1
The Ohio State University✓
@theohiostateuniversityThe highest-ranked public university in Ohio, home to world-class faculty, passionate students & innovative researchers. ⭕️🙌
Top 20 Public Higher Education System Instagram Accounts to Follow in 2026
Hand-picked from 13 million Instagram profiles we track. Ranked by real data, not vibes.
If you're trying to grow as a public higher education system on Instagram, the fastest path forward is studying who's already winning your niche. Every account below has cracked the code on attention, reach, or conversion in a category where most plateau under 5,000 followers.
We pulled this list directly from Magnet's IG database. Ranked by total followers (reach), with verified-status as a tie-breaker.
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2
Michigan State University✓
@michiganstateuA top global public research university, MSU is home to 400+ academic programs, 1000+ student organizations and the world’s strongest mascot. 💚
3
Arizona State University✓
@arizonastateuniversityRepeatedly ranked #1, ASU is a Research 1 university committed to excellence, access and impact. #ASUlife
4
Isaac G. Bryan✓
@ib2_real⚖️ CA Assemblymember (LA) ✊🏽 Black Caucus Vice Chair 🏁 10 Toes Down 🗣️ Neighborhood Hope Dealer
5
Mississippi State University✓
@msstateThe official account of Mississippi State University. #HailState 🐾
6
Texas State University✓
@txst📍San Marcos, Texas 😼 Bobcat Nation 🚀 Dedicated to research & innovation 🌿 Rivers, forests, & more to explore
7
UMass Amherst✓
@umass#UMassAmherst is the largest public research university in New England with top-ranked academics. Community Guidelines: https://bit.ly/4j5Ujgd
8
Appalachian State University
@appstateThe official Instagram account of Appalachian State University.
9
Kansas State University✓
@kansasstateuniversityThe official Instagram home of Kansas State University. #KState
10
11
Grand Valley State University
@gvsuThe official Instagram account for Grand Valley State University, home of the Lakers ⚓️ ⬆️
12
Montclair State University✓
@montclairstateu🎓 NJ's premier public service university 📚 300+ programs | 23,000+ students 📍 12 miles from NYC #RedHawkPride ✍️ Soar with us ➡️ @montclairadmissions
13
BGSU✓
@officialbgsu#1 university in Ohio students would choose again. Always moving Forward. Always a Public University for the Public Good.® #AlwaysBG
14
Chico State
@chicostateWildcats dive into immersive programs in our tight-knit community—gaining skills and confidence to lead in their careers and lives. #TomorrowCalls
15
California State Parks Foundation
@calparksAn independent member-supported nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the CA state park system, for the benefit of all.
16
State University of New York✓
@sunyCollege should set you up for success, not bury you in debt. Discover the State University of New York.
17
Official account of CSUN
@csun_eduVoted #1 for the economic diversity of its students! Follow us for campus life, updates, and more! #CSUN 🌹
18
SUNY New Paltz 🧡💙
@sunynewpaltzWe're home to innovators, leaders, and creators. Located only 90 minutes from NYC. Tag us to be featured! #NewPaltz, #NParts, #NPalumni, #NPhawks
19
North Dakota State University
@ndsu.officialThe official Instagram of NDSU in Fargo, ND. Home of the Bison 🤘 #ExperienceNDSU —— 👇 Click for NDSU news, info, events & more
20
The Chronicle of Higher Education
@chronicleofhigheredAcademe’s most trusted resource for independent journalism, career development, and forward-looking intelligence.
How we built this list
📊 Real data
Pulled directly from Magnet's database of 13M+ Instagram profiles. We don't take submissions or accept payment for placement.
🎯 Niche-specific
Filtered to profiles tagged "Public Higher Education System" — content focused on this space.
📈 Ranked by reach
Ordered by total follower count, with verified status as a tie-breaker.
🔄 Updated regularly
Database refreshes monthly. The accounts here reflect the state of public higher education system Instagram in 2026.