state university

noun

: a university maintained and administered by one of the states of the U.S. as part of the state public educational system

Examples of state university in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s not to say the federal government can’t persuade state universities. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026 Some flagship state universities might also expand, whether by absorbing struggling campuses in their network or by adding more spots for undergraduates. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 9 June 2026 Despite plans to hold student fees flat, KU is poised to remain the most expensive of Kansas’ six state universities, based on each school’s proposal for next year. — Matthew Kelly may 21, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2026 The agreement, which calls for an independent review rules and governance of state university boards of trustees, capped a whirlwind week in UF’s turbulent search for a permanent president. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for state university

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of state university was in 1785

Rhymes for state university

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Browse Nearby Words

state trial
state university
state use system
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Cite this Entry

“State university.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/state%20university. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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