Universities and Colleges in USA- Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Eligibility Criteria & Exams

Universities and Colleges USA- Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Eligibility Criteria & Exams

Introduction

The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and renowned universities, extending a range of programs and courses that cater to students from across the globe. These institutions are recognized for their academic excellence, research output, and contributions to society. There is a valid reason why the United States has emerged as a hub for higher education and it is primarily due to the presence of some of the prominent colleges in the country.

According to a list released by the Times, 13 out of 20 universities in the US made it to the World University Ranking of 2024.

From the above, it may be understood that the United States of America indeed hosts a number of universities.

These colleges are:

World Rank

University 

2

Stanford University

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology  

4

Harvard University

6

Princeton University

7

California Institute of Technology

9

University of California, Berkeley

10

Yale University

11

The University of Chicago 

12

Johns Hopkins University 

16

University of Pennsylvania

17

Columbia University 

20

Cornell University 

Universities in USA Intro min

Why study at top universities in the USA?

There are many compelling reasons why studying at a top university in the USA can be an enriching experience:

  • Renowned faculty: Top universities attract leading scholars and researchers, allowing you to learn from experts in your field.
  • Rigorous curriculum: These universities offer challenging and stimulating coursework that will push you to reach your full academic potential.
  • Cutting-edge research: Many top institutions are at the forefront of groundbreaking research, allowing you to participate in and contribute to innovative projects.

Top Universities in the USA

Stanford University

Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, is one of the most prestigious institutions on the west coast. It was founded in 1885 and has a total enrollment of over 15,000 students. Stanford offers programs in various fields, such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and close ties to Silicon Valley, with many successful startups and companies founded by Stanford alumni. Stanford has produced 30 living billionaires, 17 astronauts, and 83 Nobel laureates!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the world’s leading institutions for science and technology. Established in 1861, MIT has a total enrollment of over 11,000 students and offers programs in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, economics, and more. The university is known for its cutting-edge research and innovation, with faculty and alumni contributing to numerous technological advancements. MIT has produced 95 Nobel laureates, 26 Turing Award winners, and many successful entrepreneurs.

Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest and arguably the most prestigious institution of higher learning in the United States. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has a total enrollment of over 20,000 students. Harvard offers a diverse range of programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, world-class faculty, and extensive research facilities. Harvard has produced numerous notable alumni, including eight US Presidents, several foreign heads of state, and 48 Nobel laureates.

Princeton University

Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the United States. It was founded in 1746 and has a total enrollment of over 8,000 students. Princeton offers programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards, beautiful campus, and distinguished faculty.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech, located in Pasadena, California, is a world-renowned institution for science and engineering. It was founded in 1891 and has a total enrollment of over 2,000 students. Caltech offers programs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and more. The university is known for its small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and extensive research facilities.

University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, located in Berkeley, California, is one of the world’s leading institutions for natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It was founded in 1868 and has a total enrollment of over 40,000 students. Berkeley offers programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus.

Yale University

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is one of the world’s leading institutions for humanities and social sciences. It was founded in 1701 and has a total enrollment of over 12,000 students. Yale offers programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus. Yale has produced 61 Nobel laureates, 5 US Presidents, and several successful entrepreneurs.

The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago, located in Chicago, Illinois, was founded in 1890 and has a total enrollment of over 16,000 students. The university offers a wide range of programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies. The University of Chicago is known for its rigorous academic standards, strong emphasis on research, and distinguished faculty.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University aka “Hopkins” or “JHU” is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Established in 1876, the university has earned a reputation as one of the leading institutions in the world for research and education, especially in the fields of medicine, public health, and engineering.

JHU boasts a diverse student body, with attendees coming from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the world’s leading institutions for business and social sciences. It was founded in 1740 and has a total enrollment of over 21,000 students. Penn offers programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, distinguished faculty, and beautiful campus. Penn has produced 25 billionaires, 14 heads of state, and several successful entrepreneurs.

Columbia University

Columbia University, located in New York City, is one of the world’s leading institutions for humanities, social sciences, and professional studies. It was founded in 1754 and has a total enrollment of over 30,000 students. Columbia offers programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, distinguished faculty, and location in the heart of New York City. Columbia has produced 84 Nobel laureates, 125 Pulitzer Prize winners, and several successful entrepreneurs.

Cornell University

Cornell University is a private research university founded in 1865 and located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for being a member of the Ivy League, a group of eight prestigious higher education institutions in the United States. Something you should know – Cornell has been home to 61 Nobel laureates and numerous other award winners.

The university is known for its contributions to various fields, including the development of the chicken nugget, the creation of the UNIX operating system, and advancements in genetics and materials science.

Location-based list of universities to study in the USA

Here’s a list of some universities in the USA categorized by region along with some of their strong academic programs:

NORTHEAST

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): MIT is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, and it's known for its strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
  • Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): Harvard is another Ivy League university with a long history of academic excellence. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • Yale University (New Haven, CT): Yale is another prestigious Ivy League university known for its liberal arts education and strong programs in law, medicine, and business.
  • Columbia University (New York City, NY): Columbia is an Ivy League university located in New York City. It's known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, business, and law.

MIDWEST

  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI): The University of Michigan is a public research university with a strong reputation across many disciplines. It's particularly well-known for its programs in engineering, medicine, and business.
  • Northwestern University (Evanston, IL): Northwestern is a private research university with strengths in engineering, law, medicine, and business.
  • University of Chicago (Chicago, IL): The University of Chicago is a private research university known for its rigorous academics and strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
  • Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): Ohio State is a large public research university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It's particularly well-known for its programs in engineering, medicine, and agriculture.

SOUTH

  • Duke University (Durham, NC): Duke is a private research university with a strong reputation across many disciplines. It's particularly well-known for its programs in medicine, business, and law.
  • University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA): The University of Virginia is a public research university with a strong reputation for its liberal arts education. It's also well-known for its programs in business, engineering, and law.
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC): UNC-Chapel Hill is a public research university with a strong reputation across many disciplines. It's particularly well-known for its programs in medicine, business, and law.
  • Emory University (Atlanta, GA): Emory is a private research university with strengths in medicine, business, law, and public health.

WEST

  • Stanford University (Stanford, CA): Stanford is a private research university consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It's known for its strength in STEM fields, as well as business, law, and medicine.
  • University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA): UCLA is a public research university with a strong reputation across many disciplines. It's particularly well-known for its programs in film, medicine, law, and business.
  • University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): UC Berkeley is a public research university known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. It's consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.
  • California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA): Caltech is a private research university with a strong focus on science and engineering. It's consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for STEM fields.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other excellent universities in the USA.

Course-based list of universities to study in the USA

Here’s a list of some universities in the USA categorized by course area along with some of their well-regarded programs:

Business

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): MIT Sloan School of Management offers a strong MBA program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Harvard Business School (Cambridge, MA): Harvard Business School is one of the top business schools in the world, known for its rigorous academics and case-method teaching approach.
  • Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): Wharton offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in business, with a focus on areas like finance, marketing, and management.
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford, CA): Stanford GSB offers a world-renowned MBA program, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and focus on technology.
  • Columbia Business School (New York, NY): Columbia Business School offers a strong MBA program with a focus on finance, marketing, and management.

Engineering

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): MIT is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for engineering, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA): Caltech is another leading institution for engineering, known for its particular strengths in aerospace engineering and computer science.
  • Stanford University (Stanford, CA): Stanford offers a comprehensive engineering program with particular strengths in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
  • University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): UC Berkeley is a public university known for its strong engineering program, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA): Georgia Tech is a leading public research university with a strong reputation for its engineering program, particularly in areas like mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.

Computer Science

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): MIT is a global leader in computer science research and education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across various specializations.
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA): Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science is another top institution for computer science, known for its strong programs in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and software engineering.
  • Stanford University (Stanford, CA): Stanford offers world-class computer science programs, with a focus on areas like artificial intelligence, software engineering, and computer graphics.
  • University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): UC Berkeley has a highly-regarded computer science program, known for its research strengths in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer systems.
  • California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA): Caltech offers a strong computer science program with a focus on theoretical foundations and applications in areas like machine learning and computer vision.

Life Sciences

  • Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): Harvard offers a prestigious program in life sciences, with strong research opportunities across various disciplines like molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience.
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): MIT offers a comprehensive life sciences program with a focus on biotechnology, computational biology, and biological engineering.
  • Stanford University (Stanford, CA): Stanford has a well-regarded life sciences program, known for its research strengths in areas like bioinformatics, genetics, and developmental biology.
  • Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD): Johns Hopkins is known for its excellent medical school and strong programs in life sciences research.
  • University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA): UCLA offers a comprehensive life sciences program with a focus on areas like neuroscience, molecular biology, and microbiology.

Remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other excellent universities in the USA with strong programs in various disciplines. It’s advisable to research specific programs and universities that align with your academic interests and career goals.

Eligibility criteria to study in the USA

Here’s a breakdown of the general eligibility criteria to study in the USA as an international student:

Academic requirements:

  • Completed secondary education: You'll need to have completed a high school diploma or equivalent qualification in your home country.
  • Competitive GPA: Most universities have minimum GPA requirements, often ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Standardized test scores: Depending on the program and university, you may need to submit scores from standardized tests like the SAT or ACT for undergraduate studies, or the GRE, GMAT, or other exams for graduate programs.

English language proficiency:

  • TOEFL or IELTS scores: Most universities require international students to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Minimum score requirements vary by institution.

Financial requirements:

  • Proof of financial support: You'll likely need to provide documentation demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your studies in the USA. This could include bank statements, scholarship awards, or sponsor letters.

Intakes available to study in the USA

In the USA, universities typically follow a semester system with two main intakes for international students:
  • Fall intake (Autumn semester): This is the most popular intake, starting around August or September and running until December. It coincides with the beginning of the academic year for most universities.
  • Spring intake (Spring semester): This is the secondary intake, starting around January and running until May.

Cost of studying in the USA

Category

Estimated annual cost (USD)

Tuition & Fees

$15,000 – $55,000

Living Expenses

$10,000 – $25,000

Health Insurance

$1,000 – $5,000

Travel Costs

$1,000 – $3,000

Total Cost

$27,000 – $83,000+

Scholarship to study in the USA

Determining the absolute “top 3” scholarships for the USA can be subjective as it depends on your field of study, nationality, and academic background. However, here are 3 highly competitive and well-regarded scholarship programs to consider:
  • 1. Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright offers prestigious scholarships for international graduate students (Master's level) from over 140 countries to study and conduct research at U.S. universities across all disciplines (excluding medicine). It focuses on fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations.

Key features:

  • Level of study: Master's degree
  • Funding: Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, travel costs, and visa fees.
  • Eligibility: Highly competitive, open to recent graduates with strong academic records, leadership potential, and a demonstrated interest in cultural exchange.
  • 2. Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships support outstanding international students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc, or Ph.D.) in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge.

Key features:

  • Level of study: Postgraduate (PhD, MSc, or Ph.D.)
  • Funding: Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.
  • Eligibility: Extremely competitive, open to exceptional students with outstanding academic potential, a strong leadership record, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
  • 3. Marshall Scholarships: Funded by the British government, Marshall Scholarships support outstanding U.S. graduates to pursue a one or two-year postgraduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in any subject at a participating university in the United Kingdom.

Key features:

  • Level of study: Postgraduate (Master's or Ph.D.)
  • Funding: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and some additional allowances.
  • Eligibility: Highly competitive, open to recent graduates with exceptional academic achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, and a strong ambition to return to the U.S. to contribute to society.

Universities and Colleges in USA- Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Eligibility Criteria & Exams

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FAQs

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Q. How many universities are in the USA?

There are nearly 4000 universities in the USA offering a host of course options for you to choose from.
To apply for a university in the USA, start by researching and selecting universities that offer your desired program. For a faster application process reach out to a reliable study abroad consultant to help you with the process, as it may otherwise be tricky.
IELTS is accepted as proof of English language proficiency in the USA.

The easiest and best way is to go through a US study abroad consultancy, which can help you submit your application. 

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