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state university

American  

noun

  1. a university maintained by the government of a state.


Etymology

Origin of state university

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

I’ve been a professor at a state university for almost 30 years, and I am sympathetic up to a point.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 21, 2026

Johns Hopkins offered $16,000 more, making the cost less than that of a state university in New York, where the family lives.

From MarketWatch Apr. 28, 2026

Perhaps not surprisingly, in a city dominated by a state university, nearly all were college football games.

From Salon Nov. 3, 2025

In Northridge, student housing is prioritized near the state university.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 10, 2025

He had decided to accept a position at a faraway state university.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

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