Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

Badge for BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC COLLEGES

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Massachusetts provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024

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  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. University of Massachusetts Boston
  3. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  4. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  5. Westfield State University
  6. Salem State University
  7. Bridgewater State University
  8. Fitchburg State University
  9. Worcester State University
  10. Framingham State University
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. University of Massachusetts Boston
  3. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  4. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  5. Salem State University
  6. Framingham State University
  7. Westfield State University
  8. Bridgewater State University
  9. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  10. Fitchburg State University
  1. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 96%
  2. Salem State University 93%
  3. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 92%
  4. Massachusetts Maritime Academy 89%
  5. Bridgewater State University 88%
  6. Worcester State University 88%
  7. Framingham State University 87%
  8. University of Massachusetts Lowell 86%
  9. Fitchburg State University 86%
  10. Westfield State University 82%
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst 18 to 1
  2. Bridgewater State University 17 to 1
  3. University of Massachusetts Lowell 17 to 1
  4. University of Massachusetts Boston 16 to 1
  5. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 15 to 1
  6. Westfield State University 14 to 1
  7. Worcester State University 14 to 1
  8. Fitchburg State University 12 to 1
  9. Salem State University 12 to 1
  10. Massachusetts Maritime Academy 12 to 1
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst $16,186
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell $15,462
  3. University of Massachusetts Boston $14,542
  4. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $14,179
  5. Massachusetts Maritime Academy $1,994
  6. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts $1,030
  7. Fitchburg State University $970
  8. Westfield State University $970
  9. Framingham State University $970
  10. Worcester State University $970
  1. University of Massachusetts Boston $18,894
  2. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $16,390
  3. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,956
  4. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,364
  5. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts $3,744
  6. Fitchburg State University $3,510
  7. Worcester State University $3,042
  8. Massachusetts Maritime Academy $2,710
  9. Salem State University $2,520
  10. Westfield State University $1,775
  1. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  2. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  3. Framingham State University
  4. Worcester State University
  5. Fitchburg State University
  6. Bridgewater State University
  7. Salem State University
  8. Westfield State University
  9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  10. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  1. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  2. Worcester State University
  3. Fitchburg State University
  4. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  5. Bridgewater State University
  6. Westfield State University
  7. Framingham State University
  8. Salem State University
  9. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  10. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst 64%
  2. University of Massachusetts Boston 81%
  3. Westfield State University 82%
  4. Fitchburg State University 86%
  5. University of Massachusetts Lowell 86%
  6. Framingham State University 87%
  7. Worcester State University 88%
  8. Bridgewater State University 88%
  9. Massachusetts Maritime Academy 89%
  10. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 92%
  1. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 9 to 1
  2. Framingham State University 11 to 1
  3. Fitchburg State University 12 to 1
  4. Salem State University 12 to 1
  5. Massachusetts Maritime Academy 12 to 1
  6. Westfield State University 14 to 1
  7. Worcester State University 14 to 1
  8. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 15 to 1
  9. University of Massachusetts Boston 16 to 1
  10. Bridgewater State University 17 to 1
  1. Bridgewater State University $910
  2. Salem State University $910
  3. Fitchburg State University $970
  4. Westfield State University $970
  5. Framingham State University $970
  6. Worcester State University $970
  7. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts $1,030
  8. Massachusetts Maritime Academy $1,994
  9. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth $14,179
  10. University of Massachusetts Boston $14,542
  1. Bridgewater State University $1,260
  2. Framingham State University $1,680
  3. Westfield State University $1,775
  4. Salem State University $2,520
  5. Massachusetts Maritime Academy $2,710
  6. Worcester State University $3,042
  7. Fitchburg State University $3,510
  8. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts $3,744
  9. University of Massachusetts Amherst $14,364
  10. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,956

Key Takeaways

  • When scouting for public colleges, you will never run out of options in Massachusetts. While it is home to numerous top-rated private research universities, the state is known to have one of the best public higher education systems.
  • Public schools in Massachusetts provide college students affordable, yet rigorous, coursework, just like private institutions.
  • There is an overwhelming number of students in public colleges today. These institutions have so much to offer: from networking opportunities to a diverse school population, these public colleges present a wise choice for students.

Massachusetts’ Top-rated Public Colleges

The Massachusetts Public Higher Education System comprises 29 campuses divided into three types of schools:

  • 15 community colleges
  • nine state universities
  • five University of Massachusetts campuses

The public college system provides affordable, accessible, rigorous, and quality education through relevant programs that can adapt to individuals’ educational and employment needs.

Massachusetts has six comprehensive state universities:

  • Worcester State University
  • Westfield State University
  • Salem State University
  • Framingham State University
  • Fitchburg State University
  • Bridgewater State University

All these public universities integrate liberal arts and sciences programs with professional education.

Boston has a number of popular Ivy League schools for undergrad and graduate students. They also have three specialized colleges, including Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. All focus on academic areas as per the college’s name.

While there are a lot of public colleges and universities in Massachusetts, it’s best to understand why attending a public college is a wise choice.

Reasons You Should Attend a Public College or University

Public colleges have advantages that you cannot find in a private institution. While state schools are not for everybody, many students still think these schools are perfect.

Here are some reasons why attending a public college or university is a good option.

Public colleges are less expensive. Public colleges are less expensive than private schools as the former offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. And even out-of-state enrollees can be eligible for low tuition fees if they apply through an academic common market like WICHE.

Public colleges generally have large student populations. Although small public colleges do exist, most public schools are large. This is specifically great for both shy and outgoing students.

Shy students can easily meet other shy students like them and be comfortable connecting. The outgoing ones can get involved with many school opportunities and personalities around the campus.

Public colleges have diverse student populations. Students get to expand their worldliness and improve their social development when they interact with a diverse student population.

Most public institutions have diverse student populations regarding religion, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. This will allow students to learn from other perspectives of their classmates and professors. Experiencing people and cultures that are different from you can even help students to prepare for future career success.

Public colleges have comprehensive academic programs. Generally, large public colleges and universities offer a variety of academic programs. This is specifically helpful for students who are not yet decided what they want to study. It’s also a plus for students who unexpectedly change their minds about their college majors while in school.

Public colleges can be very reputable. There are times when public colleges are pegged as “safety schools,” a fallback option for students who cannot enroll in private schools like the popular Boston College for various reasons.

However, some of the best colleges in the US are public institutions—UCLA, University of Virginia, and University of California, Berkeley. There are also lots of public colleges with highly regarded programs within their schools, like the business programs at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor or the Austin Engineering programs at the University of Texas.

Public colleges give graduates exposure to numerous job opportunities. Most public colleges are nationally known and recognized. Many companies come to public institutions to seek future interns and employees for their organizations/companies.

Students have the chance to meet these employers on campus during career fairs, in career centers, or through professor introductions.

Public colleges provide excellent networking opportunities: Students meet many other students because of the larger student population. Student organizations in public institutions often bring industry leaders to school to speak to the students.

Professors even invite colleagues to the school to speak before students. If students involve themselves in these activities, they open themselves up for more opportunities to meet and network with as many individuals and industry experts as they can during their time on campus.

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Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts

Some of the most talked about universities in Massachusetts are its private schools, including Boston University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which also happen to be the largest. Tuition for these prestigious schools runs between $50,000 and $54,000. Students here have access to some of the top programs in the country in fields such as biology, literature, law, education, engineering, and religious studies. The alumni from New England schools are equally as impressive, including Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Gates, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The public higher education institutes also boast top-notch programs, allowing students to pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like mathematics, social work, medicine, and economics. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, the state’s largest public university, offers tuition around $16,000 and serves over 28,000 students. Additionally, students who are interested in attending a religiously affiliated school have 17 options to choose from, most of which feature high graduation rates for their students. For future dental, medical, or mental health professionals, Massachusetts also offers loan forgiveness programs for those working in underserved communities.

As the port of destination for the Mayflower, home to the Plymouth colony, and site of the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts looms large in United States history, but this most populous New England state isn’t just for history buffs. The Bay State is also known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful coastlines, and devout sports fans. Not to mention, it has over 100 colleges for students to choose from.

Find a program that’s right for you and explore the best schools Massachusetts has to offer.


What are Massachusetts’ Colleges & Universities?

Massachusetts’ Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Massachusetts's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 12 public universities in Massachusetts. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Massachusetts, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Cost of Degree: $16,952
    Expenses: $16,523
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Online Degrees

    BA in Film And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Bachelor Of Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Arts Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Bachelor Of Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Boston

    Cost of Degree: $15,132
    Expenses: $19,618
    Starting Salary: $53,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,182
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology Second Degree
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology: Business Minor
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BLA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $14,854
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Dartmouth known for?

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management-Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • E-Commerce/Digital Business
    • Technology & Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Literature And Criticism
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology And Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Westfield State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,500
    Expenses: $16,906
    Starting Salary: $48,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Westfield State University known for?

    Westfield State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Westfield State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Salem State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,978
    Expenses: $17,938
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Salem State University known for?

    Salem State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Salem State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Corporate Finance And Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Hospitality Management
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Operations And Decision Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Occupational Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Fire Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education: Early Education And Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BLS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Healthcare Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  7. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Bridgewater State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,051
    Expenses: $18,262
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bridgewater State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Fitchburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,921
    Expenses: $16,816
    Starting Salary: $47,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fitchburg State University known for?

    Fitchburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fitchburg State University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1117/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Worcester State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,786
    Expenses: $16,313
    Starting Salary: $52,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Worcester State University known for?

    Worcester State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #10

    Framingham State University

    Framingham , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Framingham State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,380
    Expenses: $16,740
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Framingham State University known for?

    Framingham State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

    Cost of Degree: $11,590
    Expenses: $18,435
    Starting Salary: $38,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts known for?

    Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #12

    Massachusetts Maritime Academy

    Buzzards Bay , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Maritime Academy

    Cost of Degree: $10,634
    Expenses: $20,238
    Starting Salary: $96,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Maritime Academy known for?

    Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Find the best public college in Massachusetts in your area of interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  3. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  4. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  5. Fitchburg State University
  6. Worcester State University
  7. Framingham State University
  8. Salem State University
  9. Bridgewater State University
  10. Westfield State University

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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