Top 10 Public Universities In USA For International Students

International students from all over the world want to study in the United States because of its prominence in the fields of technology, humanities, and science. The majority of public colleges in the United States for foreign students are state universities or colleges founded and maintained by state government agencies.

Many major public universities in the United States have a global presence, with a rush of applicants from all over the world. International students who want to migrate to the United States can learn more about the specialties of public institutes and other relevant information on this site.

List of Top 10 Public Universities in USA

Some top public universities in USA offer undergraduate and graduate programs to international students. To know the list of public universities in USA, we have below some universities and their rankings.

Public Universities in USA and QS World University Ranking 2023

• University of California: 44
• University of Florida: 188
• Michigan State University: 159
• University of Virginia: 253
• University of Texas: 72
• Purdue University: 801-1000
• University of Washington -Seattle: 80
• North Carolina State University: 312
• University of Pittsburgh: 181
• University of Maryland, College Park: 164

So, these are some of the top public universities in USA for international students, along with their current QS world university rankings. Now let’s look over the details of the best public universities in USA.

1. University of California, Los Angeles

UCLA, the best university in the UC system, was founded in 1919. It is one among the top ten universities in the world for biological engineering, chemistry, literature, communication, medicine, modern languages and media studies, psychology, and mathematics. Its student body consists of approximately 12,828 graduates and 31,543 undergraduate students. Furthermore, it is one of the top-ranked universities in the world, with schools of theatre, film, and dentistry.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Program Offered: Aerospace Engineering, African American Studies, Accounting, Bioinformatics, Business Administration, Cinema and Media Studies, Climate Science etc
• Application Fee: 140 USD

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida is the state’s principal center for medicine, cultural events, education, and athletics, and it is home to over 6,000 international students seeking a fully approved and internationally recognized education. The university has a partnership with the retirement community Oak Hammock, where international students can work, conduct internships, and get mentors.

• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Acceptance Rate: 37%
• Programs Offered: Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Construction Management, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental Horticulture, etc
• Application Fee: 30 USD

3. Michigan State University

MSU is one of the world’s top research universities, with ranked and renowned academic, suburban college, undergraduate research, and service-learning programs, as well as a public university leader in education overseas. In 17 degree-granting colleges, the university offers over 200 programs of study. It sets the standard for supply chain management, communication sciences, hospitality business, and packaging studies.

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Acceptance Rate: 26%
• Programs Offered: Materials Science and Engineering, Music Education, Religious Studies, Public Relations, Crop and Soil Sciences, Digital Storytelling, Economic Geography etc
• Application Fee: 75 USD

4. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is regarded as one of the greatest public research universities in the United States. Academic programs are divided into several levels, including undergraduate, graduate, executive, continuing education, and certificate. The university has over 23,800 students enrolled in various disciplines. UVA also has studios, libraries, cutting-edge labs, and other high-tech facilities.

• Location: Charlottesville, VA
• Acceptance Rate: 24%
• Programs Offered: Architectural History, Human Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Neuroscience, Comparative Literature, Psychology, Medieval Studies etc
• Application Fee: 70 USD

5. University of Texas

The University of Texas is the best in the United States and is well-known around the world for its model education, research, and public service. The university’s 18 universities and colleges serve about 51,000 students each year. The University of Texas offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, intercollegiate degree, and subject graduate programs, as well as legal and medical degree programs. It provides 156 undergraduate degrees and 139 graduate degrees (237 total, including doctorates).

• Location: Austin, TX
• Acceptance Rate: 32%
• Programs Offered: Communication and leadership, Journalism, Speech, language, and hearing sciences, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, etc
• Application Fee: 90 USD

6. Purdue University

Purdue University is well-known for its STEM programs; nevertheless, other fields such as pharmacy, elementary education, and veterinary medicine are given equal emphasis in order to continuously educate students for a competitive labor market. In addition, the University includes over 100 student organizations that provide professional, educational, social, and cultural activities. It provides innovative programs and opportunities for graduate students to excel intellectually and personally.

• Location: West Lafayette, IN
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Programs Offered: Games development and design, Genetics, Health and disease, Economic Honors, Farm management, Effects technical direction, Data Science, Cybersecurity
• Application Fee: 75 USD

Eligibility Criteria for Public Universities in USA for International Students

The multitude of majors and inexpensive tuition rates at public universities in the United States have earned them the name. These colleges typically have larger campuses and employ reputable academics. However, in order to get admitted to the greatest public colleges in the United States for foreign students, some basic qualifying criteria must be met.

• If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you should have accomplished 10+2. To apply for graduate-level courses, students must have completed at least 16 years of education.
• The English language test score TOEFL or IELTS is measured as a basic qualification in all study abroad destinations, and the US follows this rule severely.
• The student must score good marks in other significant entrance tests such as GMAT, GRE, SAT, ACT etc.
• Providing proof of your finances is compulsory to promise college/university authorities that you will be able to carry on with your studies.
• A letter of recommendation from your earlier school/college is required. Also, certificates of accomplishment and proof of contribution to extra-curricular activities will be required.
• The statement of purpose or essay, as stated in the admission form, is also mandatory.

Admission Process for Best Public Universities in USA

To get admission to top public universities in the USA, international students need to follow some steps to get enrolled on the applied program in their desired university.

• Search for public universities in the USA and the program you want to study, like a master’s degree, bachelor degree or doctoral degree.
• Once you’ve searched for GRE accepting universities in USA, check all the requirements and other necessary information to be admitted to those selected universities.
• After checking all the necessary detail fill out the application form and pay the required fee.
• Gather all the official documents needed to submit for the specific program
• Submit all the documents like academic transcripts, updated resumes, LORs, SOP, etc.
• Once submitted, prepare for the interview rounds with the university.
• If you clear your interview rounds, you’ll receive an acceptance letter from the university.
• After making up your mind, revert with the confirmation mail within the allotted deadline date and pay the program’s tuition fee.
• Apply for a US student visa as soon as possible before the session begins.

Public universities in USA are much more inexpensive and cost-effective than private universities. The cost of studying in public universities in the USA can range between 41,950-49,950 USD.

FAQs

Are public universities in the USA are free?

• Public universities are less expensive as compared to private universities, with limited of them being free.

What is the cheapest public university in USA?

• Some of the cheapest public universities in USA are:
  1) California State University, Long Beach
  2) Alcorn State University
  3) South Texas College

Is USA expensive for international students?

• Yes, it is expensive to study in the US. International students pay around 32,000-60,000 USD per year, dependent on the university and the course.

How much is enough to live in USA?

• The middle necessary living wage across the whole US is 67,690 USD