List of Top Universities in USA: Courses, Requirement, & QS Ranking

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

The United States is home to Ivy League universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, and is a popular study-abroad destination among international students. The country has many of the world’s best universities, where you can enhance your skills. Universities in the United States consistently dominate global rankings, making them the world’s most reputable law, business, and medical schools. MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) are among the top ten universities in the world.

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Over 980 universities in the United States offer undergraduate, graduate, and other degree-level programs. With a range of fantastic scholarship opportunities for students, a welcoming campus space, and experienced faculty- international students do get to have it all in the United States. Let’s explore some of the best universities in the US so that you can make an informed decision! 

Highlights Of Universities In The USA

The United States is the most popular destination for international students who want to study abroad.  The highlights of the best US universities for international students can be found in the following table:

Why should you Study in the USA?

For international students, the top reasons to study in the United States are as follows:

• The United States has some of the world’s best universities, which are known for their academic standards and research programs, which help you to enhance yourself daily.
• When you choose to get a graduation from a US institution. It provides you with a lot of job opportunities both in the United States and around the world.
• Boston, New York, and San Francisco are ideal student destinations, as you find a diverse population with rich cultural experiences.
• US campuses are known for their student populations and serve as a global networking platform and a welcoming environment.
• The United States is home to many prestigious institutions, including Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, all of which are leaders in their fields.
• US universities provide cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities for collaboration on ground-breaking projects.
• Many scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students, making education in the United States more affordable.
• A flexible curriculum and diverse coursework promote critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in the United States educational system.
• Studying in the United States allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse cultural environment, which fosters personal growth and broadens your perspective.
• A degree from a US university is highly valued around the world, increasing your credibility and appeal to potential employers.

Top Universities in the USA

Below is a list of the top universities in the United States for international students, along with their world rankings as determined by QS World Ranking:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Harvard University
3. Stanford University
4. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
5. University of Chicago
6. University of Pennsylvania
7. Cornell University
8. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
9. Yale University
10. Princeton University

Best Engineering Universities in the USA

Universities in the United States offer Engineering programs in popular specializations such as Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and so on. International students can find a list of the best BTech universities in the United States below: 

Best Management Universities in USA

Twelve of the top twenty management universities in the United States accept international students. Check the list of top Management Universities in the USA below:

Best Life Science & Medicine Universities in USA

Twelve of the top twenty medical universities in the United States accept international students. 

Check out the list of top Life Science and Medicine Universities in the United States below:

MBA Universities in the USA

The United States is home to the world’s top MBA universities. Students can check the list of the top MBA universities in the United States below:

Top States/ Cities to Study in the USA

Many US cities are among the top student cities in the world, according to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.

Top Courses in the USA

International students can enrol in degree, certificate, and diploma-level courses offered by renowned US colleges. US institutions provide about 956 degree programs, 85 certificate programs, and 9 diploma programs.

Admission Requirements in the USA

International students who wish to continue their higher education at US universities must meet the university’s entry requirements. Indian students must meet different requirements to study for master’s degrees in the United States than bachelor’s degrees. For bachelor’s admission, students must complete 12th-grade education, and for master’s admission, they must hold a bachelor’s degree.

Entrance exams accepted by universities in the United States

Some of the entrance exams accepted by US universities for MS courses are listed below:

1. SAT 

The SAT is crucial for undergraduate applications in the USA, with scores accepted by all universities. A minimum score of 1300 is required, but prestigious institutes like Harvard University require at least 1520.

2. ACT

The ACT is another standardized exam accepted by US universities. The required scores range from 32-36. The top colleges requiring the ACT include MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.

3. GRE

The GRE is essential for MS and PhD programs in the USA. It includes quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing sections. Top universities require a minimum score of 320. It’s also an alternative to the GMAT for MBA admissions.

4. LSAT

The LSAT is required for law school admissions in the USA. While the average score is 150, top law schools require scores above 160. LSAT scores carry a 70% weight in admissions.

5. MCAT

The MCAT is mandatory for medical school admissions in the USA, with a minimum average score of 510 required.

6. GMAT

The GMAT is crucial for MBA programs, with an average score of 700 required by US universities. Top business schools may require scores above 740. Some universities offer GMAT waivers for high GPAs or significant work experience.

English Language Requirements by Universities in the United States

Students whose first language is not English must submit a score from any of the following English Language Proficiency tests:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• PTE
• Duolingo

Documents Required in the USA

International students must submit the necessary documents to complete their admission application to be accepted into US universities. We have listed below the documents required for the program:

Intakes in USA Universities

In the United States, international students typically have two intakes: fall and spring. Students can choose any of them to study in the United States. Aside from Fall and Spring, there is one more intake in the United States: Summer, which typically begins in May. However, most courses in the United States begin in the fall. International students can apply for scholarships and financial aid during the Fall semester.

• The fall semester in the United States is the most popular among Indian students. The fall months in the United States last from September to December.
• The spring semester begins in January and concludes in May. The spring intake in the United States begins in October or November. 
• Summer semester: This intake is for limited programs and courses and typically begins in May.

Best Cities in the USA 2024

According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024 ranking, 14 US cities are among the top 100 student cities in the world for studying abroad. Students can choose universities in these cities to study in the United States. Boston is ranked among the top ten cities in the world for students in 2024. Students can check out the following list of the best student cities in the United States:

• Boston
• New York
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Chicago
• Washington, D.C.
• Philadelphia
• Seattle
• San Diego
• Atlanta

Cost of studying in the USA

The cost of studying in the United States for international students varies by program at different universities. The average first-year cost of studying MS in the United States is INR 23.5 lakh, while the average cost of studying MBA in the United States is INR 27.8 lakh for international students.

Cost of Living in the USA

Part-time options in the USA

Part-time jobs are important for international students studying abroad in the United States. Students can work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week full-time when classes are not. Here are some of the best part-time job opportunities for students:

• Monitor the library.
• Teaching Assistant
• Tour guide
• Peer tutor
• Campus Technical Support

Top Job Sectors & Economy in the USA

Graduates of prestigious universities in the United States land jobs in the country’s top industries. According to the report, healthcare is the most lucrative job sector for graduates in the United States. We have compiled a list of the top job sectors in the US for international students:

Student Visa Fee in the USA

The United States remains the top choice for international students seeking to study abroad. Students who wish to study in the United States must first obtain a valid student visa. According to a USCIS report, approximately two lakh Indian students will apply to study in the United States in 2022, an increase of more than 19% from 2021.

Post-work permits in the USA

One of the primary reasons for studying in the United States is to obtain a post-study work permit. This will attract international students to pursue higher education in the United States. Students who have completed their degrees at top colleges in the United States can apply for post-study work. To obtain a work permit, students must first have a valid Post-study work visa.

Is studying in India better than studying in the USA?

There are different academic systems in the United States and India. In India, classroom learning is highly valued, and teaching methods are typically more theoretical. On the other hand, US institutions are well-known for their excellent infrastructure, which includes cutting-edge research labs and machinery. As compared to the Indian educational system, the majority of students are locals, US institutions have a large diversity of students from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds, so you will find a lot of exposure in usa.

When it comes to educational costs and the return on investments, US institutions typically provide a higher return on investment (ROI). Graduates from US universities typically have greater access to a global network of alumni, a broader range of employment opportunities, and higher starting salaries. Students at US colleges have the opportunity to study and gain practical experience, which will equip them with employable skills that are in high demand by businesses around the world. Furthermore, a multicultural environment enhances employability and job opportunities.

Conclusion

The United States is a popular study-abroad destination for international students, with over 980 top universities offering undergraduate, graduate, and degree-level programs. The top three streams in the USA are BE/BTech, BBA, and MBA/PGDM. Students must meet requirements ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 40 lakh or more. Top reasons for studying in the USA include higher education, better job opportunities, the best student cities, international student groups, and the world’s top universities. The USCIS report shows an increase of over 19% in Indian students applying to study in the US in 2022. Admissify’s expert team is here to assist with all your admission queries and help make your study abroad dream a reality.

FAQs

What is the top 1 university in the US?

Princeton University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are considered to be the top 2 universities in the USA. Studying at the top universities allows you to get the option to improve your career opportunities.

What is the 1 ranked college in America?

Princeton University is considered to be the best university in America. It is followed by Columbia University, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology which is also considered to be the best university.

Why is Harvard so famous?

Harvard is famous because of its historical significance and because of its cultural obsession.

What is a good GRE score for top colleges?

A good GRE score for top colleges is 320 or above. This score will allow you to easily get admission to the top universities in the USA.

What is the GRE cut-off for the Ivy League?

Applicants who are accepted into IVY LEAGUE often have verbal scores between 155 and 166 and quantitative scores between 155 and 170. Many programs require scores in the 160s or the top 10-15 percentile.

Kirti Mundhra

Kirti is a Career Counsellor with a proven track record of guiding over a thousand students in India and abroad towards their dream careers. She did her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Psychology from Delhi University. She focuses on personal growth and development to ensure students make informed, strategic decisions about their futures.