Which public universities top the rankings?

I'm curious about the top-ranked public universities in the country. Besides the usual suspects like Berkeley and Michigan, which public schools are consistently at the top?

There are indeed several public universities that consistently rank high beyond UC Berkeley and University of Michigan. I'll list some of them below:

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA often competes with Berkeley for the top spot in the UC system. It's particularly known for its strong programs in Film Production and Mechanical Engineering.

2. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC): UNC is a renowned public research university with an outstanding reputation, especially for its programs in Business and Journalism.

3. University of Virginia (UVA): Located in historic Charlottesville, UVA consistently ranks as a top public university with strong programs in Business and English.

4. University of Wisconsin, Madison: UW Madison is highly regarded for its research and has strong programs in areas such as Biological Sciences and Engineering.

5. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): UT Austin stands out for its powerhouse academic programs in Computer Science and Business.

6. University of Florida (UF): UF is praised for its strong programs in Computer Science, Education, and Business.

7. University of Washington (UW): Located in Seattle, UW is a top pick for students interested in Computer Science and Engineering thanks to its proximity to tech companies.

These schools are renowned for their commitment to academic excellence, research, and value (since being public institutions, they tend to be more affordable for in-state residents). However, keep in mind that you should also consider factors like fit, location, student body, opportunities for extracurricular activities, and other non-academic factors when deciding on what universities to apply to.