Top Universities in the USA for International Students

The USA has thousands of universities, some globally known, others quietly excellent.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in the USA

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate tuition ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, while graduate programs may cost between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, varying by institution and program.

Living Expenses

Yearly living costs range from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on location, lifestyle, and housing choices.

Budgeting Tips

Save money by living off-campus, using meal plans, and applying for campus-based part-time jobs or assistantships.

Why Study In The USA?

The United States is home to some of the world’s best universities known for their academic excellence and cutting-edge research. Institutions in the USA offer superb opportunities for students from all over the world.

Renowned for academic excellence
Consistently ranked among the best in the world
Hubs of innovative research and technology
Culturally diverse and inclusive environment
Flexible academic programs
Extensive support services for international students

Best Universities in the USA

Here’s a comparison of top universities in the USA based on rankings, tuition fees, and key highlights.

University

QS World Ranking

Approximate Annual Tuition Fees

Key Highlights

Harvard University

$55,000

Ivy League, Strong Research, Global Reputation

Stanford University

$56,000

Tech & Innovation Hub, Silicon Valley Ties

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

$57,000

Leading in Engineering & Technology, Cutting-Edge Research

University of California, Berkeley

#10

$45,000

Public Ivy, Strong STEM & Business Programs

Columbia University

#12

$60,000

Ivy League, Top Business & Journalism Programs

University of Chicago

#13

$58,000

Renowned Economics & Law Programs

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

$56,000

Small & Elite, Strong in Science & Engineering

Popular Courses and Programs in the USA

Universities in the United States offer a range of programs catering to various career aspirations and industry demands. These are some of the most sought-after master’s degrees in the USA.

Business

Engineering

Medicine

Astronomy

After 12th

Best Business Courses in the USA

Best Engineering Programs in the USA

Study MBBS in the USA

Where Can I Study Astronomy in the USA

Study in the USA for Indian Students After 12th

BBA Business Administration – University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School

BSc Mechanical Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MD Medicine – Harvard University

BSc Astrophysics – California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

BSc Computer Science – Stanford University

BSc Management – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Sloan School

BSc Electrical Engineering – Stanford University

MD Medicine – Johns Hopkins University

BSc Astronomy – Harvard University

BBA Business Administration – University of Pennsylvania

BBA International Business – University of California, Berkeley – Haas School

BSc Civil Engineering – University of California, Berkeley

MD Medicine – Stanford University

BSc Physics with Astronomy – University of California, Berkeley

BSc Mechanical Engineering – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

BSc Finance – New York University – Stern School of Business

BSc Computer Engineering – Carnegie Mellon University

MD Medicine – University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

MSc Astronomy – University of Chicago

MD Medicine (Pre-Med Pathway) – Harvard University

BSc Accounting – University of Michigan – Ross School of Business

BSc Aerospace Engineering – California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

MD Medicine – University of Pennsylvania – Perelman Schoo

BSc Astronomy – Princeton University

BSc Data Science – University of California, Berkeley

BBA Marketing – University of Southern California – Marshall School

BSc Chemical Engineering – Georgia Institute of Technology

MD Medicine – Columbia University

BSc Astrophysics – University of Arizona

BSc Psychology – Yale University

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in the USA

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate tuition ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, while graduate programs may cost between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, varying by institution and program.

Living Expenses

Yearly living costs range from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on location, lifestyle, and housing choices.

Budgeting Tips

Save money by living off-campus, using meal plans, and applying for campus-based part-time jobs or assistantships.

Scholarships for International Students to Study in the USA

There are many notable scholarships available for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the USA.

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

Fully funds Indian students’ master’s; covers tuition, living, airfare, health insurance, return-to-India clause.

Tata Scholarship at Cornell University

Covers full tuition, fees, expenses for financially needy Indian undergraduates at Cornell (8 semesters).

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Funds Indian master’s/PhD study in the US/UK/EU; covers tuition, living, travel; highly competitive.

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

Full tuition, stipend, airfare for Indian graduates at Stanford; focus on return to India.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

50% grant, 50% loan; covers tuition, living for postgrads from developing countries, including India.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Non-degree 10-month US fellowship; tuition, stipend, travel, insurance for mid-career professionals.

AAUW International Fellowships

Funds full-time grad/postgrad study in US for women; tuition, living, based on excellence.

Visa Requirements and Stay Back Options in the USA

International students must obtain an F-1 Student Visa to study in the USA.

Applicants must have a valid Form I-20 from a recognized U.S. educational institution.

Students need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Proficiency in English is typically required, often evidenced by standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

How to Apply for Higher Studies in the USA?

Research

Identify institutions that align with your academic interests.

Prepare

Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts and standardized test scores.

Secure funding

Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options.

Submit applications

Complete and submit applications through university portals.

Obtain admission and a student visa

Upon receiving acceptance letters, proceed to apply for the F-1 Student Visa.

Hear From Our Students

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I study in the USA?

Studying in the USA offers a world-class education. You also have opportunities for the best research facilities and can hone your skills for a strong job market. If you are seeking a globally recognized degree and career opportunities, you have to study master’s in the USA.

What are the best universities in the USA?

There are an enormous number of top-notch universities in the USA. Here are the top 10 universities in the USA.

QS World Rank 2024	University
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4	Harvard University
6	Stanford University
10	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
11	University of Pennsylvania
12	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
16	Cornell University
21	University of Chicago
22	Princeton University
23	Yale University

How much does it cost to study in the USA?

Studying in the USA can be expensive. The annual tuition fee ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. There are additional expenses for accommodation, food, and other living costs. In all, it can cost between $40,000 and $90,000 per year depending on the university and its location.

What are the requirements for studying for a master’s (MS) in the USA?

To study in the USA you need to have an undergraduate degree in a related field. Standardized test scores such as GRE and GMAT may be required depending on the institution and the course. Of course, you have to prove your proficiency in the English language through TOEFL or IELTS test scores.

How many universities are there in the USA?

There are over 4,000 universities in the USA. These offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs for international students ranging from law and medicine to engineering and software development.