Every region of the U.S. has a high-quality public university.
Students seeking a top-notch college education don't necessarily have to choose a private institution. Several public colleges earn recognition in a variety of categories that publications use to rank colleges and universities, from "best values" to best colleges in a particular region. And as top public universities exist in every region of the country, students won't have to travel far to find a high-quality educational experience.
University of California Berkeley
The University of California Berkeley rates the top spot among public schools in U.S. News and World Report's annual rankings of national universities (universities that offer a full range of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees). Berkeley also makes The Princeton Review's list of Best 371 Colleges, earning additional recognition as a Best Western College (no rankings) and as a 2010 Best Value College-Public (no rankings).
University of California at Berkeley
110 Sproul Hall No. 5800
Berkeley, CA 94720-5800
510-642-7333
berkeley.edu
The College of New Jersey
U.S. News' top-ranked public school in the Northern region among master's universities (schools offering bachelor's and master's degrees but few to no doctorates) is The College of New Jersey in Ewing. The school also earns spots on The Princeton Review's lists of Best Northeastern Colleges (no rankings), 2010 Best Value Colleges-Public (no rankings) and Best College Library (No. 17).
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
Ewing, NJ 08628-0718
609-771-2131
tcnj.edu
James Madison University
James Madison University in Harrison, Virginia, earns high marks from The Princeton Review, with spots on the Best Southeastern College (no rankings) and 2010 Best Value Colleges-Public (no rankings) lists. James Madison also appears on lists for Best Campus Food (No. 4) and Happiest Students (No. 18). It's the top-rated public school on U.S. News and World Report's list of best Southern master's universities, ranking fourth overall.
James Madison University
Sonner Hall, MSC 0101
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540-568-5681
jmu.edu
Truman State University
The highest ranked public school on U.S. News and World Report's list of best master's universities in the Midwest is Truman State University. Located in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State is a highly selective university that garners spots on The Princeton Review's lists of Best Midwestern Colleges (no rankings) and 2010 Best Value Colleges-Public (no rankings).
Truman State University
100 E. Normal
Kirksville, MO 63501
660-785-4114
truman.edu
California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo
The top public university on U.S. News and World Report's list of Best Western master's universities, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, earned the sixth ranking overall. U.S. News also ranks Cal Poly's engineering program as third in the nation among public schools. Forbes.com placed Cal Poly third among public universities based on alumni earnings, with graduates having a median salary of $101,000 after 10 to 20 years in the workforce.
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
805-756-2311
calpoly.edu
Tags: State University, 2010 Best, 2010 Best Value, Best Value, James Madison, Luis Obispo, master universities