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
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
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.
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The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) was founded in 1877 as a private art and design institution in Providence. The Centennial Women, who initially earned money for their own purpose, later donated to the Rhode Island Institute of Design to help get the institution up and running. The Rhode Island General Assembly established the Rhode Island School of Design in March 1877 with the intention of promoting the development of the visual arts.
Illinois Wesleyan University is known for its academic excellence in Bloomington, Illinois. Established in 1850, this private institution has consistently upheld its reputation for providing a superior education experience to a diverse student body. With a history spanning over a century, IWU has cultivated a vibrant campus culture that fosters intellectual growth and personal development. Renowned for its commitment to academic rigor and a low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, the university offers students personalized attention and meaningful engagement. IWU's global recognition is further bolstered by its competitive acceptance rate of around 60%, attracting students from across the globe to its picturesque campus. You will find the Illinois Wesleyan University address on its website.
Let's investigate the important factors distinguishing a remarkable selection for Illinois Wesleyan University Notable alumni seeking a transformative academic encounter.
De Paul University is the largest catholic research university in the USA and one of the best catholic universities in the entire world. This is a private university located in Chicago in the state of Illinois. The well-reputed institution was founded in the year 1898 and the founders were called the Vincentians. The Vincentians are a congregation of Christian missionaries. The university is religiously affiliated with Catholicism. The university has two campuses, one of which is located in Lincoln Park and the other is situated on Loop in downtown Chicago. The university offers a wide range of courses on several activities like business management, music, sports, communication, digital computing, law and so on. De Paul University focuses on several extracurricular activities like sports, theatre, music, athletics and so on. They have a dedicated basketball team that competes in USA's regional divisions as well as American football teams which also take part in school-level competitions.
The University of Alabama, established in 1831, is a prestigious research institution and public service organization situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They provide outstanding educational and research opportunities across various disciplines. The institution serves as the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System. With an impressive undergraduate student enrollment of 33,305, it offers state-of-the-art facilities and cultivates a vibrant sense of community on its expansive campus. It creates a lively learning environment that encourages personal growth and intellectual exploration. This environment fosters dynamic learning, nurturing personal development, and intellectual curiosity. Moreover, the institution upholds a legacy of producing accomplished graduates who contribute significantly to various industries and fields worldwide.
The Ohio State University or OSU is a land-grant public research university which is located in Columbus. One of the best aspects of this university is its foreign-exchange (FE) program which includes internship opportunities for international students. The Global gateway is another exclusive aspect at OSU, which includes the India, China and Brazil gateways for increasing global engagement. The sustainable gameday approach is also a plus point of this university.
Wittenberg University, located in Springfield, Ohio, is a well-known private liberal arts college with a long history extending back to its foundation in 1845. It emphasizes critical thinking, experiential learning, and personalized education while offering a varied selection of undergraduate majors and programs. The dedicated professors, dynamic campus life, and multiple opportunities for research and community participation demonstrate the university's strong commitment to promoting intellectual curiosity and holistic growth. Wittenberg's inclusiveness, service, and leadership ideals enable students to become well-rounded individuals prepared for a changing world, making it a respected choice for anyone seeking a thorough and transformative higher education experience.
Wittenberg University Highlight
Wittenberg University is distinguished by its small-town atmosphere and personalized learning method. Students benefit from individualized attention and guidance due to the 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The university's special "Wittenberg Plan" curriculum promotes interdisciplinary inquiry and real-world application. Wittenberg University is well-known for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, and business, and it provides a wide range of academic options. Over 100 student organizations support leadership and personal growth as part of the dynamic campus life. The historic ties of the university to the Lutheran tradition also contribute to a values-driven curriculum that fosters service, social responsibility, and ethical leadership, preparing graduates for success in a global community.
Willamette University, a private college for liberal arts, has locations in Portland and Salem, Oregon. This university is Western United States’ oldest college, having been founded in 1842.
The university provides an extensive selection of professional graduate programs, including the oldest law school in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, master's programs in data science and computer science, and the MA and MFA programs at PNCA. Willamette University offers individualized learning experiences with accelerated programs to support students in advancing their academic objectives.
Furman University, situated in Greenville, South Carolina, is a private university for the liberal arts named after Baptist pastor Richard Furman. Founded in the year 1826, this is South Carolina’s oldest private university of higher studies. One of the top liberal arts and sciences universities in the country, Furman University provides challenging coursework, a wide range of research possibilities, a strong visual and performing arts program, and NCAA Division I athletics. The campus of Fruman University is globally recognized for its splendor and beauty.
Amy Grant, Sam Wyche, Mark Sanford, Xavier Woods, and Frank Selvy are some of the alumni of Furman University who are worth mentioning.
Situated in New Jersey’s Glassboro, Rowan University is a research-oriented public university with nearly 19,600 students.
The university has 13 units, with varied disciplines and specializations. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. According to the US World Report, Rowan University holds the 19th rank in all northern regional universities. There are fully funded scholarship opportunities for meritorious and needy students. It follows a semester-based academic calendar.
Rowan University’s acceptance rate is 78%, depending on academic requirements. Students can enroll themselves during the spring and fall sessions. Rowan University is known for more than 100 majors, and it is recognized as one of the three universities in the country with two medical institutions.
The James Madison University (JMU) is a public institution in Harrisonburg, VA, USA. It is ranked 1001+ (2022) in THE world university rankings and 181-190 (2021) in the QS US UNI rankings. The institution was founded in 1908 and is situated in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
The University is now known for its teaching and learning excellence. It has 19,550 undergraduate students and 1,946 graduate students. JMU offers 139 degree programs and has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. The average class size is 25, while there are 1,463 instructional faculty members.
The University has its campus at Harrisonburg in Virginia. It also has the Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy and the Office of Research Integrity, along with James Madison Innovations.
Among the degrees offered, there are 53 master and 76 undergraduate courses. There are two specialist programs as well, along with eight doctoral degrees at JMU.
Notable alumni include physician Marcia Angell, journalist-anchor Lindsay Czarniak, racing car driver Elliott Sadler, songwriter-musician LeRoi Moore, and American football star Akeem Jordan.
The University offers varied career services to its students through its dedicated University Career Center. This comes with career fairs, preparing for interviews and workforce joining, and several events to help students. Career support is readily available for students at James Madison University throughout their study tenures and after graduation.
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a distinguished private research university situated in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1853, WashU has built a reputation for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and vibrant campus life. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, engineering, business, law, and medicine. With state-of-the-art facilities, innovative research centers, and a commitment to intellectual curiosity, WashU provides students with an exceptional education experience. Renowned for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, community engagement, and global perspective, WashU stands as a beacon of academic excellence.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara) is a highly regarded public research university located in Santa Barbara, California. Established in 1909, UC Santa Barbara is renowned for its strong academic programs in engineering, sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration and research. With its stunning coastal location and vibrant campus community, UC Santa Barbara offers a dynamic learning environment. The university is recognized for its cutting-edge research, commitment to environmental sustainability, and active engagement with local and global communities. UC Santa Barbara stands as a prominent institution of higher education on the West Coast.
Texas A&M University was established on public land for research in college station. This university was founded in the year of 1876. It is situated in Texas, United State of America.This University was moved to the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University system in the year of 1948. It is the largest educational institution in the United States of America.It became a member of Association of American Universities in the year of 2001. The students,alumni and sports teams are acknowledged as Aggies.
The main motto of this University is through unity and strength.The type of the college is Public Flagship land grant research senior military college. The Mascot of this University is Reveille x. Now, the president of this university is Katherine Banks. There are huge numbers of employees working together. The Total number of staff are-11,114, who always try to find a better way to teach their students. It was set up 146 years ago, and it still attracts student’s attention to take admission here for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The former name of this university was Agricultural and Mechanical college of Texas.Total number of academic staff are 3,845, they search varying methods to teach their students.
The University of Maryland (UMD, or just Maryland) was established in the year 1856. The university is the largest in the state and the Washington metropolitan area. It has over 41,000 students representing all 50 states and 123 countries and a global alumni network exceeding 388,000. The University of Maryland has a total of 30,875 undergraduate students.
Private liberal arts college Lakeland University is situated in Plymouth, Wisconsin. The university, which has been around since 1862, offers a transformative educational experience that combines academic achievement with practical application. The cutting-edge educational strategy used by Lakeland places a heavy emphasis on community, hands-on learning, and personalized instruction. The institution provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that provide students the freedom to pursue their interests and acquire important skills for their future professional lives. Small class numbers and dedication to holistic development help Lakeland University foster a welcoming environment where students may succeed academically, socially, and professionally.
Lakeland University Highlight
In Plymouth, Wisconsin, Lakeland University stands out as a noteworthy private liberal arts college. It was founded in 1862 and offers a transformative learning environment that prioritizes individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and a tight-knit community. With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Lakeland gives students the career-relevant skills they need. The university provides an environment where students' intellectual and personal growth is supported thanks to small class numbers and a comprehensive approach. Lakeland University equips students to succeed in their chosen industries while making a good contribution to society by fusing academic achievement with real-world application.
With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, St. John's has state-of-the-art classrooms with eSports stations, multimedia stations, lecture capture systems, virtual reality stations, virtual dissection tables, and more. Students can explore the more than 100 student programs the University offers in a wide range of subjects and specializations. Financial aid totaling $368 million was awarded to 99 percent of undergraduate students in 2021–2022.
Latest About St John’s University
In the U.S. News & World Report education rankings of the best universities in the country, St. John's University continued to rise. The University rose to an overall rating of 163rd among participating schools, aided by a notable improvement in the ranking of its undergraduate business programs. St. John's rose 16 spots since the 2020 rankings and two spots from the previous year in the overall rankings.
Highlights of St John’s University
Here are some major highlights regarding St John’s University. This information will help you get a clearer picture of the key aspects of the institution before applying for admission to the same.
Established
The Congregation of the Mission established St. John's University in 1870 with the goal of giving New York's youth access to a Catholic university education.
ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, English Language Proficiency Test (for St John’s University requirements for international students)
Total No. of Students
The total number of students is 20,150, with 15,700 undergraduates (as of fall 2020), and 4,450 postgraduates (as of fall 2020).
Scholarships
For the Fall 2024 term, first-year, full-time undergraduate students enrolled in bachelor's level degree programs at St. John's University will be eligible to apply for merit-based scholarships. There is no need to submit a second application; the entrance application is utilized to automatically evaluate eligibility for merit scholarships.
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Contact Information
Phone: +1 718-990-2000
Address: 81-98 170th St, Jamaica, NY 11432, United States
History of St John’s University
The first Bishop of Brooklyn, John Loughlin, invited the Vincentian Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church to found St. John's University in 1870 to give the city's youth a Catholic education that would focus on morality and intellectual thought.
First founded as the College of St. John the Baptist, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn's 75 Lewis Avenue housed the school. On May 28, 1868, ground was broken for the university's first structure, St. John's College Hall.
On July 25, 1869, the cornerstone was placed.
It opened on September 5, 1870, for educational purposes.
Mission: St John's graduates will thrive in the skills and values necessary for leadership and service in a fast changing global community, driven by our unique mission.
Vision: St. John's University will provide a lifetime of high-quality education to enable different learners. Through creative teaching, research, and service, St. John's aims to promote thoughtful, logical thinking as well as passionate inquiry.
Core Values: Knowledge in line with reality and morally upright behavior. St. John's upholds the triple goal of a university: to discover the truth via study, to communicate it via instruction, and to put it into practice.
St John’s University Courses
By offering students a dynamic learning environment that fosters their intellectual, professional, and moral growth, the School of Education equips future educators. With a demanding curriculum, experiential learning, and opportunities for in-school observations, our students come to the classroom prepared to have a direct influence on the learners of tomorrow:
Subject
Ranking
Computer Science
12
Pharmacology
505
Biochemistry
1119
Biophysics
1241
Special Education
486
Art History
747
Law
985
Sociology
992
Nursing
731
Clinical Psychology
570
Pediatrics
952
Chemical Engineering
1609
Data Science
1360
Cyber Security
2071
Mechanical Engineering
2294
Computer Networking
2484
Popular Courses
Biology. 244 Graduates.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration. 163 Graduates.
Psychology. 161 Graduates.
Business. 156 Graduates.
Finance. 150 Graduates.
Legal Studies. 135 Graduates.
Physician Assistant. 110 Graduates.
Accounting. 107 Graduates.
St John’s University Placements
After graduating, almost 96.1% of all Tobin students either find employment or pursue further education. A growing percentage of Tobin students—78%—had engaged in at least one internship prior to graduating, and many of them had completed two or three. One of the highest startingsalaries in the United States of $62,619 for Tobin graduates who find employment within three months of graduation. Employers are aware that Tobin graduates are prepared to have an instant influence on both their business and the world economy. Some of the top employers of St John’s University are AIG, Amazon, Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, PWC, Markel Insurance, and so on.
St John’s University Campus Life
With a bustling residence village, a wide variety of dining options, BIG EAST sports, several study abroad options, and a plethora of clubs and organizations, St. John's offers students countless opportunities to create lifelong memories. At St. John's, learning never stops—even after classes. You can always find something to do on campus thanks to the more than 180 clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and a vibrant Greek community.
St John’s University Alumni
The notable alumni of St John’s University are Chris Mullin, Hugh Carey, J. Cole, Mike Francesca, Bill Wennington, and many more.
St John’s University Faculty
One of the main reasons students come to St. John's from all over the world is to learn from world-class scholar-teachers the information and skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Numerous members of St. John's faculty have won prestigious academic accolades, such as Guggenheim Fellowships and placement among The Princeton Review's list of the "Best 300 Professors" in America. Students refine their talents, make valuable contacts, and win renowned fellowships and honors under their direction. At St. John's, lectures, campus clubs, and academic societies foster a friendly, close-knit intellectual community between teachers and students.
Bradley University is a private institution at Peoria in Illinois, USA. It is ranked at 166 in the U.S. News (2023). The groundbreaking process for Bradley Hall took place on April 10, 1897. The institution continued growing rapidly, becoming a four-year college with bachelor's programs back in 1920. It attained university status in 1946, being renamed as the Bradley University.
It has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, while several other programs have accreditations from leading organizations and agencies. The MBA program also has AACSB accreditation. The institution has close to 6,000 undergraduate and graduate seats with 15 majors and minors and 60+ programs for studying abroad. The student body is representative of 49 countries, while there are more than 70,000 alumni. There are around 4,600 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students at the institution. The average class size stands at 17 while there are 340+ full-time faculty members.
The campus at Bradley is three hours away from Chicago and comprises 77 buildings that occupy 84 acres in the West Bluff area. There is the CC Wheeler Institute for the Holistic Study of Family Well-Being, Center for Collaborative Brain Research, and many other institutions.
There are 185+ undergraduate and graduate programs, spanning fields like engineering, education, communications, business, health sciences, fine arts, technology, liberal arts and sciences, and more. Some major institutions include the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology, Foster College of Business, Education and Health Sciences, Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Bradley University offers various career services to students. The Smith Career Center offers job fairs, internships, appointments, and more. The center helps students get positive career outcomes, courtesy of experiential learning, education, and career building.
Notable alumni include Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, United States District Court Federal Judge, The Honorable Joe Billy McDade, USAF Major, Robert Henry Lawrence, Luster Products, Inc. President, Jory Luster, and many others.
Like many institutions of higher learning, the University traces its roots to the beginning of teacher training. Northeastern was founded in 1867 in Blue Island, Illinois, as the Normal School, Cook County’s first teacher training institution. Northeastern has a rich tradition of educational innovation and prides itself in preparing teachers and administrators who make a difference in Chicago. That tradition continues to this day and has expanded to include all of the University’s academic disciplines, allowing the University to fully embrace the community in which it resides.
Over the years, the name, location, and mission of the University changed, but the commitment to learning and teaching has continued from generation to generation. The University has not only changed and grown, but it has expanded to address specific urban needs. The Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies was established in 1966 as an important expression of the University’s commitment to inner city communities and especially to the African American community. Three years later, in 1969, the University’s El Centro location was founded with a special focus on service to the large, diverse and growing Latino community. In 1978, the University opened the Chicago Teachers’ Center to offer professional development programs for urban teachers and administrators. Most recently, Northeastern joined the University Center of Lake County in 1996 as a founding member of a consortium of public and private universities offering college-level course work in Lake County. To complete the picture, this mix of essentially urban locations and partnerships also includes the Gensburg-Markham Prairie, which the University acquired in 1973. Consisting of 100 acres of unspoiled Illinois prairieland, it is located just south of Chicago—a beautiful preserve for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
This rich history tracks the dynamic growth of the city and the region. While keeping faith with its original mission—to provide an important resource for students from Illinois—today Northeastern attracts students from all over the world and is poised to become a model of regional public education with a truly global mission. Northeastern’s learning environment is enriched though the community’s ethnic, cultural, age, and language diversity. Throughout our history the University has maintained, fostered, and celebrated its commitment to diversity.
Today, Northeastern offers its 10,000 students more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, education, and business. Faculty encourage students to integrate classroom instruction with field-based learning, research, and service locally and around the globe.
Missouri Southern State University, located in Joplin, Missouri, offers over 140 academic programs and has been providing educational opportunities since 1937.
The university's vision is to be the University of Choice for students, promote a culture of excellence, engage in high-quality scholarly activities, and grow and thrive. You will find the Missouri Southern State University address on its website.
Let's investigate the important factors distinguishing a remarkable selection for Missouri Southern State University Notable alumni seeking a transformative academic encounter.
MSSU Highlights
Type of University
Public University
Total Student Population
4352 students (Fall 2021-22 Headcount)
Percentage of International Student Population
3.63%
Acceptance Rate
96.9%
Student-to-Faculty ratio
15:1
Number of Campuses
1
Number of Scholarships Awarded
There are around 20 scholarships including freshmen, transfer students, international students, academics, and other additional scholarships.
Black Hills State University is a private University and it is located in Spearfish, South Dakota. The university covers almost 123 acres of land and it is one of the universities in the US. Black Hills State University offers higher upgraded advanced education so that students learn something useful from the institution. According to the report, 3539 students have taken admitted to Black Hills State University. Almost 573 graduates pass out from the university annually. The total number of existing alumni in the university is 18412 and this university is affiliated with South Dakota public liberal arts university. University offers several programs for all types of students. Black Hills State University offers associate degrees, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and master's degrees. The campus of this university is small and support from the international faculties for the students is excellent. This university promotes several activities for the students to learn important things while participating in various events. Almost 69% of students come to study at this university from Dakota state and the rest of the students enroll in this Black Hills State University from different states.
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