There is no doubt that the USA stands tall among the most preferred countries for higher education by students all over the world. Owing to their quality education, research facilities, and top-notch infrastructure; summer intake American universities remain at the top of the global educational rankings.
According to NCES data, there are currently about 4,000 colleges and top universities in the USA that offer world class education. 36 of the top 100 institutions in the world are located in the United States, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Entrance exams accepted by universities in the USA like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, SAT, GRE, and GMAT as per admission requirements.
Why Study in The USA?
- High Academic Reputation
The United States is home to half of the best global universities from undergraduate programs to a doctorate level degree.
- Ample Research and Training Facilities
These opportunities for research and training not only enhance students’ academic abilities but also prepare them for future careers.
- Wide Range of Specialisations
This wide array of options ensures that students can find a programme that aligns with their career goals for success in their chosen field.
- State-of-the-art Universities
Universities in the United States are well-known for their cutting-edge facilities and advanced infrastructure, which provide students with the best possible learning environment.
- Huge Job Market
The labour market is continually expanding and offering excellent prospects with competitive pay. They also provide a wide range of job opportunities post the Masters degree across various industries.
- Great Opportunities
The country has been the first and foremost choice for any immigrant who aspires to have a great career abroad with better opportunities.
- Post-work Permits in The USA
International students can apply for a Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months.
Popular Courses in The USA
- STEM
- Business Administration Management
- Computer science and information technology
- Medicine and life sciences
- Art and culture
- Information technology
- Media and film production
- Education and training
- Law
Top 20 Universities in The USA
The top 20 universities in the USA are ranked by the criteria of academic reputation, faculty quality, student satisfaction, research output, and global impact.
You can have a look at the list:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Columbia University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbour
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- Northwestern University
- New York University (NYU)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Duke University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- Brown University
Tier 1 Universities in The USA
American universities are divided into five tiers according to how difficult it is to get accepted into a college. From Tier 1 universities being highly difficult to Tier 5 universities which are fairly easy to secure admission to. The majority of Tier 1 comprises major private research universities.
- MIT
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Caltech
- Columbia University
- Brown university
- Northwestern University
- Dartmouth University
- Duke University
- Vanderbilt University
- Cornell University
- John Hopkins University
- Rice University
Top State Universities
Public institutions have plenty to offer students of all backgrounds. These are schools that receive public support, usually from the state or federal government. This means that tuition is often lower than at private colleges because the government funds most of the college’s operations rather than attending students.
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbour
- University of Virginia
- University of Florida
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- William and Mary
- Georgia Institute of Technology
Other Best Universities and Colleges in The US
- Academy of Art University
- Arkansas State University
- CSUN
- CSUS
- DePaul
- Duquesne
- Eastern Michigan University
- Emporia State University
- Governors State University
- Gannon University
- Grand Valley State University
- Indian Tech
- Global University
- Kennesaw State University
- Kent State University
- Liberty University
- NAU
- National University
- North Park University
- NJIT
- PNW
- Pittsburg State University
- St.Charles Community College
- SUNY Poly
- Sacred Heart University
- South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- TAMUK
- Texas State University
- UMASS-Dartmouth
- U of Alabama, Huntsville
- U of West Florida
- UC Denver
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of New Haven
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Vaughn College
- Western Illinois University
- Western New England University
- Wichita State University
- Wilmington University
- University Of Wyoming
- University of Findlay
University tiers can also provide a general idea of the resources and opportunities available at different institutions.
Cost of Study in The USA for International Students
There are both public and private institutions in the United States, and the primary expense of higher education is tuition. Tuition at public or state universities is less expensive than at private universities. The cost of higher education will also vary depending on the degree sought and the school attended.
The cost of tuition and living expenses for international students attending universities is between $25,000 and $45,000 per year along with the student visa fee is $510 including the SEVIS fee of $350 and F-1 visa cost is $160.
Average Cost of Study at Public Universities in The USA
| Course level | Average tuition fee per annum in USD |
| Associate | $3800 |
| Undergraduate | $8000-$40000 |
| Postgraduate | $10,000-$60,000 |
Average Cost of Study at Private Universities in The USA
| Course level | Average tuition fee per annum in USD |
| 4 year bachelor programme | 25,000-50,000 USD/year |
| Masters programme in US | 22,000-55,000 |
Scholarships for International Students in The USA
The United States government and several US colleges provide scholarships to international students based on merit, need, sports, and sometimes extracurricular excellence.
Let’s take a look at the scholarships available for Indian students studying in the USA.
- AEF Scholarship
- Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship
- American universities are emerging as global leaders in scholarship.
- Asian women in business scholarship fund
- Chicago Booth School of Business
- Cornell University Tata Scholarship
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- Gunvant and Bharati Parekh College Scholarship Award
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
Final Thoughts
The education system in the USA opens a world of opportunities for international students. With a reputation for academic excellence, the USA remains a top destination for higher education, catering to various fields like STEM, business, arts and more. Although the cost of education may be high compared to other countries and institutions; availability of numerous scholarships and financial aid make study in the USA simpler for international students.
Now speaking about top universities in the USA, whether you are aiming for a Tier 1 university or exploring state universities, the country has numerous top-ranked universities that can help you to achieve your academic and professional goal while experiencing a vibrant cultural and educational environment.