The Top 10 Public Universities in America

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Who will break the top 10?

With many states struggling due to debt and tight budgets, schools funded by taxpayer dollars are going through tough times. Many have had to raise tuition, sparking debate over whether they will be affordable for students. Still, despite money troubles, public schools remain among the best in the nation.

On September 12, 2012, U.S. News and World Report released their list of the top universities and colleges in the nation. The list includes the top 50 public schools. Click through the gallery to see their picks for the top 10 public universities and colleges in America. Click here to learn about the methodology behind the rankings.

(Photo: Mark Scott/Getty Images)

#10 University of California, Santa Barbara

(Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

#8 (tied) University of California, San Diego

(Photo: Richard Cummins/Getty Images)

#8 (tied) University of California, Davis

(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

#7 Georgia Institute of Technology

(Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

#6 College of William & Mary

(Photo: Pool/Getty Images)

#5 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

(Photo: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

#4 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

(Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

#2 (tied) University of Virginia

(Photo: Steven St. John/Getty Images)

#2 (tied) University of California, Los Angeles

(Photo: Eco Images/Getty Images)

#1 University of California, Berkeley

(Photo: John W. McDonough/Getty Images)

Do you agree with the rankings of the top 10 public universities? Did U.S. News and World Report leave a stellar school off the list? Share your thoughts in comments.

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Andrew Freeman is a California native with a degree in history from UCLA. He’s covered a wide range of topics for TakePart, but is particularly interested in politics and policy. Email Andrew |@natureofdabeast | TakePart.com