There's an updated ranking for the best public colleges in America - and California is doing something right

Five of the top 10 public universities in America are part of the University of California system, according to a ranking by U.S. News & World Report.

That's likely welcome news to California residents, as in-state tuition at public schools is typically far cheaper than tuition at private universities.

The U.S. News ranks schools using quantitative factors - like graduation and retention rates - and qualitative factors - like peer assessment surveys from college presidents and deans of admissions. The list includes schools which offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus masters and Ph.D. programs.

Read on to see the top 10 public universities in America.