Stacker compiled a list of the best public colleges in America using 2026 rankings from Niche, which ranks schools based on various factors, including academics, admissions, cost, and student life. Kansas State University– Location: Manhattan, KS– Full-time undergraduate enrollment: 13,553– Student-to-faculty ratio: 15:1– Acceptance rate: 79%– Typical SAT range: 1040-1260– Athletic conference: Big 12 Conference (Big 12)In addition to its ranking as one of the Best Public Colleges in America, Kansas State is also ranked #5 for Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America, so it’s no surprise that animal sciences is one of the school’s most popular majors. It is an NCAA Division I school, a member of the Big Ten Athletic Conference, and ranked in the top 20 for Best College Athletics in America. In addition to its rating as one of the Best Public Colleges in America, it is also ranked in the top 3 for Best Colleges for Communications and #1 for Top Public Universities in Texas. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor– Location: Ann Arbor, MI– Full-time undergraduate enrollment: 32,345– Student-to-faculty ratio: 4:1– Acceptance rate: 18%– Typical SAT range: 1350-1530– Athletic conference: Big Ten Conference (Big Ten)Sitting pretty at the top spot for Best Public Colleges in America, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor also holds the #2 spot on the list of Best Colleges for Sports Management and #1 on the Best Big Colleges list.