University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) provides the resources of a public flagship university in a smaller, more accessible package. Located in Durham, a quintessential New England college town, UNH combines strong academics with a vibrant campus life and abundant outdoor activities across all four seasons. Nearly half of its student body comes from out-of-state, creating a diverse and engaging student population.

Standout programs: Engineering (especially ocean engineering), business, and political science. With New Hampshire being home to the first presidential primary, students gain unique exposure to national politics and campaign activities.

• Admit Rate: 84%



Oregon State University

Once best known for its agricultural programs, Oregon State University (OSU) is now a leader in STEM fields, business, and innovation. Located in Corvallis, a scenic college town 90 miles from Portland, OSU offers students hands-on learning through co-op experiences, internships, and extensive research opportunities.

Standout programs: Engineering, Business (offering unique majors such as Apparel Design, Innovation Management, and Interior Design), and strong pre-professional pathways.

• Admit Rate: 78%

University of Rhode Island

A rising star among public universities, the University of Rhode Island (URI) offers a manageable campus size, a stunning coastal location, and easy access to major cities like Boston and New York. Over half of its student body comes from out of state.

What makes URI unique? All first-year students take URI 101, a seminar course that helps them transition to college. The university also offers unique dual-degree international programs in engineering and computer science, allowing students to earn a B.S. in STEM and a B.A. in a foreign language while incorporating study abroad and internships.

Standout programs: Pharmacy, Engineering, Business, and Nursing. The Green Business Program allows students to explore sustainability topics like socially responsible investing and conservation economics.

• Admit Rate: 75%

University of North Texas

Located in Denton, Texas, just outside of Dallas, the University of North Texas (UNT) is one of the fastest-growing public universities in the country. It offers strong arts, business, and STEM programs, and boasts a vibrant music scene, being home to one of the nation’s best music schools.

Standout programs: Music, Business, Hospitality Management, and Journalism.

• Admit Rate: 81%

Texas State University

Located in San Marcos, Texas, Texas State University is a mid-sized public university known for its beautiful riverside campus and strong student support programs. It offers over 200 degree programs and has one of the largest student populations in Texas.

Standout programs: Business, Education, Communication Studies, and Engineering.

• Admit Rate: 85%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

A top research institution in the South, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is well-known for its health sciences and business programs. Located in a thriving metropolitan area, students have access to internship and job opportunities across multiple industries.

Standout programs: Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Business, and Computer Science.

• Admit Rate: 80%

University of Arizona

Situated in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona is a major public research university with an active student body, strong school spirit, and a commitment to hands-on learning. It offers hundreds of degree options and a top-tier honors college.

Standout programs: Astronomy, Business, Psychology, and Engineering.

• Admit Rate: 85%

Louisiana State University

As the flagship university of Louisiana, LSU in Baton Rouge offers big-school spirit, strong academics, and a beautiful campus. The university is home to a strong engineering school, excellent business programs, and a well-regarded mass communication program.

Standout programs: Engineering, Business, Mass Communication, and Agriculture.

• Admit Rate: 74%

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

A Southern institution rich in tradition, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, Mississippi provides an active Greek life, a charming campus, and strong academic offerings. It’s well-known for its journalism, law, and business programs.

Standout programs: Journalism, Business, Pharmacy, and Law.

• Admit Rate: 88%

University of Central Florida

Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the country, offering extensive research opportunities and strong STEM programs. Its location provides access to internships with major companies like Disney, Lockheed Martin, and NASA.

Standout programs: Engineering, Hospitality Management, Computer Science, and Business.

• Admit Rate: 72%