Studying in the USA has always topped the charts for students who wish to study abroad. Talking about Indian students, primarily those who are studying in the USA, for them it is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. USA as we all know is home to some of the top universities in the world and offers a variety of courses including MBA, Masters and Undergraduate courses. Thousands of Indian students apply to the best universities in the USA, however only a few get selected. There are a lot of colleges in the US in which there is a high attendance of Indian students enrolled. In this article we will be discussing some of the best universities to study in the USA for International students.
Higher education in America is much in demand as it proves to be a golden gate entry to exceptional education and lucrative career aspects. These renowned institutes are not only good educational entities, but they are well known for shaping great industry leaders and global influencers. As far as the academic and networking experience in the United States is concerned, it goes beyond textbooks and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and emerging ideas. The usual factors which students must consider while making the right university selection are mentioned below:
Campus Life
As mentioned above, the study abroad journey for an international student goes beyond the university and the lecture halls. It is important to assess campus life well before you pack your bags and leave. A university campus should not only be equipped with the best technological aspects, but should also provide a safe and comfortable environment to all international students.
Academic Reputation
Planning to go to the best universities to study in the USA, ensure that the university you have chosen for yourself must have a great academic reputation. Check university rankings from several reliable sources including U.S. News etc. along with faculty expertise. This will give actual insights as to what quality of education you can expect.
Financial Considerations
Study in the USA is no piece of cake as the study cost in the USA for Indian students is quite high and to lower this pressure down, students must have a strong academic background to be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid. One must completely evaluate the cost of living in USA. Compare expenses for masters in the USA along with other undergraduate courses between private and public universities. Scholarships in the USA for Indian students is one great way which lessens your financial burden.
Programs and Top Courses to Study in USA
One must choose the best universities to study abroad that align well with your career goals and interests. Those who plan to choose top universities for MS in USA can go for Ivy League or institutions like UC Berkeley. These universities offer a variety of masters courses to choose from.
Student Support Services
While choosing a university to study in the USA, you should also consider the student support services that the university offers. This may include services other than academics such as counseling and admission guidance etc.
Suggested Read: Top 20 Universities to Study in USA
Top 10 Best Universities to Study in USA for International Students
Those in search of the best universities in USA, can take a look at the universities and their locations below along with their average tuition fees.
Best University to Study in USA | University Location | University Rank | Bachelor Course Admission Information | Masters Course Admission Information |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, United States | 1 | SAT1520+
TOEFL 100+ |
GMAT
728+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 90+ |
Harvard University | Cambridge, United States | 4 | SAT
1470+ TOEFL 80+ |
GMAT
610+ GRE 298+ GPA 3.4+ TOEFL 80+ |
Stanford University | Stanford, United States | 6 | SAT
1420+ TOEFL 101+ |
GMAT
600+ GRE 307+ GPA 3.72+ TOEFL 101+ |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Pasadena, United States | 10 | SAT
1520+ GPA 3+ TOEFL 110+ |
GRE
329+ GPA 3+ |
University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, United States | 11 | SAT
1420+ GMAT 500+ GRE 304+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
GMAT
500+ GRE 304+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, United States | 12 | SAT
1340+ GPA 3+ IELTS 6+ TOEFL 80+ |
GMAT
690+ GRE 320+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 90+ |
Cornell University | Ithaca, United States | 16 | SAT
1390+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
GMAT
650+ GRE 316+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 77+ |
University of Chicago | Chicago, United States | 21 | SAT
1020+ GMAT 610+ GPA 2.7+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
GMAT
610+ GRE 320+ GPA 2.7+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 104+ |
Princeton University | Princeton, United States | 22 | SAT
1460+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
GRE
260+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
Yale University | New Haven, United States | 23 | SAT
1450+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
GMAT
690+ GRE 317+ GPA 3+ IELTS 7+ TOEFL 100+ |
Programs Offered at Best Universities to Study in USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is basically a privately owned independent university organized into five schools including engineering, humanities, arts, and social sciences, architecture and planning, management and science. MIT offers both bachelor and master programs including:
MBA & Executive MBA. MIT Executive MBA is a 20-month program which is designed for mid-career executives.
Harvard University
This is one of the top ranking universities in USA
Bachelor Programs – The university offers four-year undergraduate program and since 2008 undergrads have complete their courses in categories including:
- Culture and Belief
- Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding
- Ethical Reasoning
- Science of the Physical Universe
- Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning
- Science of Living Systems
- Societies of the World
- United States in the World
The annual cost for undergraduate courses at Harvard university is approx $73,600 which includes tuition fee, travel costs, room, board and other personal expenses.
Masters Programs – As far as masters courses are concerned, Harvard offers several post-baccalaureate degree programs in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences. It even offers Master of Science, Master of Arts and PhD degrees in 56 disciplines. The application process at Harvard is simple as compared to other universities, however it may vary depending on the subject chosen.
Stanford University
This is quite a renowned university featuring 7000+ undergraduate and 9000+ graduate students every year. There are around 90 departments in which students are enrolled in master’s and PhD programs. As per the recent figures engineering is known to be one of the most popular graduate schools. Talking about the application process at Stanford university, $125 is a non-refundable application fee and students are required to submit their GRE test scores with their application. Also, the non-native English speakers will have to submit an official TOEFL exam score in order to prove their proficiency in the language.
Tuition fee at the university varies on the basis of the program, however this is one of the best universities to study in the USA.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech is one of the best science and engineering research and education institutions which offers a blend of rigorous academic curriculum and activities ensuring to promote personal development leading to successful careers of the students. Caltech is undoubtedly one of the best universities to study in the US, technology and engineering being the key strengths of the school.
University of Pennsylvania
There are 4 schools offering undergraduate courses to study in USA including:
- School of Engineering & Applied Science
- Wharton School
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Nursing
There are 12 schools offering postgraduate courses to study in USA which includes:
- Annenberg School for Communication
- Graduate School of Education
- Law School
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Dental Medicine
- School of Design
- School of Engineering & Applied Science
- Perelman School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- School of Social Policy & Practice
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Wharton School
Executive MBA: University of Pennsylvania offers the Wharton MBA for executives which is a full Wharton MBA. The curriculum offers learning in a collaborative environment.
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
This is again one of the top ranking universities in USA offering 100 graduate programs in the below mentioned areas:
- Architecture
- Art
- Business administration
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences
- Education
- Journalism
- Law
- Mathematics
- Social Welfare
- Urban Design
Business Management
The UCB offers Berkeley Master of Financial Engineering which is a full-time masters course.
Other than the above-mentioned master courses in the USA, UCB even offers MBA programs to students in four different modes including: Executive MBA, full-time MBA, Online/Distance MBA and part-time MBA.
Cornell University
Cornell University offers both majors and minors such as 80 undergraduate majors and 122 minors. Out of 122 minors, there are a few which are interdisciplinary or dual degree programs. Below mentioned are the type of programs the university offers:
- Feminist, gender and sexuality studies
- Environmental engineering
- Fiber science and apparel design
- Global and public health sciences
- Government
- Policy analysis and management
- Urban and regional studies
Students are required to sit the SAT and one needs to also submit the English proficiency test results.
FAQs
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- Are public universities considered as good as the private universities in the USA?
Yes, public universities are equally good to study in the USA as these offer excellent education and are affordable at the same time. Public universities in the USA offer strong academic programs.
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- How should students increase their chances of getting admission into the best universities in the USA?
One will have to stand out by showcasing excellent academic performance in the standardized test scores including SAT, GRE and GMAT along with compelling essays.
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- Are US universities rankings reliable?
These University rankings provide valuable insights in terms of academics, faculty and research contributions etc, which makes it easier for the students to choose one among these best universities to study in the USA.