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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:

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

  • Academic rigor
  • Character
  • Intellect
  • Serving the public good

Miami continues to be recognized nationally as a Public Ivy.