On September 4th, the 2025 US Best Colleges Rankings were released through a collaboration between The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse, with a total of 500 American universities making the list.
Each ranking methodology has its own criteria, and The Wall Street Journal’s emphasis is on how much a university improves its students’ chances of graduating on time and increases their post-graduation salaries. They balance these evaluation results with students’ feedback on university life, rather than focusing solely on the university’s wealth accumulation and academic reputation.
Tens of thousands of survey responses were taken into account for the rankings. The Wall Street Journal and the college-focused research firm College Pulse asked dozens of questions on student life, career preparation, and the quality of classrooms, dining halls, and sports facilities. This year, the survey introduced new questions focusing on how universities cultivate character strengths that help students make meaningful contributions to society, such as moral courage, resilience, and fairness.
The rankings this year also utilized a more sophisticated model for calculating how much universities improve student graduation rates and salaries. This new model was developed with the assistance of Statista data scientists.
Many universities in the rankings have found ways to help students succeed: some schools have extensive alumni networks that facilitate graduates’ career paths, while others collaborate extensively with local businesses to provide students with real-world job opportunities before graduation. Some universities develop coursework that adapts to the ever-changing skills needed in the job market.
In multiple university ranking lists, private elite schools often rank highly. However, in this year’s rankings by The Wall Street Journal, public schools showed strong performance, with two entering the top 10 and six making it to the top 20. In the previous year’s rankings, no public schools made the top 10, with only two in the top 20.
Here are the top ten public universities:
1. University of California, Berkeley is a renowned American public university that consistently ranks highly in global rankings. It holds the top spot in the list of best public universities in the US. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Berkeley ranked 10th worldwide. As of 2021, UC Berkeley has produced 110 Nobel laureates, ranking third globally.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology is known as the “Public Ivy.” In the latest 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s US University Rankings, it ranks 33rd.
3. University of California, Davis focuses not only on its ranking but also on its emphasis on educational quality and student diversity. Research shows that the diversity of faculty is closely linked with student success.
4. San Jose State University is a top comprehensive public university located in the heart of San Jose, the center of Silicon Valley. Founded in 1857, it is one of the oldest public universities in the western United States.
5. University of California, Merced, established in September 2005, is the youngest campus in the UC system and the first American research university of the 21st century. Adjacent to Yosemite National Park, UC Merced’s prime location offers students abundant internship and job opportunities.
6. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a prominent public research university with a strong reputation in engineering fields. According to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s ranking, the university is ranked 47th nationally and 20th among public universities.
7. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines as a technology-oriented institution. The university is known for its practical educational approach and offers rich internship opportunities for students.
8. University of Michigan, known as the “Public Ivy,” is a prestigious public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is highly regarded for its research projects, funding, and outstanding graduates, contributing to the economic landscape of Ann Arbor.
9. University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, is a public research university and one of the public Ivy League schools. Its strong academic and research reputation, particularly in fields like chemical engineering, biological sciences, economics, and public affairs, garners national recognition.
10. San Francisco State University in Turlock, California stands out not only for its ranking but also for its focus on quality education and diverse student needs. The university actively encourages students to engage in various sports activities, fostering teamwork and a competitive spirit.
These top public universities reflect a commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, and a diverse learning environment, showcasing their dedication to student success and their contributions to society.