The Value of a Public Ivy Education

Your college experience here will be one of the most rewarding times of your life. To make sure of this we'll provide you with a powerful support system anchored by energetic professors who are dedicated to you.

Authentic, Inspiring Acclaim

Wisdom. Prestige. Inspiration. You can feel it in the air. A storied university with a history of making history. One of those places other places will never be.

No. 2

For teaching undergraduates among public universities

U.S. News & World Report, 2026

90%

Of first-year students return for their second year

IPEDS Data

No. 19

Best colleges for future leaders among public universities

TIME

Together, We Achieve More

Energized by a supportive community and backed by world-class resources, you’ll become part of something bigger — empowered to reach your goals and accomplish great things for the world.

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What is a Public Ivy?

Public Ivy — a college or university that provides an exceptional college experience at a public school price.

The term Public Ivy first appeared as the title of a 1985 book by Richard Moll, The Public Ivys: A Guide to America's Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities. It identified eight national universities that meet the criteria:

�� University
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
University of Virginia
University of California (system)
College of William & Mary
University of Michigan
University of Texas at Austin
University of Vermont

At ��, we think our Public Ivy heritage is more meaningful today than ever. �� challenges and prepares ambitious students for lifelong success in a quintessentially collegiate setting that has inspired generations for more than 200 years; we welcome all people, ideas, and beliefs to a vibrant learning and discovery community that values, above all:

Academic rigor
Character
Intellect
Serving the public good

�� continues to be recognized nationally as a Public Ivy.

What does a public ivy education mean to me?

Among the best for commitment to teaching

High graduation rates

Active and ambitious students

Outstanding career preparation

A quintessentially collegiate experience

Code of Love & Honor

The Code of Love and Honor is a personalized pledge derived from our Values Statement. Its first line is "I am ��," signifying that each and every one of us, through our choices, and supporting and caring for each other, contributes to who we are and what we aspire to be—individually, yes, but also collectively—as ��ans.

Our Values