2025: Consistently high rankings and vibrant campus life

Top Public Universities in the USA for Bachelor's

Students wanting to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the USA can find what they are looking for at the following public universities:

1. University of Florida: The university is a member of Florida’s State University System. It has been in existence since 1853 and hosts thousands of international students every year.

• Student acceptance rate: 24% 
• Location: Gainesville, Florida
• Popular courses: BBA, B.Tech, B.E., B.Agri, B.Arch
• Why it’s worth applying to in 2025: Strong research and high academic standards globally

2. University of Texas, Austin: Established in 1883, it is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. It is also the largest institution in the system, home to thousands of students from across the globe.

• Student acceptance rate: 29%
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Popular courses: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BMusic), BBA
• Why it’s worth applying to in 2025: Top-ranked study programs, focus on scientific research, and prime location in Austin, Texas.

3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill: The oldest public university in the USA, the institution first started admitting students as early as 1795. It was the first public university in the country and today offers top-ranked business and data science courses.

• Student acceptance rate: 19%
• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Popular courses: (BA) Anthropology, (BA) Archeology, (BS) Applied Sciences
• Why it’s worth applying to in 2025: First public university offering diverse top-ranked programs at affordable fees.

How to Get Admission to Public Universities in the USA?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply to public universities in the USA for admission:

1. Research the university and course well, and shortlist the ones you’d like to apply to.
2. Understand the eligibility criteria for each university by visiting their official portal online. Ensure that you meet the given criteria.
3. Prepare for the application process by downloading and filling out the application forms. Also, gather and keep ready the required documents for submitting as part of the application process.

Some of the common documents that most public universities in the USA require from international students are:

• Academic transcripts such as a 10+2 certificate or an equivalent qualification
• Scores of standardized tests like GRE/GMAT, ACT, or SAT, as specified for the chosen course or university
• Results of English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and the like, to demonstrate your ability to study in an English-speaking country such as the USA  
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Proof of financial ability to support your course fees and other living expenses in the USA, such as bank statements, sponsorship letters, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid  

4. Submit all the above documents in order either online on the application portal of the university or through the Common Application platform, which allows you to apply to multiple public universities in the USA through a single application. Ensure that the application is submitted before the deadline.

5. Pay the application fee, as desired by the specific university.

6. Track the status of your application on the university’s portal for the progress of your application. 

7. If accepted, you will receive an offer letter from the university. Review the offer and proceed with paying the tuition fees and other deposits to secure admission into the university.

8. Apply for the student visa for the USA to prepare for your travel. F-1 and M-1 visas are the two common ones required for full-time international students in the country. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students in the USA

To cover the cost of studying in the USA, several public universities offer a range of scholarship options to international students, which makes studying in the country more affordable and accessible for them. Listed below are some of the popular scholarships offered by US public universities:

• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Govt-funded): This Fellowship is designed with the intent to welcome young and mid-career professionals from overseas to the US for a period of 10 months.
• IEFA (Non-Govt scholarship): A summer program funded by Abbey Road Inc., it awards scholarships for academic and extracurricular excellence.
• #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Govt): It is both a social media campaign as well as a scholarship intended to welcome international students to the USA for higher learning, regardless of the subject or discipline.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must submit a video or written essay highlighting their interest or desire to promote intercultural exchange activities in the USA. A minimum coverage of 50% of the tuition fee is provided under the scholarship.

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students & Professionals: Can You Manage on a Budget? 

Top Jobs After Studying at the Best Public Universities in the USA

Students graduating from some of the top public universities in the USA are eligible to apply for lucrative job roles in varied industries. Some of the best job roles that you can apply for after studying at US public universities are tabulated below:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (Approx)
Business Analyst	₹6 lakh - ₹11 lakh per annum
Software Developer	₹5 lakh - ₹10 lakh per annum
Registered Nurse	₹4.4 lakh - ₹15 lakh per annum
Environmental Scientist	₹4.1 lakh - ₹8 lakh per annum
Financial Analyst	₹4 lakh - ₹10 lakh per annum

Sources: Glassdoor, Ambition Box

Public vs. Private Universities in the USA for Master’s: Key Differences

As stated earlier, public universities in the USA are relatively more affordable than private ones. However, besides the cost, some other factors also differentiate the two and can help you make an informed choice when choosing the right study institution for Master’s programs.

Parameters	Public Universities	Private Universities
Tuition Fee	Relatively lower	Generally higher than that at public universities
Funding	Government funding	Primary funding through tuition and donations; some government funding is also provided
Class Size	Large student population	Smaller class size
Admission Selectivity	Most flagship institutions have very competitive selections	More selective, especially among top-tier universities
Diversity	Diverse student body	More homogeneous student population
Scholarships/Grants	May be available, but not very common, and smaller amounts	More frequent and generous scholarships
Research Opportunities	Much more resources and research opportunities than in private institutions	Not as many research options
Campus Size	Large campus, often spread out	Close-knit campuses offering a more community-like feeling and ambience
Alumni network	Large and diverse alumni networks	Personalized alumni connections, particularly for Master’s students
Recognition	Top flagship institutions are well-known, but some may not be	Most private universities are globally recognized

Eligibility Criteria for Top Public Universities in the USA

When choosing a public university in the USA for higher learning, here are some factors that you would need to consider and also align with to ensure that you are eligible for admission:

Academic Requirements

• Completion of a high school diploma (10+2) or an equivalent qualification is generally mandatory for all US public universities.
• A minimum GPA score of 3.0-3.5 on a scale of 4.0 is generally required; however, some universities may have a higher GPA score eligibility for more competitive courses.
• Some public universities may demand test scores of standardized tests like GRE/GMAT, ACT/SAT, IB, or AP (in case applicable)

Language Proficiency Requirements

English language proficiency is also a must for English-speaking countries like the USA. ELTS or TOEFL scores are more commonly accepted.

Work Experience Requirement

Some public universities may also demand professional experience certificates from the applicants, especially for Master’s courses. This may generally be between 1-5 years. Make sure to check the specific work experience requirement at the public university you are considering for admission.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Apply and Prepare for Courses in the USA

To help you prepare and apply to the best public universities in the USA for Bachelor’s or Master’s courses, upGrad Abroad is by your side. Here’s how our experts are happy to help you in your academic journey:

• We offer personalized guidance to students on choosing the best public university and program that aligns with their career goals.
• We also offer complete assistance through the university application process.
• We provide study material to prepare for standardized tests as part of the eligibility procedure for studying in the USA.

Connect with us today for a free counselling session to understand how best we can help you achieve your education goals in the USA.

Conclusion

Considering public universities in the USA for your higher learning journey is a wise choice. Many of these institutions are the oldest in existence in the country and are renowned for their academic excellence. Some of them have also been consistently ranking high and producing world leaders.

If you, too, want to join the prestigious alumni of top US public universities, make sure to apply early. With some of these institutions being exclusively selective in their intakes, it’s best to keep ample time for thorough preparation and seek professional assistance in the process. upGrad Abroad experts are your trusted partners here.