Comprehensive Guide to Top Universities in the USA for Indian Students

The United States of America has long been known as the ‘Land of Opportunity’, and for good reason. Among the many opportunities available in the USA, higher education is one of the most prominent. According to the National Education Statistics, there are over 3,982 degree-granting institutions in the country. From Ivy League schools to universities ranked among the top in the world by QS World Ranking 2024, the US offers the best of the best to international students seeking quality education. However, choosing the right university can be daunting with so many options available. This blog aims to help you identify the best universities in the USA and guide you in finding the right one for yourself.

Ranking of Top Universities to Study in the USA

When it comes to choosing a university for your higher education, ranking could be a useful starting point. Let’s dive into the ranking of the best universities in the USA. Also, get into how these rankings are determined and why they matter when selecting a university for your studies.

When it comes to seeing the ranking of different universities in the USA, it is very important that you are looking at a reliable and impartial source for these rankings. Two of the most reliable and widely used rankings are:

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings evaluates more than 350 universities in the USA based on these four key factors:

Research
Learning Experience
Diversity and internationalization
Employability

The Times Higher Education World Rankings

They assess more than 1600 universities across 99 countries based on 13 key performance indicators (KPIs) grouped into five areas:

Teaching
Research
Citations
Industry Income
International outlook

Top Universities in the USA for Indian Students

Based on the QS World Rankings 2024 and the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024, the number of Indian and international students, the tuition fees, the scholarships, and the career prospects, here are some of the top universities in the USA for Indian students:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT is the world’s best university according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is the third-best on the Times Rankings 2024. It is famous for its excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. According to the MIT International Students Office, there are 4130 international students enrolled in degree programs at MIT in 2023-24. The tuition fee for undergraduate and graduate programs is approx. $59,750 per year. MIT offers various scholarships for international students, such as the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) and the MIT Tata Center Fellowships. MIT also has a strong alumni network which includes notable figures such as Raghuram Rajan, Kofi Annan, and NR Narayana Murthy.
Harvard University: Harvard is the fourth-best university in the world according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is the fourth-best on the Times Rankings 2024. It is the oldest and most prestigious university in the USA, with a reputation for excellence in humanities, social science, law, medicine, and business. According to HarvardWorldwide, they had 4,478 international students in the year 2022-23. The tuition fee for undergraduate and graduate programs is approx. $54,269 per year. Harvard offers various scholarships for international students, such as the Harvard University Scholarships, the Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships, and the Harvard Business School Fellowships. Harvard also has a powerful alumni network, which includes influential Indian leaders such as Anand Mahindra, Ratan Tata and Rahul Bajaj.
Stanford University: Stanford is the fifth-best university in the world according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is the second-best on the Times Rankings 2024. It is known for its entrepreneurship, innovation and research. According to Stanford’s annual report of 2022, there were 4669 international students enrolled. The tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate program ranges from $57,210 to $58,416 per year. Stanford offers generous financial aid for international students, which can cover up to 100% of the tuition and living costs. Stanford also has a prestigious alumni network, which includes famous Indian personalities such as Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Vinod Khosla.
University of California, Berkeley (UCB): UCB is the tenth-best university in the world according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is the nineth-best on the Times Rankings 2024. It is a leading public research university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, economics, and social sciences. According to their 2022 annual report, this university had the largest number of international students on the list, with 7343, including 1000 Indian students. The tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs range from $34,946 to $47,376. Berkeley offers various scholarships like I-House Scholarships and UCB Berkely International office scholarship. UCB also has a powerful alumni network, which includes Shantanu Narayen, Ratan Tata and Dhan Gopal Mukerji.
University of Chicago: The University of Chicago is the eleventh-best university in the world according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is the thirteenth-best on the Times Rankings 2024. It is a leading research university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, economics, and social sciences. It has more than 15,000 students, of which 39% are international students. The tuition fee for undergraduate and graduate programs ranges from $59,298 to $ 64,241 per year. The University of Chicago offers various scholarships for international students, such as the UChicagoGRAD Fellowships, and the Booth School of Business Scholarships. The University of Chicago also has a prominent network of individuals who have made significant contributions, which includes renowned Indian scholars such as Amartya Sen, Jagdish Bhagwati, and Raghuram Rajan.
Princeton University: Princeton is the seventeenth university according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is sixth-best on the Times Rankings 2024. It is renowned for its excellence in academics and research, with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts and social sciences. According to Princeton’s Annual report, they have a total of 2,052 international students on campus for year 2022-23. The tuition fee for undergraduate and graduate programs ranges from $59,000 to $60,410 per year. Princeton offers various scholarships, including the Princeton University Scholarships and Graduate School Fellowship. The university boasts a powerful alumni network, which includes influential figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Michelle Obama, and Jeff Bezos.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Caltech is the fifteenth-best university according to QS Rankings in 2024 and is seventh-best on the Times Rankings 2024. Renowned for its exceptional contribution to science and technology, Caltech stands as a premier institution for innovation and research. Caltech has more than 650 international students, out of which 68 are undergraduates. Tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs at Caltech are approximately $ 56,862 per year. Caltech offers various need-based scholarships and fellowships to international students. Caltech has Nobel laureates like Linus Pauling and Kip Thorne as their alumni.

It is essential to note that while these rankings offer a good starting point, they shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision-making process. Consider other factors such as the specific programs and majors offered, location, campus culture, and your personal preferences.

Top Universities in MS

If you are planning to pursue a master’s degree in the USA, you will want to know which universities excel in various fields. The USA is renowned for it’s diverse range of master’s programs. Whether you are interested in business, engineering, the humanities or any other field, you will find the top-tier universities that cater to your academic needs. Below are a few notable ones:

Harvard University: Known for its outstanding graduate programs in various fields, including law, business and public policy.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Famous for its engineering and computer science programs.
Stanford University: Offers a wide range of master’s programs in technology, business and social sciences.
University of California, Berkeley: Known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and environmental studies.
Columbia University: Offers diverse master’s programs, including business, journalism and social work.

Each of the above universities has a unique academic focus, and the choice of institution depends on your intended field of study.

Best MBA Colleges in the USA

Pursuing an MBA in the United States of America is a popular choice among Indian students due to the country’s well-established business schools and dynamic job market. When it comes to the best MBA colleges, several institutions stand out; here are top 5 MBA colleges in the USA according to QS:

Stanford Graduate School of Business: Renowned for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: Offers a comprehensive MBA program with various specializations.
Harvard Business School: Known for its case method teaching and extensive alumni network.
MIT (Sloan): Strong in technology and innovation management.
Columbia Business School: Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to preparing students for leadership roles.

These institutions provide top-quality education and excellent networking opportunities that can boost your career. When considering an MBA program, factors like location, faculty, curriculum, and career services are essential to making an informed decision.

Selecting Your University in the USA

Choosing a university in the USA can be daunting for Indian students due to numerous factors, such as academic reputation, tuition fees, location, campus life, and career prospects. However, with thorough research and careful planning, you can find a university that best suits your goals and interests. Here are some crucial factors to consider when selecting a university in the USA:

Rankings: University rankings can provide insight into the reputation and performance of an educational institution in terms of teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income. However, rankings alone may not be sufficient to assess a university as they may not align with your specific needs and interests. It is essential to consider subject-specific rankings to find the best-suited program. For instance, Carnegie Mellon University may rank 52nd globally, but it ranks second for data science, computer science, and information systems after MIT.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees vary depending on the type, level and duration of the program, as well as the location and reputation of the university. Generally, public universities are cheaper than private universities. However, public universities might charge higher fees for out-of-state and international students. According to the College Board, the average tuition fee for international students in 2023-24 is $29,150 for public four-year colleges and $41,540 for private non-profit four-year colleges. You should also factor in the cost of living, books, transportation, and other expenses, which can vary depending on the city and state.
Scholarships: Scholarships can help you reduce the financial burden of studying in the USA, as they can cover part or all of your tuition fees and living expenses. There are many types of scholarships available for Indian students, such as merit-based, need-based, diversity, athletic, and academic. Some scholarships are offered jointly by the US and Indian governments, like the Fullbright-Nehru Fellowships, while the universities, foundations, organizations, and companies offer some others. You should check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and requirements for each scholarship and apply as early as possible.
Visa Requirements: To study in the USA, you need to obtain a student visa, which is usually an F-1 visa for academic programs. To apply for the student visa, you need to have a valid passport, an acceptance letter from a US university, proof of financial support, and a completed online visa application form. You also need to pay the visa fee, which is $185 for Indian students, and schedule an interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. You should prepare for a visa interview by reviewing your academic and career goals and demonstrating your ties to your home country.

Check out Collegepond’s US VISA Master Guide to learn how to apply step by step for a student visa in the US.

Career Prospects: Studying in the USA can open up a lot of doors for your future career as you gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience that are sought after by employers around the world. You can also take advantage of the internship and co-op opportunities, career fairs, and networking events that are offered by the universities and in industry. So, it is important to pick a university that hosts a lot of networking events and has great ties with industry leaders.

How do you apply to the top universities in the USA for Indian students?

To apply to the top universities in the USA for Indian students, you need to follow these steps:

Research and shortlist the universities and programs: You should research and shortlist the programs that match your academic background, interests, goals, and budget. You can use various sources, such as the official websites of the universities, online databases, rankings, reviews, alumni networks, and study-abroad counsellors (like Collegepond), to find and compare information about the universities and programs they offer. You should also consider the universities’ admission requirements, deadlines, fees, curriculum, faculty, facilities, location and reputation. You should aim to have a balanced list of 8 to 10 universities, with a mix of reach, match and safety options.
Prepare and take the standardized tests: You may need to take the standardized tests required by the universities and programs you are applying to. The most common tests are the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. You may also need to take English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS to prove your competency in English. You should prepare well for these tests, as they can affect your chances of admission and scholarship. You can find the test dates, locations, fees, and registration details on the official websites of the test providers.
Write and edit your essays and personal statements: In the US higher education system, emphasis on a good college essay is sometimes more important than getting high scores on tests, so you need to give them equal and more importance to standardized tests. These statement of purpose allow you to showcase your personality, achievements, goals and motivations and explain why you are a good fit for the university and program you are applying to. You should follow each university’s prompt and word limit and use clear, concise and engaging language. You should also proofread and revise your essays and personal statements multiple times and seek feedback from others, such as teachers, counsellors, or mentors.
Gather and submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation: You need to gather and submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation, which are another essential part of your application. Your transcripts show your academic performance and grades in your previous studies, and your letters of recommendation show your academic and personal qualities and achievements from the perspective of your teachers, professors, or employers. You should request your transcripts and letters of recommendation well in advance and make sure that they are official and signed. You should also check the format and delivery method required by each university and send them before the deadline.
Complete and submit your online application forms and fees: You need to complete and submit your online application forms and fees, which are the final step of your application. You should fill out the online application forms carefully and accurately and upload all the required documents, such as your test scores, essays, personal statements, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You should also pay the application fees, which vary depending on the university and program and range from $50 to $250. You should also check the application status and confirmation email from each university and keep track of the application deadlines and requirements.
Wait for the admission decisions and accept your offer: You need to wait for the admission decisions and accept your offer, which is the last stage of your application. After getting the offer letter from different universities, you should compare the universities’ admission offers and financial aid packages and choose the one that suits you best. You should also accept the offer letter and pay the enrollment deposit by the deadline. You should also inform the other universities that you are declining their offers.

As an Indian student embarking on the adventure of selecting a university from the prestigious institutions in the USA, it is essential to remember that this decision goes beyond academics. It is about finding a place where your cultural identity is respected, your career aspirations are nurtured, and your educational journey becomes an empowering experience.

Each university offers a unique canvas for personal and academic growth, whether it’s the entrepreneurial spirit of Stanford, the comprehensive programs at Penn, the case method teaching at Harvard, the technological prowess of MIT, or the global perspective of Columbia.

Your selection is not merely about where you will study; it is about where you will learn, connect, and evolve. Trust your instincts, seek guidance from peers and mentors, and envision your academic expedition as a tailor-made experience that aligns with your dreams.

If you are overwhelmed by the choices and having trouble selecting your university to study in the USA, our expert counsellors can help you make the right call. Book a free 1-to-1 counseling session with us today!