US Universities to Consider for Higher Education
*T&C Apply
Dreaming of studying in the USA? Home to Ivy League icons and institutions like the MIT and Stanford, the US offers an unparalleled blend of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and unmatched career opportunities. Explore the universities in the USA that combine prestige, innovation, and a great return on investment making it your gateway to a truly global future! .
Universities and Colleges in the USA - Fees & Scholarships Overview
Studying in the USA can be expensive, but with smart planning, it’s manageable. Here's a quick breakdown:
Tuition Fees
| Degree / University Type | Tuition Fee (USD / year) | Approx. Tuition Fee (INR / year) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree (general) | $10,000 – $60,000 | ₹ 8,90,000 – ₹ 53,20,000 |
| Master’s programmes (average) | ~$30,000 | ₹ 26,60,000 |
| Public Universities (undergrad or master’s) | $10,000 – $25,000 | ₹ 8,90,000– ₹ 22,20,000 |
| Private Universities (undergrad or master’s) | $40,000 – $60,000 | ₹ 35,50,000– ₹ 53,20,000 |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Scholarships and grants are widely available.
- Merit-based scholarships require strong academics or skills.
- Need-based grants require proof of financial need.
- Funding comes from universities, alumni, NGOs, or government bodies.
Admission Requirements
- Each university has its own application system, with no centralised process.
- Submit: academic transcripts, English test scores, letters of recommendation, and application fees ($50–$150).
Language Tests and Scores Accepted:
- IELTS: 7.5+
- TOEFL iBT: 100+
- PTE: 68+
- Duolingo: 105–120
Plan early, research well, and explore financial aid options to make your American dream come true.
Universities in the USA
Here are some of the most well-known universities in the USA:
| University | Attendance | Global Ranking (2026/2027) | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Online / On campus / Blended | 1 | Private |
| Harvard University | On campus | 2 | Private |
| Harvard Medical School Online | Online | 3 | Private |
| Stanford University | Online / On campus / Blended | 6 | Private |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | On campus | 7 | Private |
| University of California, Berkeley | Online / On campus / Blended | 8 | Public |
| Princeton University | On campus | 9 | Private |
| University of Pennsylvania | Online / On campus / Blended | 14 | Private |
| Yale University | Online / On campus / Blended | 10 | Private |
| University of Chicago | Online / On campus | 14 | Private |
| Cornell University | Online / On campus / Blended | 20 | Private |
| Columbia University | Online / On campus | 18 | Private |
| Johns Hopkins University | Online / On campus / Blended | 16 | Private |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Online / On campus / Blended | 18 | Public |
Note: The above list of universities is based on data from MastersPortal as of 2026-27. Rankings, scholarship availability, and programme details are subject to change.
Why Study in the USA
Here are some reasons to consider studying in the USA:
- Recognised universities: The USA dominates global university rankings, with 7 of the 10 institutions, including MIT and Harvard. Degrees from American universities are globally recognised and respected.
- Diverse course options: With over 4,300 universities, the U.S. offers a wide range of Bachelor's and master’s programmes across all fields of study.
- Global business connections: American universities are often closely linked with global industries, offering students internships, research opportunities, and career prospects in leading companies.
- Cultural diversity: Built by immigrants, the U.S. is a melting pot of cultures. Students experience rich global diversity both on and off campus.
- Iconic global cities: Study in major hubs like New York, San Francisco, or Boston cities that lead in finance, tech, healthcare, and innovation.
- Vibrant geography: From national parks and coastal beaches to metropolitan skylines, the U.S. offers an unmatched variety of natural and urban landscapes.
- Large international student community: With over a million international students annually, you’ll find strong student support and global networks.
Fall Intake in the USA 2026 - How It Works
- Fall Intake starts in late August or early September and runs through December or January.
- Most popular intake for international students due to more course options and funding opportunities.
- Offers a wider range of programmes and more seats compared to other intakes.
- Apply 12-18 months in advance; universities open applications as early as January the previous year, with deadlines often by late fall.
- Aligns with the university calendar, letting students start foundational courses from day one.
- Fall aligns well with summer internships and job cycles, boosting career opportunities.
- Since most students apply for Fall, campuses are livelier during this period, with larger class groups, more student-led activities, better networking opportunities, and greater access to campus events and facilities.
- Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), essays, and other university-specific paperwork.
Spring Intake in the USA: How It Works
- The Spring intake (January) is an alternative to the popular Fall intake (September) for undergraduate and master’s courses.
- Some universities also accept MBA and PhD applications for the Spring semester.
- Applying for Spring intake requires careful planning and an impressive application, especially for prestigious universities.
- Advantages include smaller class sizes, resulting in a better student-teacher ratio and more interactive learning.
- Students starting in Spring join peers from the Fall intake, fostering a diverse and supportive learning environment.
- The Spring intake can help you complete your degree faster, giving you an earlier start on your career goals.
- Application process usually starts by April–May of the previous year; register for required exams like IELTS, GRE, or GMAT by June.
- Submit applications between August and September, ensuring all documents like SOPs and LORs are ready.
- Myths such as “only less popular courses available” or “admissions are harder” are false — course quality and admission criteria remain the same.
Visa Guide for the USA
The U.S. Government offers three main types of student visas for international students. Each is designed for a specific purpose of study or exchange:
| S.No. | Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F-1 Student Visa | For full-time academic study at an accredited U.S. college, university, or English language institute. |
| 2 | J Exchange Visa | For participation in approved exchange programmes, including high school or university-level study. |
| 3 | M Student Visa | For non-academic or vocational training programmes in the United States. |
Note: To explore complete eligibility requirements and the latest updates, visit the official U.S. Department of State website.
Student Cities in the USA
Here are the well-known cities in the USA for students, featuring universities, estimated monthly expenses, and city highlights:
| City | Universities | Estimated Monthly Rent (USD) | Food Cost (USD) | Travel Cost (USD) | Estimated Total Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Harvard, MIT, UMass Boston | $1,900 – $4,100 | ~$450 | $100 – $150 | ₹4,23,000 |
| New York | Columbia, Cornell | $2,000 – $6,500 | ~$480 | ~$281 | ₹6,84,000 |
| San Francisco | Stanford, UC Berkeley | $2,800 – $6,500 | ~$430 | $90 – $100 | ₹6,57,000 |
| Chicago | University of Chicago, Northwestern | $1,200 – $3,500 | $450 – $480 | $110 – $150 | ₹4,00,000 |
| Los Angeles | UCLA, USC | $1,700 – $4,200 | $450 – $500 | $100 – $130 | ₹4,21,000 |
| Washington, DC | Georgetown, George Washington Univ., Howard Univ. | $1,800 – $4,500 | ~$480 | ~$150 | ₹4,45,000 |
| Atlanta | Georgia Tech | $1,000 – $2,700 | ~$320 | ~$95 | ₹3,06,000 |
List of 10 Courses to Study in the USA
Here's a table listing the 10 Courses to Study in the USA (2026) based on affordability, university reputation, and programme relevance in technology, business, and design:
| Course Name | University | Location | IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Computer and Information Science | Southern Arkansas University – Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 6.0 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | 5.5 |
| Master of Science in Information Technology – Computing | Valparaiso University | Valparaiso, IN | 6.0 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | University of Bridgeport – EAG | Bridgeport, CT | 6.0 |
| Master of Science in Computer Information Systems | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | 5.5 |
| Master of Science in Information Technology | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | 6.0 |
| Master of Professional Accountancy | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | 6.0 |
| Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Leadership | Rivier University | Nashaha, NH | 5.5 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | Newark, NJ | 6.5 |
| Master of Science in Digital Design | New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | Newark, NJ | 6.5 |
Entrance Exam to Study USA
- Standardised exams are required for both undergraduate and graduate admissions in U.S. universities.
- These exams help institutions compare students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
- Test scores are considered along with other admission materials, like:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essays
- Work experience
- English language proficiency
- English proficiency is crucial; scores from tests like TOEFL or IELTS assess whether international students can succeed in an English-speaking academic environment.
- Test performance may vary due to language barriers or cultural differences, so universities assess scores in context.
Undergraduate Entrance Exams
- SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test (assesses math, reading, and writing skills)
- ACT – American College Testing (similar to SAT, includes science section)
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language (for English proficiency)
Graduate Entrance Exams
- TOEFL – Mandatory for most non-native English speakers
- GRE – Graduate Record Examination (for arts, science, math, engineering)
- GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test (for MBA/business programmes)
- IELTS – Sometimes accepted instead of TOEFL (assesses English proficiency)
Professional Programme Exams
- LSAT – Law School Admission Test
- MCAT – Medical College Admission Test
- DAT – Dental Admission Test
- PCAT – Pharmacy College Admission Test
- OAT – Optometry Admission Test
Other Tests
- Some universities may require:
- Institution-specific entrance exams
- Placement tests to assess appropriate course levels
- Additional subject-specific tests for selective programmes
List of MBA Universities in the USA
Here is the list of the 10 MBA universities in the USA for the year 2026:
| Business School [University] | Location | Duration | Key Features | Placement Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford GSB [Stanford University] | California | 2 years | Innovation-driven, close to Silicon Valley | Tech, Startups, Consulting, Finance |
| Wharton [University of Pennsylvania] | Philadelphia | 2 years | finance programme, customisable curriculum | Finance, Consulting, Tech |
| Harvard Business School (HBS) | Massachusetts | 2 years | Need-based scholarships, strong global brand | Consulting, Finance, Tech |
| MIT Sloan [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] | Massachusetts | 2 years | Tech and innovation-focused, close to the MIT ecosystem | Tech, Consulting, Finance |
| Columbia Business School [Columbia University] | New York | 2 years | Access to Wall Street, strong finance focus | Finance, Consulting, Media |
| Kellogg [Northwestern University] | Illinois (Evanston) | 2 years | Team-based learning, leadership development | Consulting, Marketing, General Management |
| Berkeley Haas [UC Berkeley] | California | 2 years | Focus on innovation, leadership, and social impact | Tech, Consulting, Sustainability |
| UCLA Anderson School of Management | California (Los Angeles) | 2 years | STEM-designated, strong in entrepreneurship and tech | Consulting, Finance, Tech |
| Chicago Booth [University of Chicago] | Illinois (Chicago) | 2 years | Data-driven curriculum, flexibility | Finance, Consulting, Tech |
| Yale SOM [Yale University] | Connecticut (New Haven) | 2 years | Strong focus on social impact, integration with Yale | Social Impact, Nonprofits, Consulting |
Note: The list of the 10 MBA schools in the USA provided above is based on the information from IMS India and is updated as of 2026.
List of Engineering Universities in the USA
Here is the list of the 10 Engineering universities in the USA:
| University Name | Location | Unique Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, MA | #1 Engineering School; Application fee: $90 |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | #2 Engineering School; Application fee: $125 |
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | #3 Engineering School; Application fee: $135/$155 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | #4 Engineering School; Application fee: $95/$105 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Pasadena, CA | #5 Engineering School (tie); Application fee: $100 |
| Purdue University – Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | #5 Engineering School (tie); Rolling application |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | #7 Engineering School (tie); Rolling application |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL | #7 Engineering School (tie); Application fee: $70/$90 |
| University of Texas–Austin (Cockrell) | Austin, TX | #7 Engineering School (tie); Rolling application |
| University of California–San Diego (Jacobs) | La Jolla, CA | #10 Engineering School; Application fee: $135/$155 |
Note: This list of engineering schools in the USA is based on data from U.S. News & World Report and is updated as of 2026.
List of MS Universities in the USA
Here is the list of the 10 MS universities in the USA:
| University | Location | Popular MS Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, California | Various Engineering and Science programmes |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Engineering, Computer Science, Technology |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California | Engineering, Computer Science, Business |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Life Sciences, Engineering, Data Science |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | Computer Science, Data Science, Economics |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana | Wireless Communications, Engineering |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, California | Very-Large-Scale-Integration (VLSI), Computer Science |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) | Newark, New Jersey | Computer Science, Engineering |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, Michigan | Pharmacy, Life Sciences |
Note: This list of MS colleges in the USA for Indian students is based on data from IDP and other trusted sources and is updated as of 2026.
Scholarships in the USA
Studying in the USA can be expensive, but many scholarships and financial aid options are available to help international students. Scholarships are offered by universities, private organisations, and government programmes. They can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain fields of study or countries.
- University Scholarships: Many U.S. colleges provide scholarships or assistantships to international students based on academic excellence or research potential.
- Government Scholarships: Programmes like the Fulbright Scholarship offer funding for graduate students and researchers.
- Private and Non-Profit Scholarships: Various organisations provide scholarships targeting specific groups, interests, or countries.
- Search Early: Applying early and preparing strong applications increases your chances of receiving scholarships.
- Additional Aid: Apart from scholarships, look for grants, work-study programmes, and loan options.
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