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Public Universities in the USA

Public universities in USA have educated millions of students throughout the United States for over a century. With more and more students from around the world seeking high-quality education at affordable rates, it is more important than ever for state universities in USA to demonstrate educational quality, value, and successful student outcomes.

Let's look at some of the most popular USA public universities and how some of the best public schools compare globally.

List of Top Public Universities in the USA

Public colleges and universities in America offer many benefits to international students seeking high-quality yet affordable higher education opportunities. Below, we have listed some of the highest-rated public colleges and universities in the United States based on rankings and reputational surveys:

  1. Troy University
  2. University of South Alabama
  3. Auburn University at Montgomery
  4. Golden Gate University
  5. Florida International University
  6. Arkansas State University - EduCo
  7. University of Vermont
  8. Irvine Valley College
  9. Colorado State University
  10. University of Findlay

Related Blog: Study in USA

List of Top Public Universities in the USA

The United States has a long history of providing affordable and quality higher education through its public universities and colleges network. Mentioned below are some of the top public universities:

Troy University

Troy University is one of the best public universities in USA. It welcomed its first batch of students in 1887 and teaches over 10,000 undergraduates annually across its spacious 1769-acre campus filled with greenery. Troy offers quality teaching, which has been recognized by being ranked 55 out of southern regional colleges recently.

Features
  • Technology resources to help students with technical needs like using university software and online platforms.
  • Career planning assistance to guide students in selecting majors, finding internships, and preparing for work after graduation.
  • Study skills support students to develop habits like time management, note taking, and test preparation.
  • Academic advising to aid students in choosing appropriate courses, understanding course requirements, and staying on track to graduate with flying colours.
  • Tutoring centre where students can get extra help in certain subjects from trained tutors if they need support with course content.

Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery is a US public university located in Montgomery, Alabama. Founded in 1967, it sits on a spacious 500-acre campus with around 3,750 undergraduate students taking classes each year. The institution is recognised as a top-quality teaching university and has recently been ranked 63rd among regional southern colleges.

For Alabama residents, annual tuition and campus housing costs are around $11,680 plus $7,370. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $25,000 each year.

Features
  • AUM offers around 90 undergraduate and graduate programs for international students, including popular fields like Psychology, Education, and Computer Science.
  • Scholarship opportunities available each year support overseas and domestic students financially, such as the International Warhawk and AUM Scholarships for undergraduate & graduate degrees.
  • Career development services help students through resume building, finding jobs and internships, networking, interview training, and career exploration and planning.
  • Notable alumni include immunologist Rick Bright and former head of US Strategic Command John Hyten, who led successful careers after studying at AUM.
  • Over 3,700 undergraduate students enrolled at AUM each year benefit from courses taught on the spacious 500-acre campus located in Montgomery, Alabama.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a Government university in USA located in Tucson. Founded in 1885, it has around 40,000 undergraduate students who take courses on its sizable 392-acre campus. The school has various academic programs and ranks highly for its commitment to teaching, recently holding the rank 115 among all US universities.

For residents of Arizona, yearly tuition and housing costs around $12,937 plus $13,650. Out-of-state students pay approximately $37,355 annually. In addition to classes, students benefit from co-curricular activities, many sports teams, and internship opportunities. Nearly half of graduates do indeed receive their degree within 4 years.

Features
  • A $5,500-$22,000 scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen based on academic performance, and they must submit their admission application before the deadline.
  • Various other tuition awards are available for international graduate students seeking their Master's or Doctorate at the University of Arizona.
  • The main campus spans over 392 acres, providing a sizable space for its 40,000 undergraduate students across various academic programs.
  • The University of Arizona has over 135 years of history as one of the oldest universities in the state, founded just two years after Tucson became a city.
  • Ranked #115 nationally, the university is respected for its commitment to teaching across 300+ undergraduate courses and 150+ graduate programs.

California State University - Los Angeles

Located in LA, California State University was founded in 1947. It has seven colleges offering over 100 programs across 55 majors at the graduate and undergraduate levels, with top majors being business, engineering, and nursing. The acceptance rate is high at 90.5% for all, but non-native speakers need proof of English. A 3.0 GPA is required of out-of-state students.

Cal State LA has 26,000 students, including over 500 international students. Tuition for undergraduates is around 16,000 USD, and living expenses are nearly 18,000 USD annually. Rated between 1201 and 1400 by QS, it has served the community for 70+ years.

Features
  • Wide discipline range with 100+ programs across arts, sciences, and professions.
  • Large 175-acre campus in the heart of Los Angeles city.
  • Over 400 scholarships are available for international and domestic students.
  • Financial aid is available through grants,scholarships based on merit or need, and loan options.
  • Affordable tuition and excellent value for quality education.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in the USA

Going to college is a significant financial investment, so it's important to understand all the costs of studying in USA associated with getting a degree at a public university in America. Public university tuition fees for international students in 4-year courses cost 27,146 USD on average.

Beyond tuition, students can expect to pay several thousand dollars per year to cover housing, food, textbooks, transportation, and other living expenses. According to the College Board Research, the average budget for room and board at a public university in 2021-2022 was 11,840 USD.

Health insurance is also required and can cost around 2,500 USD annually. Other common costs include laptop, clothing, entertainment and miscellaneous supplies. After accounting for all factors, students and their families should plan for a minimum total budget of 25,000 - 35,000 USD at public colleges each year.

Related Blog: Our Partners

Takeaway

Public universities in the USA have played an invaluable role in furthering education and career success for millions of students over generations. While challenges exist in maintaining affordable access and excellence, the featured schools demonstrate how quality and value can be achieved through diverse programs, global rankings, partnerships, and support for all learners. 

If you want to go for higher studies at reputed public universities in USA, contact expert counsellors at AECC. We offer thorough guidance on everything from application procedure to course selection and visa assistance. Give wings to your dreams today with AECC!

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