List of Top Public Universities in USA for 2024: Top Courses, Fees, Duration, QS Rankings

Thinking about studying in the USA? Public universities in USA might be a great choice for you! The University of California, Berkeley; University of Michigan, Ann Abor; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); and the University of Wisconsin, Madison are some of the top public universities in USA. These prestigious institutions offer a wide range of top-tier courses in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Medicine, and Law. Public universities offer a more affordable option compared to private institutions. Annual tuition costs for public universities range from USD 8,000 to $35,000. Additionally, students should consider other expenses like housing, textbooks, and fees. 

Read this article to get a list of the top public universities in USA for international students based on their rankings, tuition fees, and other corresponding details which can help students choose their options wisely. 

Category	Details
Top 5 Public Universities USA	University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles  University of Michigan – Ann Abor University of Texas at Austin University of Illinois
Eligibility Criteria	Academic Background: Strong high school grades and coursework. Standardised Tests: For undergraduate programs, SAT scores are often needed. For graduate programs, GMAT or GRE scores might be required. English Proficiency: TOEFL-IBT, IELTS, or PTE scores are typically needed.
Cost of Studying in the USA	Range from USD 7,000 to USD 55,000 per year.
Cost of Living in the USA	Ranges between USD 10,000 and USD 25,000 per year.

Why Choose Public Universities in USA?

Public universities in USA might be a great choice for you if you wish to study abroad. Here are some reasons why you should opt for these institutions:

• Cost: Public universities are generally cheaper than private universities because they are funded by the state government. Scholarships and assistantships are often available for international students.
• Variety of Programs: Top public universities in USA offer a wider range of programs compared to private colleges. Students can easily change majors without having to change colleges.
• Size: Public universities tend to be larger with more campus space and resources. This can create a more diverse student body and more opportunities for extracurricular activities.
• Extracurricular Activities: Larger student populations mean more clubs, organizations, and activities to get involved in. This can help students develop their interests and make new friends.
• Job Opportunities: Public universities have strong reputations and connections with top companies. This can lead to more opportunities for part-time jobs, internships, and full-time employment after graduation.

Top 10 Public Universities USA

Each state in the US has around 1 to 30 public universities, making them a popular choice for international students. Here is a list of top 10 public universities in the USA

Public Universities USA	QS World University Rankings 2025
University of California, Berkeley	12
University of California, Los Angeles	42
University of Michigan – Ann Abor	44
University of Texas at Austin	66
University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign	69
University of California, San Diego	72
Purdue University	89
Georgia Institute of Technology	114
University of Wisconsin – Madison	116
University of California, Davis	130

Top 5 Public Universities USA for Undergraduate Courses

Choosing the right university for your undergraduate studies is an important decision that will impact your academic and professional future. Here’s a list of some of the best public universities USA for undergraduate courses:

University	Top UG Course	Average Annual Fees (USD)
University of Michigan	Engineering	USD44,400 USD
University of Florida	Science	USD26,400 USD
University of Georgia	Psychology	USD27,600 USD
University of California – San Diego	Finance	USD26,400 USD
North Carolina State University	Management	USD33,600 USD

Top 5 Public Universities USA for Postgraduate Courses

Pursuing a graduate degree is an important step in your academic and career path. Finding the right university is key, especially one that is strong in research and advanced learning. Here is the list of top public universities USA for Postgraduate courses:

Universities	Top PG Courses	Average Annual Fee
University of California – LA	M.S Electrical & Computer Engineering	USD 32,679
Georgia Institute of Technology	M.S Analytics	USD 40,413
University of Washington	M.S Information Systems	USD 44,804
University of Texas – Austin	M.S Business Analytics	USD 42,556
Ohio State University	M.S Mechanical Engineering	USD 42,556

Top Public Universities USA by Field of Study

The section below showcases leading institutions for Economics, Engineering, MBA, and Master’s programs, including their QS World University Rankings and average annual fees. Use this information to find the best fit for your academic and career goals.

Top 5 Public Universities USA: Economics

Here’s a table summarizing the best public universities in the USA for Economics, including their QS World University Rankings (WUR) for 2024 and average annual fees where applicable:

University	QS World University Rankings 2025	Average Annual Fees
University of California, Berkeley	12	USD 31,026
University of Michigan	44	USD 48,542
University of Wisconsin-Madison	116	USD 30,934
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	42	USD 35,100
University of Texas at Austin	66	USD 21,536

Top 5 Public Universities USA for Engineering

Here’s a table listing the top public universities in the USA for engineering, including their QS World University Rankings (WUR) for 2024 and average annual fees:

University	QS World University Rankings 2025	Average Annual Fees
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 31,026
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	42	USD 35,100
Georgia Institute of Technology	114	USD 31,334
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	69	USD 29,840
University of Texas at Austin	66	USD 21,536

Top 5 Public Universities USA for MBA

Here’s a table for the top 10 public universities in the USA for MBA and Engineering, including their QS World University Rankings (WUR) for 2024 and average annual fees where applicable:

University	QS World University Ranking 2025	Average Annual Fees
University of California, Berkeley	12	USD 66,975
University of California, Los Angeles	42	USD 68,068
University of Michigan	44	USD 65,952
University of Virginia	297	USD 68,245
University of Texas at Austin	66	USD 58,194

Top 5 Public Universities in USA for MS

Here is a detailed overview of top public universities in the USA for various Master’s programs. The table below lists each university’s QS World University Ranking for 2024, average annual fees, and popular programs offered, providing a comprehensive guide for prospective students.

University	QS World University Ranking 2025	Average Annual Fees	Popular Programs
University of California Berkeley	12	USD 31,026	MS in Computer Science MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering MS in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences MS in Epidemiology MS in Architecture
University of Michigan	44	USD 48,542	MS in Data Science MS in Computer Science and Engineering MS in Civil Engineering MS in Higher Education Administration
Georgia Institute of Technology	114	USD 31,334	MS in Computer Science MS in Mechanical Engineering MS in Analytics MS in Cybersecurity MS in Aerospace Engineering
The University of Virginia	297	USD 20,115	MS in Business Analytics MS in Data Science MS in Computer Science MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering MS in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
University of South Florida	621-630	USD 17,324	MS in Information Systems MS in Computer Science MS in Mechanical EngineeringMS in Finance
Kent State University	380	USD 20,799	MS in Computer Science MS in Biology MS in Business Analytics MS in Data Science MS in Biomedical Sciences

Admission Process for Top Public Universities in USA

Here in this section, you will find the admission process for top public universities in USA.To gain admission to top public universities in the USA, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a detailed application process. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for admission to top public universities in the USA, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These typically include:

• Strong Academic Background: Good grades and a solid educational record are important.
• Standardised Test Scores:
• For undergraduate programs: SAT scores are often needed.

• For graduate programs: GMAT or GRE scores might be required.
• English Proficiency: Tests like TOEFL-IBT, IELTS, or PTE are usually required to show you can use English well.

Application Process

The application process for top public universities in USA involves several important steps to ensure a successful submission which typically include:

• Apply to 4-6 universities and submit separate applications to each one.
• Check the application start and deadline dates on the university website. Download the application form from there.
• Research the standardized tests required (SAT, GMAT, ACT, GRE) and make sure you meet the score requirements.
• Ensure all your academic qualifications are correct and error-free. You will also need your transcripts.
• Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) of 800-1000 words explaining your goals and why you are interested in the program.
• Get 2-3 recommendation letters from professors or employers who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
• Update your resume with your current academic and professional information.
• Pay the application fee as per the university’s instructions.
• It is recommended that you start sending in your application forms at least 18 months before the start of the program.
• You can also email the university a pre-application request stating your educational background, degree, and intended program.
• If English is not your native language, you will need to register for the IELTS or TOEFL exam. It is best to start preparing for this test at least a year before the start of the semester.
• Fill out the application form carefully and submit it online or by mail before the deadline.
• Submit all original educational documents and transcripts in a sealed envelope.
• Provide proof of financial aid to cover your tuition and living expenses.
• Once you are accepted, the university will send you an acceptance letter and I-20 form, which you will need to apply for a USA student visa.

Documents Required

When applying to study in the USA, you’ll need to gather several important documents. These include:

Academic Documents:

• High school transcripts (grades 9-12) or bachelor’s degree transcripts
• English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Entrance exam scores (SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, or LSAT)

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport
• Letter of recommendation(s) from professors or managers
• Resume or CV highlighting education, work experience, and skills
• Statement of purpose explaining your goals and reasons for applying
• Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses
• Work experience letters (if applicable)
• Certificates for extracurricular activities (if applicable)

Also Read: Aspirants Guide for Admission Process to Study in USA

Cost of Studying in Public Universities USA 

Studying in public universities in USA can be more affordable for international students compared to private universities, though it can still be pricey. Here’s a table listing the annual costs for different types of programs:

Program Type	Cost Range (Per Year)
Undergraduate Courses (Bachelor’s degree)	USD 8,000 to USD 42,700
Postgraduate Courses (Master’s degree) in US	USD 10,700 to USD 64,000
MBA (Business degree) in USA	USD 53,300 to USD 64,000
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in USA	USD 29,300 to USD 58,700
Diploma Courses in USA	USD 530 to USD 21,300

Also, have a look at the average annual tuition fees over recent years:

Academic Year	Average Annual Tuition Fee	Percentage Change YoY
2018-19	USD 25,620	–
2019-20	USD 26,290	+6.7%
2020-21	USD 25,707	-2.2%
2021-22	USD 22,953	-10.7%
2022-23	USD 25,707	+12.2%

From this data, we see that tuition fees dropped significantly between 2020 and 2022. This drop was due to the pandemic, which led to fewer students enrolling, on-campus fee reductions, and more online classes. As travel restrictions and lockdowns were in place, universities adjusted their fees accordingly. Looking ahead, tuition fees are expected to rise by about 3-4% in the coming years.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in the USA

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So, this was all about the “Public Universities USA”. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in the USA due to the exposure and career growth it offers. Consider joining a free counseling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.