Individuals looking to attend college must consider the different types of colleges and universities and choose one that best fits their goals, interests, budget, and other factors.
Public and private universities are the most common in the US. Public universities are four-year institutions that are government-funded. Often, public universities offer affordable tuition rates for state residents.
On the other hand, private universities are four-year institutions funded by tuition costs, donations, and other sources. Tuition costs at private universities tend to be higher than public, but they also offer students financial assistance.
About 73% of college students at all education levels attend public institutions, while nearly 53% attend private institutions. But what universities receive the most applicants each year?
Ivy League universities are notoriously competitive, with tens of thousands of students vying for limited seats. Yet that application volume is nowhere near the top.
Below is a list of the ten colleges with the most fall 2020 applicants, according to U.S. News.
University of California- Los Angeles
The most popular majors at the University of California, Los Angeles, include social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, psychology, engineering, mathematics and statistics, multi/interdisciplinary studies, visual and performing arts, computer and information sciences, and English language.
The number of applicants: 108,877
University of California- San Diego
The most popular majors at the University of California, San Diego, include business, management, marketing, related support services, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, engineering, communication, journalism, and psychology.
The number of applicants: 100,073
University of California- Irvine
The most popular majors at the University of California, Irvine, include health-related knowledge and skills, psychology, business management, marketing, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, and health professions.
The number of applicants: 97,942
University of California- Santa Barbara
The most popular majors at the University of California, Santa Barbara, include social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, mathematics and statistics, communication, journalism, psychology, and visual and performing arts.
The number of applicants: 90,963
University of California- Berkeley
The most popular majors at the University of California, Berkeley, include social sciences, computer and information sciences, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, mathematics and statistics, and business management.
The number of applicants: 88,076
New York University
The most popular majors at New York University include visual and performing arts, business management, marketing, social sciences, liberal arts, general studies, and computer and information sciences.
The number of applicants: 80,210
University of California- Davis
The most popular majors at the University of California, Davis, include psychology, biological sciences, neurobiology, managerial economics, animal science, biochemistry, molecular biology, computer science, communication, and political science.
The number of applicants: 76,225
Pennsylvania State University- University Park
The most popular majors at Pennsylvania State University include information science, business, biology, psychology, computer and information systems security, finance, economics, nursing, mechanical engineering, and accounting.
The number of applicants: 73,861
California State University- Long Beach
The most popular majors at California State University, Long Beach, include business, family studies, psychology, communications, sociology, health services, English, biology, liberal arts, and nursing.
The number of applicants: 67,402
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
The most popular majors at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, include computer and information sciences, business administration and management, economics, behavioral neuroscience, mechanical engineering, and political science.
The number of applicants: 65,021
