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International students can work in STEM fields for up to three years after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which significantly expands career opportunities in the United States. The USA also invests heavily in research, with $68 billion spent each year on academic R&D. Furthermore, the country’s cultural diversity and nearly 1 million international students create a global network, making the United States an ideal location for networking and professional development. Let’s take a look at the top 25 universities in USA.
| University | QS Rank | Avg Tuition ($/year) | Acceptance Rate | Scholarship | Median Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | 20 | 63,200 | 11% | Cornell Tradition Scholarship | 82,000 |
| University of Florida | 185 | 28,658 (Out-of-state) | 31% | Florida Opportunity Scholars | 60,000 |
| Caltech | 6 | 60,864 | 7% | Caltech Scholars Program | 95,000 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Tech. | 1 | 57,590 | 7% | MIT Scholarships | 98,100 |
| Princeton University | 16 | 56,010 | 6% | Princeton’s Aid Program | 88,400 |
| UC Berkeley | 27 | 43,980 (Out-of-state) | 15% | Middle-Class Access Plan | 75,000 |
| UCLA | 44 | 43,012 (Out-of-state) | 11% | Regents Scholarship | 68,600 |
| University of Michigan | 33 | 55,334 (Out-of-state) | 23% | Michigan Competitive Awards | 76,900 |
| Northwestern University | 32 | 63,468 | 7% | Northwestern Scholarship | 87,000 |
| University of Southern California | 53 | 63,468 | 12% | USC Merit Scholarships | 81,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 52 | 61,344 | 15% | Carnegie Scholarship | 83,100 |
| University of Virginia | 253 | 53,666 (Out-of-state) | 21% | Virginia Scholars Program | 65,000 |
Top 25 Universities In USA
The USA has one of the best education systems in the world. The best universities in USA prove it right in all its capacity. Best and beautiful campuses, prolific study-life balance, opportunities to grow and learn in a diverse community, and a career you can be proud of makes studying in the USA a dream come true. The USA is home to top colleges like Harvard and Stanford. Also, with the fees, you may check out various scholarship options offered by the best universities in USA.
1. Arizona State University
Location: London
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine
Tests Required: SAT: 1120+, GMAT: 650+, GPA: 3+, IELTS: 6+, TOEFL: 80+
Notable Alumni: Jimmy Kimmel (Host & Comedian)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 63,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 17,000
Arizona State University, one of the best universities in USA, challenges myths about America through innovative education. It stands out among universities in USA, debunking stereotypes and shaping a dynamic learning environment in the diverse landscape of American colleges. The university offers 450+ programs, including 200 online courses in the USA for international students.
2. Stanford University
Location: Stanford
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management
Tests Required: SAT: 1420+, GMAT: 600+, GRE: 307+, GPA: 3.72+, IELTS: 6+, TOEFL: 101+
Notable Alumni: Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla Motors)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 7,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 9,400
Stanford University, among the best universities in USA, defies myths about America by epitomizing academic excellence. Nestled in Silicon Valley, it stands as a beacon among universities in USA, reshaping the landscape of colleges with innovation and intellectual prowess. The 8000+ acre campus enrolls 16,000+ students annually.
3. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management
Tests Required: SAT: 1470+, GMAT: 610+, GRE: 298+, GPA: 3+, TOEFL: 80+
Notable Alumni: Bill Gates (Former CEO of Microsoft)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 6,700
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 9,400
Harvard University, situated in Cambridge, is globally recognized as one of the best universities in USA. Renowned for academic excellence, it stands among the top-tier universities and colleges in the USA, offering diverse programs across various disciplines. The campus houses 2,000+ students annually and has the largest library system in the world.
4. University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management
Tests Required: SAT: 1020+, GMAT: 610+, GRE: 320+, GPA: 2.7+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 104+
Notable Alumni: Susan Sontag (American Writer)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 7,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 10,000
Chicago University is one of the top business schools in the US. The campus of one of the best universities in USA and the world hosts 17,000+ students annually. Also, if you are especially looking for the best engineering schools in the US, you may check out our blog on 15 Best Engineering Schools in the US for a specially curated list.
5. New York University
Location: New York City
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1290+, GMAT: 660+, GPA: 3+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Lady Gaga (Singer)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 29,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 25,000
New York University was founded in 1940 and is one of the best universities in USA for international students. The university is one of the best MBA schools in us. Also, diverting a little here as the Spring Intakes in USA have already begun. The deadline for intakes in USA is November. The academic Interstellar has been recognized as the best place for international students to study in the USA.
6. Yale University
Location: New Haven
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1450+, GMAT: 690+, GRE: 317+, GPA: 3+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: George W. Bush (43rd U.S. President)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 6,500
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 8,800
Yale University, located in New Haven, stands among the best universities in USA. Beyond academic excellence, the 300+ years old university is world renowned for its top-ranking courses and diversity among the best universities in USA. It dispels myths about America’s higher education, symbolizing the rich legacy and diversity of top-tier colleges in the USA.
7. Duke State University
Location: Durham
Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1490+, GMAT: 690+, GRE: 301+, GPA: 3+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 9
Notable Alumni: Tim Cook (CEO of Apple)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 6,900
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 9,500
Duke University is one of the wealthiest universities in the UK and also among the best universities in USA for international students. The university was founded in 1838; Duke University accepts 15,000+ students each year. The university is considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the USA, dotted with Gothic architecture.
8. Northeastern University
Location: Boston
Top Courses: Experimental Psychology, Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1400+, GMAT: 627+, GRE: 301+, GPA: 3+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Dean Tong (AUthor)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 15,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 8,000
The prestigious Northeastern University has turned around as one of the best universities in USA for international students. Hosting 20,000+ students the university is world-renowned for its Experimental Psychology among others.
9. New Jersey Institute of Technology
Location: New Jersey
Top Courses: Biomedical, Experimental Psychology, Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1400+, GMAT: 627+, GRE: 301+, GPA: 3+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Dheeraj Pandey (Former CEO of Nutanix)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 8,800
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 3,200
New Jersey Institute of Technology, a standout among universities in USA, merges technology and innovation. Dispelling myths about America, it epitomizes excellence in STEM education, contributing to the dynamic landscape of colleges in the USA.
10. Columbia University
Location: New York City
Top Courses: African-American Studies, Anthropology, Mathematics, Executive MBA, Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: GMAT: 530+, GPA: 3.2+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Theodore Roosevelt (26th U.S. President)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 8,100
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 22,000
Columbia University was established in the year 1754, making it one of the oldest institutions in the county. The acceptance rate of Columbia University is lower which makes it a little difficult college to get into, yet it is among the best universities in America for international students. It is also one of the most preferable institutes of higher studies when it comes to the IVY league range.
11. John Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore
Top Courses: African-American Studies, Anthropology, Mathematics, Executive MBA, Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Accounting, Social Sciences & Management, Environmental Biology, Neural Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1520+, GPA: 3+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: John Aston (Actor/Director)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 6,300
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 21,000
John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, was founded in 1876. With an acceptance rate of 8%, the institution enrolls 24,000+ students each year and has 27 Nobel laureates in its alumni list making it one of the best universities in USA.
12. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia
Top Courses: MBA, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences
Tests Required: SAT: 1560+, ACT: 35+. GPA: 3.9+
Notable Alumni: Noam Chomsky (Professor)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 10,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 12,000
The University of Pennsylvania, among the best universities in USA, debunks myths about America’s education. As a prestigious Ivy League institution, it exemplifies the academic prowess, 14,000+ students enrolled each year, and cultural diversity within universities and colleges in the USA.
13. Brown University
Location: Providence
Top Courses: MBA, Business and Management, Accounting, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Medicine
Tests Required: SAT: 1488+, GRE: 330+, IELTS: 8+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Emma Watson (Actress)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 7,200
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 3,200
Brown University in Providence, renowned among the best universities in USA, offers a broad spectrum of programs and courses. From humanities to advanced sciences, its curriculum reflects the academic richness characteristic of top-tier universities and colleges in the USA.
14. Cornell University
Location: Ithaca
Top Courses: MBA, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Medicine
Tests Required: SAT: 1390+, GMAT: 650+, IELTS: 7+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of US)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 15,500
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 8,800
Cornell is more than 158 years old, with an annual student enrollment of 25,000+ students. The acceptance rate of 9% makes the competition higher for students looking for the best universities in USA. It is also among the top undergraduate business schools in the world, with 34% enrollment in professional courses.
15. University of Florida
Location: Gainesville
Top Courses: MBA, Business & Management, Accounting, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Medicine
Tests Required: SAT: 1360+, GMAT: 465+, IELTS: 6+, TOEFL: 80+
Notable Alumni: Faye Dunaway (Actress)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 37,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 16,000
Ranked among the top US universities, the University of Florida in Gainesville offers diverse programs, attracting over 50,000 students annually. As the 5th largest American university, it excels in public education, research, and a broad academic spectrum, from sciences to business.
16. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Location: Pasadena
Top Courses: Physics, Engineering, Computer Science
Tests Required: SAT: 1530+ ,IELTS:7.5+ ,TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Gordon Moore (Businessman and Engineer)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 950
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 1,450
Caltech is well-known for its deep commitment to science and engineering, as well as its commitment to innovation. Caltech’s relatively small student body of approximately 2,200 students provides an intimate academic environment while maintaining global influence in research. The university offers more than 60 programs in the physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and technology. Its small size and commitment to fundamental research sets it apart and makes it one of the top colleges in US.
17. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge
Top Courses: Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Physics
Tests Required: SAT: 1510+ ,IELTS:7.5+ ,TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Kofi Annan (Former Secretary-General of the United Nations)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 4,600
Post Grad Enrollment Number: 6,900
MIT is a technological pioneer, emphasizing practical problem-solving and innovation. It enrolls approximately 11,500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with over 100 STEM-focused programs. MIT, known for its collaborative culture, conducts groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and entrepreneurship, distinguishing itself with a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that has resulted in some of the world’s most influential startups.
18. Princeton University
Location: Princeton
Top Courses: Public Policy, Economics, Computer Science, History
Tests Required: SAT: 1460, IELTS: 7.5+, TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Jezz Bezos (Executive chairman of Amazon)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 5,300
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 3,100
Princeton University, amongst the prestigious Ivy League schools, is regarded as one of the best universities in USA due to its liberal arts focus. Princeton enrolls approximately 8,000 students in nearly 50 departments. The university is well-known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and small class sizes, and it excels in humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Princeton’s unique senior thesis requirement ensures that students graduate with hands-on research experience.
19. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Location: Berkeley
Top Courses: Computer Science, Environmental Science, Economics
Tests Required: SAT: 1300+, IELTS: 7.0+ ,TOEFL: 90+
Notable Alumni: Steve Wozniak (American entrepreneur and electrical engineer)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 31,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 11,000
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is widely regarded as one of the top universities in USA. UC Berkeley serves over 45,000 students and offers over 350 degree programs through 14 colleges and schools. Berkeley is well-known for its focus on research and public service, producing influential research in fields such as environmental science, data science, and public policy. Its proximity to Silicon Valley fosters strong industry connections, attracting students with career goals in technology and innovation.
20. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Location: Los Angeles
Top Courses: Film, Engineering, Law, Medicine
Tests Required: SAT: 1300+, IELTS: 7.0+ ,TOEFL: 87+
Notable Alumni: Francis Ford Coppola (American film director)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 31,500
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 11,000
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the top universities in USA, combines academic excellence with cultural diversity. The university houses 45,000 students and offers over 125 majors and numerous graduate programs. The university’s research initiatives and community engagement efforts position it as a leader among American universities.
21. University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor
Top Courses: Engineering, Business, Political Science, Medicine
Tests Required: SAT: 1340+, IELTS: 7.0+,TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: Larry Page (Former CEO of Google)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 32,600
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 15,000
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in USA, with over 48,000 students enrolled in 275+ programs. Michigan University fosters an enthusiastic campus culture by balancing rigorous academics and strong athletics. The university’s research centers are world-renowned.
22. Northwestern University
Location: Evanston
Top Courses: Journalism, Business, Law, Performing Arts
Tests Required: SAT: 1440+, IELTS: 7.0+, TOEFL: 90+
Notable Alumni: Meghan Markle (Member of the British royal family)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 8,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 13,000
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, is one of the USA best universities for international students, offering a combination of liberal arts and professional education. Northwestern has a student body of approximately 21,000 and offers over 200 programs through 12 schools. Northwestern is well-known for its high-profile programs and its proximity to Chicago allows students to gain hands-on experience and access to internships, making it a popular choice among students for colleges in the USA for international students.
23. University of Southern California (USC)
Location: Los Angeles
Top Courses: Film, Business, Engineering, Law
Tests Required: SAT:1410+, IELTS: 7.0+,TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: George Lucas (Filmmaker)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 20,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 29,500
The University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles is one of the top universities in USA, with approximately 49,500 students. USC has over 400 programs, including unique tracks in film, architecture, and digital media, making it a top choice for creative professionals. Its extensive alumni network and connections to Los Angeles’ entertainment and technology industries offer great career opportunities. USC’s commitment to interdisciplinary studies and innovation places it among the top universities in USA.
24. Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh
Top Courses: Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Drama
Tests Required: SAT: 1460+, IELTS: 7.0+,TOEFL: 100+
Notable Alumni: James Gosling (Computer Scientist)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 7,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 8,000
Carnegie Mellon University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is regarded as one of the top universities in USA for several courses like computer science, robotics, and arts. With approximately 15,000 students, Carnegie Mellon offers over 100 programs and is well-known for its interdisciplinary research culture. The university is known for bridging technology and the arts, producing graduates who are prepared for careers in technology, business, and the arts.
25. University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville
Top Courses: Law, Business, Public Policy, Biomedical Engineering
Tests Required: SAT: 1340+, IELTS: 7.0+, TOEFL: 90+
Notable Alumni: Robert F. Kennedy (American Politician)
Undergrad Enrollment Number: 16,000
Postgrad Enrollment Number: 9,000
The University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville stands out as one of the best universities in USA, hosting over 25,000 students in 120+ programs. UVA is well-known for its historic campus and strong liberal arts focus. Additionally, it excels in fields such as law, business, and public policy. The university’s dedication to honor, tradition, and student self-governance creates a distinct campus culture that values academic and ethical rigor.
The best universities in USA for international students must be your first choice. However, there is no dearth of the best colleges in the USA for international students. Since you are thinking of moving to the USA, here are the best places to live in the USA. You can also check out our other blog to learn about the 12 countries with free education for international students.