Are you planning to pursue higher studies in the USA? We know the entire process of choosing a reputed university that fulfills all your dreams can be quite baffling.
Various questions may crop up in your mind – ‘Which university in the US is the best? Which university will help me fulfill my academic endeavors?”
Known for its diverse ethnicities and renowned universities, the USA is one of the hotspots of global education across all disciplines. According to QS World University Rankings 2023, the USA comprises 45 of the top 200 universities in the world. Again, as per the NCES, around 4000 colleges and universities currently welcome international students to study in the country.
The world's best 177 colleges and universities are located here. Hence, a top university will not be far away wherever you decide to study in the country. Still, before deciding on a university for higher studies, it is wise to do in-depth research first.
To aid you with this arduous process, we have compiled some of the best universities in the US that will enable you to fulfil all your aspirations and pursue a fruitful career in the near future.
Most students aim to study in the US due to its remarkable education system, improvement of skillsets, and lucrative employment opportunities. However, these aspects often fail to materialise into reality. The key cause is a lack of profound knowledge and right guidance. Mostly, these students tend to follow the crowd blindly without giving serious thought about where and what to study.
But, it is important to consider the kind of universities they choose to pursue their higher studies abroad. Here is why you should always select the best university to study in the US –
Securing admission to a top university in the US can be incredibly competitive, but you will surely reap the above-mentioned benefits you do. If you're unsure if you can get into a top university in the US, you can also book a free consultation with the eminent counselors of AbroAdvice.com.
Choosing a university is one of the most vital decisions you will ever make in your life. This is mainly because it will have a long-lasting impact on your personal and professional lives.
Have a look at certain crucial factors you must consider when selecting a university to pursue high studies –
First things first, you need to opt for a university that has a program you are interested in. Apart from that, you will want to consider the different variations of that subject and how it can translate into different programs. For instance, you want to pursue biology. A university can offer biochemistry, biology, biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, biostatistics, and life sciences courses. Hence, it is vital to see which program will be the best for you.
Location is another vital factor to consider when selecting a university. Ask yourself, ' What is the weather like –sunny or cold?' 'Is it an urban, suburban, or rural area?' 'Is it close to your family, a short distance or a long one?' 'Is there any easy transportation back home?' Answering all these questions will enable you to make a wise choice.
Unless you have a substantial university savings fund, the cost is probably significant to you. Some international students look for affluent schools. Yet others, paying for college without taking any student loans is crucial. So, it is essential to consider the tuition fees before choosing any university.
Further, consider room and board, tuition, books, transportation, and fees when estimating the total study cost.
The student-to-faculty ratio is another significant statistic when it comes to selecting the right university. Let's assume a ratio of 10:1. Such a university has a lower student-to-faculty ratio.
In such a circumstance, there are increasing chances of getting help from your professors in academics. This implies you will get personalised instructions and suggestions vital for your academic success.
An accredited university denotes that the concerned institution is recognised by the official, state, and other educational authorities for being a university that offers supreme quality education. So, always try to opt for accredited universities, as otherwise, your degree will not hold merit in job placements or further studies.
It is significant to consider the career opportunities a university can provide you with after you graduate. Certain universities will open doors for you just with their stellar reputation. Others have post-graduate programs that will enable you to kick-start your career with partner companies. You may want to take check these out if you already have career objectives in mind.
Selecting the perfect university is a paramount decision. This decision must be taken solely by you based on the crucial factors mentioned above and more.
Now that you have become well-versed with how to choose the best universities in the US, let's take a close look at some of the top universities in the country in 2023 in detail –
For 12 years, MIT holds the top position in the QS World University Rankings with an overall score of 100. It was founded in the year 1861. This eminent university is an independent, private, and co-educational institution. It emphasises scientific and technological research.
With 1000+ reputed members in the faculty, this eminent university continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of undergraduate and postgraduate students. The beauty of this institution lies in the fact that it compels students to go beyond their past comprehension of what they believe themselves to be capable of.
The most popular majors at MIT include –
Some of the renowned programs majors offered at the university are –
Various graduate programs are offered at MIT across 50 academic departments. The most renowned courses are mechanical engineering, computational science and engineering, business analytics, finance, electrical engineering, computer science, and supply chain management.
Have a look at the admission requirements for graduate programs at MIT –
The admission interviews for graduate programs at MIT are usually conducted between October and November for Early Applicants and December to January for Regular Applicants. The applicants can be asked to give a vital interview or in person based on the agreement with the Education Counsellor. But, an admission interview is not compulsory due to limited availability.
On average, the interview typically takes around 1 hour to complete. But, the duration can hugely vary based on the program. Before the interview, it is advised that the candidates prepare in advance and must know what questions can be asked by the education counsellor.
The tuition cost of education at MIT is roughly $79,850. However, most students tend to pay far less than that. The university also offers full-need financial aid. This implies that they offer 100% demonstrated financial needs for all admitted students.
The average annual tuition cost paid by a student who received financial aid is $19,599 for the 2021-2022 academic year.
In QS World University Rankings 2024, Stanford University ranks 5 with an overall score of 98.1. It was ranked #3 from 2022-2024.
It is a 131-year-old university in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has one of the largest university campuses in the US, consisting of 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools. The university has a research budget of more than 1.5 billion dollars and 19+ separate labs, centres, and institutes for students and faculty to dive deep into their work. Certain eminent Stanford University Graduates include Tiger Woods, Larry Page, and Reese Witherspoon.
The most popular majors at Stanford University include –
Some of the renowned programs offered at the university are –
Stanford University offers 200+ graduate programs through its 5 schools. Take a look at the admission requirements for graduate programs at Stanford University –
The admission process at Stanford University is incredibly holistic. The admission board will closely look into every part of your application. Some aspects will enable them to know your background and your life experience. Other aspects will inform them about your academic accomplishments and your school. You need to submit an essay that will enable them to gain profound knowledge about your interests and ideas.
An interview session is not compulsory for every applicant. It is case-specific and conducted on an invitation basis only.
The tuition cost of Stanford University is $56,169 approximately. The university offers financial aid in the form of scholarships that don't require being repaid. It also provides additional funding sources through federal and state grants and student employment opportunities.
49% of students pursuing higher studies at Stanford receive financial aid and an average aid package of $66,562.
Harvard University upholds rank #4 in QS World University Rankings 2024 with an overall score of 99.2. The university is located in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and is the first college in the American colonies. Only the academic elite can secure admission at this Ivy League institution.
The university offers 4000+ courses in 50 undergraduate fields of study. It also provides exceptional Masters Degrees in Science, Art, and Engineering. The university has produced countless Nobel Laureates like John F. Kennedy, Mark Zuckerberg, and Matt Damon, who have accomplished unlimited success in innumerable disciplines.
Some of the most renowned majors at Harvard University include –
Some of the popular programs offered by the university are –
The acceptance rate at Harvard is 4.7%. For every 100 applicants, only 5 get admission. This implies that the university is incredibly selective. Here are certain crucial admission requirements you need to keep in mind if you aim to study at Harvard –
The admission process at Harvard University comprises different stages: recruitment, alumni interview, reading applications, voting of committees, and final decision. The admission committee at Harvard gives careful attention to every profile. They take a close look into a bunch of factors when considering the application.
This includes growth trajectory and potentials, interests and activities, personal character and each applicant’s contribution to the Harvard community.
The fee for pursuing studies at Harvard University is $79,450, with $54,269 being the tuition fee. The rest incorporates health services, room rates, student services, board rates, and student activities fees.
But, the university also offers need-based financial aid to students whose family earns under $75k annually. The financial aid policy for studies overseas is similar for US citizens or foreign citizens. Hence, your application for financial aid will never ruin your chances of securing admission into Harvard University.
Caltech is a world-acclaimed science and engineering institute that was once the top-rank holder for higher education in the Times Rankings and is now placed second. This renowned university, situated in Pasadena, California, offers exceptional opportunities for the study and performance of theatre. It also offers remarkable courses in music and visual arts.
All these play an integral role in its mission of educating brilliant students to become creative members of society. CalTech also hosts countless national Olympiads and scans for students who can make the world better from a young age. Kavid Goyal, Kip Thorne, and Satish Dhawan are renowned Caltech graduates.
The most popular majors at the California Institute of Technology include –
The acceptance rate at Caltech is 3.9%. Its admission rate is the lowest in California and lowest in the nation. Here are the essential admission requirements of Caltech University –
The admission process of Caltech University takes place once each year, accepting applications between November 15 and January 1 for enrolment starting in the following fall term. Applicants are usually encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
All applicants are evaluated by the admission committees. There is no minimum grade point average or other quantitative metric used for assessing the applicants. The personal statement, LOR, and personal statement are all taken into consideration. All applicants can only apply to one academic option during every admission cycle.
The tuition fee of California Institute of Technology is $60,864 for prospective students, and graduate school tuition and fees are $60,657 for 2023.
Caltech offers mainly three kinds of financial aid –
60% of enrolled undergraduate students are seen to receive grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $43,064. It covers 70.75% of the full tuition cost.
Founded in the year 1746, Princeton University is a private institution. It holds the #6 rank on the World University Ranking and #13 on the QS World University Ranking. It comprises one of the outstanding research universities in the world. The Ivy League institution is also renowned for its spirited community of learning and scholarship.
The university is also famous for the spectacular lushness of its campuses and the grandeur of architecture for some of its landmark buildings, like its Lewis Library. Studying at this university amidst natural beauty and architectural gems tends to bring out the best in students.
The most renowned majors at Princeton University include –
The university offers fantastic degree programs in the below-enlisted disciplines –
The acceptance rate at Princeton University is 5.5%. This implies for every 100 applicants, only 6 get admission. This implies the school is excessively selective.
Here are certain admission requirements you need to keep in mind if you wish to pursue higher studies at this highly esteemed university –
The admission decisions for undergraduate programs at the university are usually released in mid-December. The admission decisions for most graduate programs must be made by March 15 via email by the program's department. All graduate students receiving admission decisions must confirm their acceptance within the scheduled date.
The admission interview at the university is completely optional and is generally conducted by the alumni. The interview is conducted soon after the university receives the candidate's application. One can decide to attend the interview or opt out of it. Those who have decided not to take the interview process will receive an email with an interview invitation. The interview process is basically a 30-45 minute informal conversation, including a discussion related to the background and interests of the applicant.
The average cost of studying at Princeton University is nearly 78,000 USD. This includes tuition, boarding, living, and miscellaneous. This can be a concern for students on a low budget.
The university caters to 100% of the demonstrated need of its aspirants by offering financial support in the form of awards and scholarships for international students. Some of the exceptional scholarships offered to international students include –
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According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, certain top universities in the USA are –
The rank of these universities is estimated by three indicators –
The tuition fees at public/state universities in the US are comparatively lower than at private educational institutions. Expenses on tuition fees will hugely depend on the qualification type and the university that one would decide to attend.
The university fees in the USA for international students are roughly $25000-$55000 per year.
Different types of scholarship opportunities or financial aid options are provided to international students in the US. Some of them are
Yes, of course. You can apply to top universities in the US as an international student. Here are some of the eminent universities that have an excellent acceptance rate for international students –
Current students and alumni are some of the best resources for visiting universities and learning more about them. Travelling thousands of miles to know more about these universities is also not always necessary. You can also reach out to your student's counsellor and ask them to help you contact students presently attending the universities you are interested in.
They can provide perspectives and experiences that can't be found on a website or in a printed brochure.
The US's average timing of work hours is around 34.6, as per the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, 40 hours a week which is 8 hours per day, is the national standard of work hours for full-time employees. In case an employee is exempt from FLSA and any local, state, or union overtime laws, the s/he can work up to 60 hours a week on salary.
Yes. Many specialized MBA programs are designed to help students develop certain skills and knowledge of the chosen area. Choose your specialization based on your interest and the skills and knowledge you need to learn to pursue a career in your desired field.
Well, Management courses are not a STEM degree in and of it. However, some programs are STEM-designated. Popular STEM-designated MBA courses focus on finance, business analytics, economics, decision theory, law, marketing, information technology, statistics, management, and strategy.
Yes. NIOS pass certification is valid. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is established by the Government of India's Ministry of HRD. The passing is recognized everywhere for further admissions.
An open learning degree or online degree is accepted in the US if accredited by the Distance Education Council (DEC). The DEC accredits academic institutions offering online and open learning courses and degrees through the Automated Accreditation System (AAS). So if your degree is from a recognized university and you have met the other requirements for the program, you can apply for a master's in America.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has the highest number of Indian students in the US for its outstanding engineering, science, humanities, technology, arts, and social sciences programs. New York University, NY, and Northeastern University, Boston, are the other two popular institutions with more Indian students.
List of Universities accepting Duolingo test in the US:
To select a university for MS in the US:
According to the US News Business School Compass, the best universities for MBA in America are:
Universities accepting 6 IELTS bands in the US are:
Tips for finding the best university for masters in the US:
Public universities are higher education institutions that receive primary funding from state governments. In contrast, private universities heavily rely on private funding, tuition fees, endowment, and alums donations to fund different academic programs. Public universities are larger with more programs and affordable, while private universities are comparatively smaller with more personalized guidance and extensive facilities.
Top American universities for data science are:
Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the US. Established in 1636, it is one of the world's best universities for its outstanding academic programs and research facilities. According to the QS World University ranking, Harvard is ranked #1 for subjects like life sciences and medicines, followed by arts and humanities.
Generally, students consider private universities better because they get more care and personalized support. Since public universities have more enrolments, students often don’t get personalized support. On the other hand, private institutions are really expensive, and students have to pay a hefty amount for the entire course. Public universities are more affordable and offer several financial aid. So it is up to the student to decide the best option.
American universities have numerous specialized labs and research facilities for students to perform scientific and technological research, measurement, and experiments. Such opportunities contribute to students’ overall development and help them gain an in-depth learning experience.
Absolutely! Top-ranked public and private universities in the US are widely prevalent among students worldwide for their research and career opportunities. Different internships are offered for research projects depending on your course and the type of visa. Undergraduates also have the option of summer research internships.
Here’s how you can get involved in the university’s community:
Most American universities offer some health and medical services, from basic to multi-doctor primary care covering x-rays, laboratory tests, prescribed drugs, and access to medical specialists. The charges are nominal.
Here are some suggestions for finding a part-time job as a student:
Study abroad programs or semester abroad programs are great opportunities for personal growth and global connections. You will better understand the world and different cultures and find better jobs. However, not all universities or courses offer such opportunities. Therefore, reach out to your on-campus program counselor for detailed information.
To apply for OPT, you must:
1- Get a recommendation from your institution's designated school official (DSO). S/he will make a recommendation by endorsing Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
2- File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, and the required fee and the supporting documents as instructed in the form.
To find part-time internships related to your field, make sure you do the following:
Here’s a list of transportation options on and off campus:
Here are the steps to follow:
