The Top 25 Public Colleges In The US

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The Top 25 Public Colleges, Highlighted

• UC Berkeley (#5 overall): Median salaries peak at $170,100 after 20 years; top producer of PhDs among publics.
• UCLA (#15 overall): Most applied-to university in the nation, with over 145,000 freshman applications.
• UC San Diego: 33% of undergrads are Pell Grant recipients; strong in oceanography, biology, and computer science.
• University of Michigan–Ann Arbor: Forbes “Public New Ivy”; strong in business and computer sciences.
• University of Florida: Median graduate salary of $127,500 at the 20-year mark.
• UC Irvine: 42% first-generation graduates; highest Pell Grant recipient rate (37%).
• Georgia Tech: Highest 3-year post-grad salaries among publics ($92,900).
• UNC Chapel Hill: Required by law to admit 82% in-state students; noted for biology and media studies.
• University of Virginia: 95% six-year graduation rate, the best among the top 25 publics.
• University of Maryland–College Park: Popular in STEM and public health, with over 100 undergrad majors.
• UIUC: Recognized for engineering and business; strong school spirit in Big Ten sports.
• UC Santa Barbara: Known for its beachfront campus and top psychology and sociology programs.
• UC Davis: Lowest student debt on the list ($11,000 median).
• UT Austin: Huge, diverse programs in communication, engineering, and public affairs.
• University of Washington–Seattle: Affordable debt load; median 20-year salary at $139,900.
• UW Madison: One of the nation’s largest research institutions, allocating over $1B annually.
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Hands-on learning focus; median 20-year salary hits $153,100.
• University of Georgia: Strong athletics and alumni pride; 87% graduation rate.
• William & Mary: Oldest Greek life organizations; known for its traditions.
• Texas A&M: Largest undergrad population (60,118); strong in agriculture and engineering.
• Purdue University: Big in engineering and research, with a massive 2,468-acre campus.
• UC Santa Cruz: Accessible to lower-income students; 32% Pell recipients.
• NC State: Strong engineering and design programs; solid mid-career earnings.
• Binghamton University (SUNY): New to the list; notable for research in clean energy.
• Rutgers–New Brunswick: Historic, spirited campus; high student loan uptake (40%).

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