Forbes’ Top 25 Public Colleges 2025-26

Forbes’ Ranking of Best Public Colleges

In its 2025-2026 rankings of America’s Top Colleges, Forbes released a list of the top 25 public colleges in the U.S., institutions that deliver excellent value, strong academic outcomes, and high earning potential while keeping debt relatively low. The list comes at an opportune time, when students and families are putting their final touches on the college list. Public universities provide high-quality educational opportunities to students at all income levels. Although they are facing the brunt of slashed grants, these “research-intensive, doctorate-granting institutions remain a critical component of the overall higher education landscape.

Besides the low tuition, students prefer the state universities due to the urban campuses, D1 sports programs, and a hugely loyal alumni network.

Here’s a look at what makes this ranking special, who made the list, and what lessons students can draw.

How Forbes Measures “Top Public Colleges”

According to Forbes, several factors contributed to the ranking of public universities:

Alumni salaries (both early-career and long-term)
Student debt after graduation
Return on investment (how much value students get vs what they put in)
Graduation and retention rates, including success among low-income / Pell Grant students
Academic success (prestigious awards, graduates going into PhDs, etc.)
Leadership/entrepreneurship metrics via Forbes’ “American Leaders List”

This combination means that the list favors not just prestige but performance: value, outcomes, affordability, and success after college.

What’s New & Notable This Year

California takes the lead. UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego occupy the top 3 spots among public universities. The University of California system has 8 campuses in the top 25. UC San Diego is a favourite not just for its stunning 1,200 acres of coastal woodland, but also for its commitment to accessibility. The school is a leader in supporting students from lower-income backgrounds. With 42% of graduates being first-generation college students, UC Irvine takes the lead in providing upward mobility.
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor: The Midwest Powerhouse. Michigan’s oldest institution of higher education, UMich, continues to remain a highly sought-after university. With an acceptance rate of 18%, it’s selective but offers a rich mix of academic rigor and campus life. Forbes has once again recognized UMich as one of its Public New Ivies,
The University of Florida was ranked No. 5 among public universities — praised for both earning potential and its strong return on investment. With 38,113 undergraduates and an in-state tuition of just $6,380, Graduates see strong financial outcomes, with median earnings of $127,500 after 20 years.
Binghamton University (NY) has made the Top 25 list for the first time. Along with other strengths, namely lower debt and relatively high salary 20 years post-graduation.
Georgia Institute of Technology: Georgia Tech stands out for its stellar career outcomes in the arena of engineering, computer science, architecture, and business. With median earnings of $92,900 just three years after graduation, the highest among the top 25, and $168,000 after 20 years, it delivers unmatched ROI for its graduates.
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill: This university combines historic charm with academic rigor. With 21,214 undergraduates, the university maintains a strong commitment to in-state students: by law, 82% of incoming first-years must be North Carolina residents.
University of Virginia: UVA blends tradition with academic excellence. It boasts the highest six-year graduation rate (95%) among the top 25 and is a powerhouse in business, engineering, and liberal arts.
Schools like Cal Poly are again recognized, with Cal Poly being ranked among the public schools for its hands-on learning model and good outcomes.

What Students Can Learn

Value matters: A school’s prestige matters less in these rankings than whether it sets you up for a good job and manageable debt. If you’re deciding where to apply or commit, look at median salaries, debt load, and graduation rates, not just overall ranking.
Public schools can compete with elite privates: Especially in states with well-funded public university systems (e.g., California), you can get an excellent education, recognition, and outcomes at a public school for a lower cost.
Expand your search: Schools like Binghamton show it’s possible for “lesser known” public institutions to rise in prestige by excelling on metrics rather than just tradition.
Be open to geographical diversity: Schools that perform well on student outcomes, regardless of state or location, tend to get rewarded. If you’re willing to relocate, there may be great options you hadn’t considered.

Choosing a Public University

International students considering studying in the U.S., here’s what we suggest:

Estimate your net cost: Tuition + living + travel − any scholarships + potential loan interest. A public university with aid may cost much less than it seems.
Check the post-grad salary data: What do graduates actually earn from your intended major? Sometimes schools with generally high averages may have variation by field.
Look up debt burden: How much do students borrow, and what are repayment rates? That tells you how risky your investment is.
Consider non-academic factors: Campus life, research opportunities, internship placements, and location. These still affect overall experience and outcomes.
Apply broadly: Include some “reach” publics (top ones), but also good value publics where you have a strong chance of admission and aid.