Public universities with the biggest in-state advantage

At these public universities, state residency is a major admissions factor, rated important or very important in their own Common Data Set. In-state applicants are admitted at far higher rates than out-of-state ones, sometimes more than double. A few, like the Texas and California flagships, even guarantee admission to top in-state students.

If one of these is your home-state flagship, it may be one of the best values and best odds on your list. If you are applying from out of state, treat it as more of a reach than the overall admit rate suggests. The chances calculator already adjusts for your state of residence.