Top 10 Public Universities in the US for Master's

May 29, 2025EducationComments (0)

If you're planning to pursue a master’s degree in the United States, public universities should be on your radar. These institutions offer world-class education, access to cutting-edge research, and strong graduate employment outcomes—often at a more affordable price than private schools. 

From Silicon Valley tech hubs to East Coast research powerhouses, public universities in the U.S. attract students from around the globe. They excel in STEM, business, public health, and more, and offer excellent career support to international graduates. 

In this guide, we’ve shortlisted the top 10 public universities in the U.S. for master’s students based on academic quality, affordability, employability, and international student support. If you're looking for graduate housing near these institutions, University Living accommodations options are available in all major university cities. 

How We Ranked These Universities 

Wondering how we created this list? Here's what we looked at: 

  • Global rankings from QS, Times Higher Education, and U.S. News & World Report 

  • Reputation of master’s programs and research funding 

  • Career outcomes, LinkedIn data, and alumni success 

  • Availability of graduate assistantships, scholarships, and international student services 

Let’s dive in. 

Top 10 Public Universities in the US for Master’s 

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)—Berkeley, California 

One of the most prestigious public institutions in the world, UC Berkeley is a magnet for graduate students in computer science, business, engineering, and public policy. 

  • Home to over 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units 

  • Close to San Francisco’s tech scene and Silicon Valley startups 

  • Graduate students benefit from faculty mentorship, entrepreneurship hubs, and Nobel Prize-winning professors 

2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor—Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Known for innovation and academic depth, the University of Michigan excels in mechanical engineering, public health, artificial intelligence, and business analytics. 

  • Ranked top 25 globally across most master’s disciplines 

  • Offers extensive graduate assistantship programs and research grants 

  • International students make up a vibrant part of campus life 

  • Ann Arbor is student-friendly with low crime rates and great housing  

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)—Los Angeles, California 

UCLA is at the forefront of research in film, biotech, AI, and public health. 

  • Consistently ranked in the top 20 globally 

  • Strong ties to Hollywood, Silicon Beach, and health institutions 

  • Offers high ROI programs and modern research labs 

  • Graduate housing and student apartments near UCLA are available easily 

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)—Chapel Hill, North Carolina 

UNC stands out for excellence in public health, pharmacy, economics, and business. 

  • Affordable tuition and access to Research Triangle Park 

  • Innovative programs with a focus on social impact 

  • Known for inclusive international student support 

  • Students can find budget-friendly housing near Chapel Hill without any hassle. 

5. University of Virginia (UVA)—Charlottesville, Virginia 

With a focus on law, education, international affairs, and data science, UVA delivers a strong academic punch. 

  • Rich in history and research funding 

  • Offers graduate fellowships, teaching assistantships, and career services 

  • Charlottesville offers a peaceful, academic environment with safe housing 

6. University of Florida (UF)—Gainesville, Florida 

UF is a powerhouse in agriculture, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and education. 

  • Affordable tuition and flexible hybrid learning options 

  • High job placement rates post-graduation 

  • Over 6,000 international students attend UF master’s programs annually 

7. University of Washington (UW)—Seattle, Washington 

UW thrives in data science, public health, global development, and cloud computing. 

  • Located near Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing 

  • Hosts some of the best research centers in the Pacific Northwest 

  • Ideal for students looking for career opportunities in tech and health 

8. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)—Austin, Texas 

UT Austin leads in entrepreneurship, energy research, robotics, and public affairs. 

  • McCombs School of Business is ranked in the top 10 among U.S. public B-schools 

  • Strong ties with startups, tech giants, and policy think tanks 

  • A dynamic student community and a low cost of living 

9. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)—Atlanta, Georgia 

A leader in engineering, analytics, AI, and human-computer interaction. 

  • Ranked among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. 

  • Strong co-op programs and ties with Fortune 500 companies 

  • Highly internationalized with career-driven curriculum 

  • Safe and modern student housing near Georgia Tech is available easily 

10. University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin 

UW–Madison boasts strengths in biomedical engineering, economics, education, and sustainability. 

  • Research-focused with a $1.4 billion annual R&D budget 

  • Ranked highly for graduate student satisfaction 

  • Campus culture is inclusive, safe, and community-driven 

Final Thoughts: What to Consider Before You Apply 

Choosing the right public university is about more than rankings—it’s about fit, affordability, and opportunity. The ten listed above strike a balance between cost, academics, and real-world preparation. 

Before making a decision, consider: 

  • Where the university ranks in your field 

  • Internship access and city-specific job markets 

  • Living costs and local culture 

  • International student services and visa support 

Need a reliable place to stay near any of these campuses? Explore your options with University Living—trusted by thousands of students worldwide.