Best Universities and Colleges in USA - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Careers & Admission Requirements

Studying at leading universities in the USA is a preferred choice for innumerable Indian students. The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued a record number of 95,269 student visas between June and August, 2023, marking an increase of 18% compared to the same period in 2022.

If you also want to pursue your dream of studying here, then here is a closer look at the top universities in the USA and several other crucial aspects. 

Top 10 Universities in USA 

Here is a closer look at the top 10 universities in the USA. 

S. No. University Location QS World University Rankings 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 Average Annual Tuition Fees for the First Year Average No. of Students

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge

#1

#3

$61,990

11,920

2

Harvard University

Cambridge 

#4

#4

$56,550

25,266

3

Stanford University

Stanford

#5

#2

$65,127

16,000+

4

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley 

#10

#9

$16,522

295,573

5

University of Chicago

Chicago

#11

#13

$63,801

18,523

6

University of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

#12

#16

$60,920

23,948

7

Cornell University

Ithaca

#13

#20

$68,380

16,071

8

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pasadena 

#15

#7

$63,402

2,463

9

Yale University

New Haven

#16

#10

$64,700

11,934

10

Princeton University

Princeton

#17

#6

$62,400

8,802

Source: University Websites

Best Engineering Universities in the USA

Here are the best universities in the USA for those looking to study engineering. 

S. No. 

University Name

Location

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fees

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge

#1

$61,990

2

Stanford University

Stanford

#2

$65,127

3

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Berkeley

#5

$16,522

4

Harvard University

Cambridge

#8

$56,550

5

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pasadena

#9

$63,402

Best Medicine Universities in the USA

Here is a list of universities in the USA for those who wish to study medicine. 

S. No.

University Name

Location

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fees

1

Harvard University

Cambridge

#1

$56,550

2

John Hopkins University

Baltimore

#3

$62,840

3

Stanford University

Stanford

#4

$65,127

4

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge

#5

$61,990

5

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco

#8

$59,920

Best Computer Science Universities in the USA

Here are some of the top ranking universities in the USA to study computer science. 

S. No. 

University Name

Location

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fees

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge

#1

$61,990

2

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh

#2

$64,596

3

Stanford University

Stanford

#2

$65,127

4

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Berkeley

#5

$16,522

5

Harvard University

Cambridge

#7

$56,550

Best MBA Universities in the USA

Here are some of the leading MBA universities in the USA. 

S. No. 

University Name

Location

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fees

1

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford

#1

$79,860

2

Penn (Wharton)

Philadelphia

#2

$84,830

3

Harvard Business School

Cambridge

#3

$76,410

4

MIT (Sloan)

Cambridge

#6

$84,350

5

Columbia Business School

New York

#7

$84,496

Related Article : MBA in USA for Indian Students

Best MIS Universities in the USA

Here are the top MIS universities in the USA. 

S. No. 

University Name

Location

U.S. News Best Undergraduate Business Management Information Systems Programs  

Average Annual Tuition Fees

1

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh

#1

$63,829

2

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta

#2

$32,876

3

University of Arizona

Tucson

#3

$37,355

4

University of Texas at Austin

Austin

#4

$41,070

5

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 

Minneapolis

#5

$36,402

Best Universities for Finance in the USA

There are several leading private and public universities in the USA that are great options for pursuing finance courses. 

S. No. 

University Name

Location

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fees

1

Harvard University

Cambridge

#1

$56,550

2

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge

#2

$61,990

3

Stanford University

Stanford

#3

$65,127

4

University of Chicago

Chicago

#5

    $63,801

5

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

#8

    $60,920

Trending Courses to Pursue at American Universities

Here are some of the trending courses offered by several public and private universities in the USA. 

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science and Information Technology 
  • MBA (Business Administration)
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Economics and Finance
  • Healthcare and Nursing
  • Biotechnology and Biomedical Studies
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability 
  • Media and Communication Studies
  • Psychology and Counseling 

Basic Admission Requirements to Study in USA 

Here are some of the basic requirements that you need to keep in mind if you wish to study at universities in the USA. 

Examination Requirements 

The examination requirements depend on the course applied for. Most universities accept the following exams:

  • TOEFL/IELTS as proof of English language proficiency 
  • SAT for undergraduate admissions
  • GRE/GMAT for postgraduate admissions 
  • LSAT for law school 
  • MCAT for medical school 
  • DAT for dental programs 

Documents Requirement 

Here are the document requirements at most institutions in the USA. 

  • Filled-up application form
  • High school and undergraduate/postgraduate education transcripts
  • Passport or identity proof
  • Personal essay, if required
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Bank statements for proof of funds
  • English language proficiency proof

Language Requirements 

English language proficiency is required for most programs in the USA. Some of the commonly-accepted tests include the following: 

It is to be noted that the minimum requirement scores for each test may vary from university to university and course to course.

Here is a detailed article on Key Requirements for Studying in the USA

Intakes at USA Universities

The main intakes at universities in the USA include the following: 

  • Fall Intake (deadlines are usually between November and February)
  • Spring Intake (deadlines are usually between May and September)

Scholarship Opportunities at USA Universities

There are several scholarships available at universities in the USA. Here are some of the available scholarships worth considering. 

Scholarship Name

Key Details 

Harvard University Financial Aid

Up to 100% of demonstrated financial need (calculated by deducting total costs from parent contribution, other awards, employment, etc)

Fulbright Foreign Students Program

Student awards for pursuing master’s programs in the USA or attending universities in the country as visiting student researchers

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

50% grant and 50% loan which has to be repaid, covering tuition fees and living costs. Applicant should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience

Stanford University Financial Aid

Need-based scholarships based on financial circumstances of applicants

Cornell University Financial Aid

Financial aid based on demonstrated need 

Related Article on: Scholarships to Study in the USA for Indian Students

Career Opportunities After Studying at USA 

There are several professional opportunities that students will find after graduating from universities in the USA. Here are some job positions and their average annual salaries. 

Job Position

Average Annual Salary

Analyst

$60-99,000 

Registered Nurse

$73-110,000

Attorney

$74-124,000

IT Director

$94-146,000

Engineer

$79-126,000

Marketing Coordinator

$44-67,000 

Source: Glassdoor, April 2024

Why Choosing Right University Matters ?

Choosing the right university is immensely important, since it will have a direct bearing on your academic journey, acquiring knowledge, skill-development, and future professional prospects. A good university will help you specialize in your chosen field with exposure to the best learning modules. 

At the same time, a globally-recognized institution’s degree will boost your resume. Well-known universities also have plenty of internship and other part-time job options that will help you gain experience alongside. They may also provide career and networking services that will help you land your dream job in the USA after graduating. 

How to Choose Right University?

Here are some parameters that you should keep in mind while choosing a university in the USA. 

  • Check the overall reputation of the institution and its global rankings and subject rankings (for your chosen discipline). 
  • Go through the curriculum of your chosen program and see whether it aligns with your future goals. 
  • Check whether the university offers dedicated career counseling and other services to help you find jobs. 
  • Look for options for internships and other industry experience offered by the institution along with on-campus jobs and volunteering opportunities. 
  • Compare tuition fees with other institutions offering similar courses along with living costs and whether they match your budget. 
  • Look at admission and eligibility requirements along with housing options on/near campus. 
  • View the facilities offered by the university for international students, including all-round support and assistance, guidance, sports and recreation, and so on. 
  • Check whether the university is in a safe location and whether it has proper measures to maintain security on the campus. 

Why Choose upGrad Abroad to Study in USA?

upGrad Abroad offers end-to-end assistance with profile evaluation, university applications, and visa formalities, along with preparation for language tests. So, if you wish to study in the USA, you can benefit from our programs and save costs throughout your journey.

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Discover Your Dream Universities Abroad!

643 results found
  • Level of study
  • Streams
  • Cities
  • Fees
  • Exams Accepted
  • Course Duration
Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University

Rhode Island, USAPrivate

#70
USA News
  • Courses offered 80 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1293981
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, USAPrivate

#1
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 24 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1259252
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Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University

Ada Ohio, USAPrivate

#4
USA News
  • Courses offered 105 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1223835
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University of Scranton

University of Scranton

Scranton Pennsylvania, USAPrivate

  • Courses offered 78 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253802
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Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University

New York, USAPrivate

#246
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 2 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 17,11,365
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Stanford University

Stanford University

Stanford, USAPrivate

#5
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 108 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1520599
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Harvard University

Harvard University

Massachusetts, USAGovernment

#5
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 1 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1261247
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Kettering University

Kettering University

Flint, USAPrivate

#6
USA News
  • Courses offered 35 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253886
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University of West Florida

University of West Florida

USAGovernment

#363
USA News
  • Courses offered 95 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253347
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California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, USAPrivate

  • Courses offered 50 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253331
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Discover Universities Based on Average Study Costs in USA

< 20 Lakh20-40 Lakh40-60 Lakh60-80 Lakh> 80 Lakh
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Berkeley, USAPrivate

#10
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 1 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1259338
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Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, USAPrivate

#13
USA News
  • Courses offered 70 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1224900
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Northeastern University

Northeastern University

Boston, USAPrivate

#388
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 139 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1644255
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University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, USAGovernment

  • Courses offered 68 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1256960
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University Mary Hardin Baylor

University Mary Hardin Baylor

Belton, USAPrivate

#15
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 1 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1259064
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Cornell University

Cornell University

New York, USAPrivate

  • Courses offered 1 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1514152
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Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, USAPrivate

#443
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 48 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253813
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Notre Dame College

Notre Dame College

South Euclid, USAPrivate

#18
USA News
  • Courses offered 1 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1259360
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Columbia University

Columbia University

New York, USAPrivate

  • Courses offered 13 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 834846
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State University of New York at New Paltz

State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, USAGovernment

  • Courses offered 97 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1239705
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Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University

San Francisco , USAGovernment

#Top 1400
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 144 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1298933
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New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology

Old Westbury, USAPrivate

  • Courses offered 65 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253148
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Georgia College

Georgia College

Milledgeville Georgia, USAGovernment

  • Courses offered 57 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1254010
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Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, USAPrivate

#24
QS Top Universities
  • Courses offered 219 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1254170
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University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Michigan, USAGovernment

  • Courses offered 10 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1256961
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Endicott College

Endicott College

Beverly, USAPrivate

#28
USA News
  • Courses offered 97 courses
  • Avg Living CostINR 1253303
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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.