- The term “Public Ivies” was coined in 1985 and refers to public US universities that offer an Ivy League-like educational experience
- The original list of Public Ivies included eight universities, the same number as the Ivy League . Examples include the University of Virginia and the University of Michigan. Over time, the list has expanded to include 30 other schools noted for their academic excellence.
- Public Ivies are renowned for athletic programmes which give student-athletes the chance to study at a top-quality university.
- Unlike Ivy League universities, which are concentrated in the Northeastern US, Public Ivies are distributed across the entire country. And they’re more affordable.
Any student dreaming to study in the USA heard about the Ivy League and its top-notch universities, characterised by academic excellence, selective admission and pretty high tuition costs. The Public Ivies aim to present as a more affordable counterpart to the Ivy League, offering an educational experience on par with the Ivy League schools.
But is affordability the only significant difference between Private Ivies and Public Ivies? What differentiates public schools from private schools in the USA, and why choose one over the other? In order to understand what exactly Public Ivies are and why it is worth taking them into consideration, you first need to know more about their origin and the historical context in which they were founded as such.
What’s the difference between Ivy League colleges and Public Ivies?
Unlike Ivy League schools, known not only for their reputation but also for their geographic limitations (they are all situated in the northeastern United States!), the Public Ivies are to be found all over the United States. This could be an advantage for international students seeking diversity when it comes to opting for the most suitable university.
Another point to consider when choosing between Ivy League colleges and Public Ivy universities is the school size and the impact of it on the educational process. Due to a high acceptance rate, a Public Ivy institution can have up to 25.000 students, contrary to an Ivy League institution with an undergraduate population of around 6,400 students.
A smaller class is often associated with a more intimate environment and more attention from teachers, allowing students to excel more and easily reach great performances, while a larger class seems to offer a diminished educational experience. However, this is a common misconception given that nowadays a diverse and multicultural environment is seen as a favourable ground for a strong educational experience.
What are the original 8 Public Ivy League schools?
The term “public ivy” popped up first in 1985 in the book The Public Ivies: A Guide to America’s Best Colleges and Universities, written by Richard Moll, who served as admission officer at Yale University. This is the original list:
University of California system (UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz)
Moll’s idea was to highlight a list of public universities considered equivalent to Ivy League schools, based on criteria like admission selectivity/acceptance rate, the quality of undergraduate programme, the access to state-of-the-art facilities and last but not least, the prestige as reflected in the high rankings. Let’s see them in more detail:
1. College of William & Mary
Established in 1693, College of William & Mary  is the second oldest college in the US, known for its strong Liberal Arts and Government programme. It has produced many notable alumni, including three US presidents.
2. Miami University
Located in Ohio, Miami University is renowned for its undergraduate teaching and picturesque campus. It offers strong programme in Business, Education, and Engineering.
3. University of California
The UC system includes top-tier institutions like Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, excelling in Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities. It is known for cutting-edge research and diverse academic opportunities.
4. University of Michigan
A top-ranked public university, Michigan is known for its research, diverse programme, and vibrant campus life. It boasts strong offerings in Engineering, Business, and Medicine.
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Chapel Hill is a leading public university with strong programme in Business, Law, and Public Health. It is recognised for its historic campus and commitment to research.
6. University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin excels in a wide range of disciplines, particularly Engineering, Business, and the Arts. Its dynamic campus fosters innovation and academic excellence.
7. University of Vermont
Vermont is known for its STEM programme and commitment to environmental sustainability and research. It offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on real-world applications.
8. University of Virginia
UVA, founded by Thomas Jefferson, is renowned for its historic campus and rigorous academics in Law, Business, and Humanities. It maintains a strong tradition of student leadership and civic engagement.
The extended list of Public Ivies
As expected, the list has been updated several times, but the most significant revision is the one made by Howard and Matthew Greene in 2001, in The Public Ivies: America's Flagship Public Universities, when an extended list of 30 universities and colleges has been added. The Public Ivy schools, according to Greene, are:
Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
University of Connecticut, Storrs
College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
University of Delaware, Newark
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
University of Arizona, Tucson
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California,Santa Barbara
University of Washington, Seattle
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Michigan State University, East Lansing
Ohio State University, Columbus
University of Iowa, Iowa City
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
University of Minnesota,Twin Cities
University of Florida (Gainesville)
University of Georgia (Athens)
You probably noticed that the University of California appears six times. The university has ten individual campuses; however, only six of them feature in the Public Ivies list. Now, let’s examine all the universities in the list in more detail.
1. Pennsylvania State University (University Park)
Known for its strong research programmes and vibrant campus life, Penn State excels in Engineering, Business, and Agriculture. It boasts a large alumni network and extensive resources.
2. Rutgers University (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
A leading public research university with renowned programmes in Business, Engineering, and the Sciences, offering a diverse and dynamic academic environment. Rutgers is deeply integrated into New Jersey's economy and culture.
3. State University of New York at Binghamton
Recognized for its rigorous academic programmes in Management, Nursing, and Engineering, with a commitment to research and innovation. Binghamton is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education.
4. University of Connecticut (Storrs)
UConn excels in Business, Engineering, and Law, providing a comprehensive educational experience with strong research and athletic programmes. It is a leader in public higher education in New England.
5. College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Historic and prestigious, it excels in Liberal Arts, Government, and Law, known for its rigorous academics and notable alumni. The College of William & Mary has a strong tradition of public service.
6. University of Delaware (Newark)
Known for strong programmes in Engineering, Business, and Chemistry, offering extensive research opportunities and a vibrant campus life. UD is a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation.
7. University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland is renowned for its programmes in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The campus is a major center for government and industry collaboration.
8. University of Virginia (Charlottesville)
Prestigious for its programmes in Law, Business, and Humanities, offering rigorous academics and a historic campus environment. UVA is known for its commitment to student leadership and civic engagement.
9. University of Arizona (Tucson)
Excels in Astronomy, Environmental Science, and Medicine, known for cutting-edge research and diverse academic programmes. The University of Arizona is a leader in space sciences and optical sciences.
10. University of California, Berkeley
Leading public university excelling in Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities, known for its research and prestigious faculty. Berkeley has a strong tradition of social activism and public service.
11. University of California, Davis
Known for its programmes in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, and Veterinary Medicine, emphasizing sustainability and research. UC Davis is a leader in green technology and environmental research.
12. University of California, Irvine
Strong in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science, with a focus on research and innovation. Irvine is known for its interdisciplinary approach and collaborative research initiatives.
13. University of California, Los Angeles
Prestigious for its diverse academic programmes, vibrant campus life, and strong research in multiple disciplines. UCLA is a global leader in higher education and public service.
14. University of California, San Diego
Renowned for STEM programmes, particularly in Oceanography and Biological Sciences, with a strong research focus. UCSD is at the forefront of biomedical research and technology innovation.
15. University of California, Santa Barbara
Excels in Engineering, Environmental Science, and Humanities, known for its beautiful campus and research excellence. UCSB fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
16. University of Colorado Boulder
Recognized for Environmental and Space Sciences, offering innovative programmes and a stunning campus setting. CU Boulder is known for its research in aerospace engineering and environmental sustainability.
17. University of Washington (Seattle)
Leading research university known for Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Science, with extensive research facilities. UW is a major center for innovation and technology development.
18. Indiana University Bloomington
Strong in Business, Music, and Public Affairs, known for its beautiful campus and vibrant academic community. IU Bloomington has a renowned School of Music and extensive cultural programmes.
19. Miami University (Oxford, Ohio)
Renowned for undergraduate teaching, with strong programmes in Business, Education, and Engineering. Miami University is known for its commitment to liberal arts education and leadership development.
20. Michigan State University (East Lansing)
Offers strong programmes in Business, Education, and Agricultural Sciences, with a focus on research and outreach. MSU is a leader in agricultural research and international studies.
21. Ohio State University (Columbus)
Known for its programmes in Business, Engineering, and Medicine, offering a dynamic campus life and research opportunities. OSU is a powerhouse in collegiate sports and research.
22. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Excels in Engineering, Computer Science, and Business, known for its innovative research and academic excellence. UIUC is a leading center for technology and scientific research.
23. University of Iowa (Iowa City)
Recognized for its programmes in Writing, Medicine, and Law, offering strong research and creative opportunities. The University of Iowa is known for its Writers' Workshop and medical school.
24. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
Prestigious for its programmes in Engineering, Business, and Medicine, known for research and vibrant campus life. Michigan is a global leader in higher education and research.
25. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Offers strong programmes in Engineering, Business, and Medicine, with extensive research facilities and a diverse academic environment. The University of Minnesota is a leader in public health and biomedical research.
26. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Known for its programmes in Engineering, Business, and Agricultural Sciences, offering a strong research environment. UW-Madison is a leader in environmental research and dairy science.
27. University of Florida (Gainesville)
Renowned for its programmes in Business, Engineering, and Medicine, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. UF is a major center for agricultural and life sciences research.
28. University of Georgia (Athens)
Excels in Business, Law, and Agricultural Sciences, offering a vibrant campus life and strong research opportunities. UGA is known for its research in agriculture and environmental sustainability.
29. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Prestigious for its programmes in Business, Law, and Public Health, known for its historic campus and research. UNC is a leader in public health research and education.
30. University of Texas at Austin
Known for its strong programmes in Engineering, Business, and the Arts, with a dynamic campus and innovative research. UT Austin is a leading center for technology and creative arts.
Benefits of Attending a Public Ivy
- Attending a Public Ivy is basically receiving an Ivy League education at a significantly lower cost. This happens because public schools are funded by the government, which means that the students do not pay the real cost of attendance, but the cost after significant subsidies from the government. Private schools rely instead on alumni contributors and tuition to pay for their programmes and this means higher tuition prices.
- Even though Public Ivies have out-of-state tuition much higher than in-state tuition, it is still more affordable than attending an Ivy League School.
- As an in-state student, you will have more chances to get financial aid, as Public Ivies are focusing their financial opportunities on the students living in their state.
- Choosing to study at a Public Ivy comes with many career opportunities and post-graduation prospects. For example, Binghamton University is being targeted by NYC-based companies for its Accounting programme, while University of California, Berkeley boasts a career centre meant to help students to achieve their career goals.
Other Resources
- What Are Ivy League Universities?
- Your Guide to the Best Ivy League Essay
- American Universities That Are as Good, or Better, than Ivy League Colleges
- Most Beautiful College Campuses in the United States
- How to Apply to an International University in the US
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Public Ivies?
Public Ivies are public universities in the US that offer an educational quality comparable to the Ivy League universities but with more affordable tuition costs. Check out our Metaranking to see how Public Ivies rank in global rankings.
How do Public Ivies differ from Ivy League schools?
Public Ivies are located throughout the US, not just in the Northeast, and they typically have larger student bodies and more accessible tuition rates compared to Ivy League schools.
Who coined the term "Public Ivy" and what was the original list?
The term "Public Ivy" was coined by Richard Moll in 1985, who highlighted public universities that matched the Ivy League in terms of academic excellence. The original list included schools like the University of Virginia and the University of Michigan.
What are some benefits of attending a Public Ivy?
Attending a Public Ivy can lead to significant tuition savings, especially for in-state students, while still providing strong post-graduation prospects and access to high-quality academic programme.