173 public universities in the United States in 2026
The public universities in the United States offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
173 public universities
United States has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Public Arkansas university, strong in agriculture, engineering, and business.
University of Central Arkansas
Public Arkansas university, specialized in education, business, and arts.
Florida Atlantic University
Public Florida university, strong in marine sciences and engineering.
Oregon State University
Public Oregon university, leader in environmental sciences and engineering.
Washington State University
Public Washington university, strong in agriculture, engineering, and sciences.
University of Illinois Chicago
Public urban university, leader in medicine, engineering, and business.
Indiana University Bloomington
Public Indiana university, strong in music, business, and humanities.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Public university, strong in medicine, law, and business.
University of Southern Indiana
Public Indiana university, strong in health, business, and education.
University of Iowa
Public Iowa university, strong in medicine, law, and liberal arts.
Ohio University
Public university, strong in journalism, business, and environmental sciences.
University of Oregon
Public research university, strong in environmental sciences and arts.
University of West Alabama
Public university, focused on business and education.
University of Utah
Public Utah university, strong in medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences.
Oregon Health & Science University
Public Oregon university, specialized in medicine and biomedical research.
City University of New York
Public New York university system, network of colleges in arts and sciences.
University of Louisville
Public Kentucky university, strong in medicine, law, and engineering.
University of Memphis
Public Tennessee university, strong in music, law, and business.
University of Montevallo
Public Alabama university, renowned for liberal arts and sciences.
University of North Texas
Public research university, strong in music and education.
University of Northern Colorado
Public Colorado university, strong in education, music, and social sciences.
University of Pittsburgh
Public research university, leader in medicine and engineering.
Michigan Technological University
Public university specialized in engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
Texas Tech University
Public Texas university, strong in engineering, agriculture, and business.