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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

They could then transfer those credits to their state university, and the cost of college could be cut in half.

From Slate Apr. 29, 2024

His plan took shape the evening he escorted my sisters Lisa and Gretchen and me to the local state university to see Dave Brubeck, who was then touring with his sons.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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