Top 20 Universities in the USA for Indian Students

The United States of America is home to some of the best universities in the world, including Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. These schools attract students from all over the world and offer excellent academic programs, cutting-edge research and diverse student populations. If you are a motivated student looking to reach your full potential, these universities may be a good fit for you.

Let’s explore the list of top universities and colleges in the USA for Indian students.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

QS World Ranking – 1 

Courses Offered

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts 

• Business & Management Studies

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Mass Communication & Media

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 36,000 to USD 1,97,000

2. Stanford University

QS World Ranking – 3

Courses Offered

• Business

• Engineering

• Education

• Sustainability

• Law

• Humanities and Sciences and Medicine

• Computer Science

• Human Biology

• Economics

• Political Science

• Management Science and Engineering

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 10,860 to USD 1,39,000 

3. Harvard University

QS World Ranking - 5

Courses Offered

• Animation

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 19,440 to USD 66, 960

4. California Institute of Technology

QS World Ranking - 6

Courses Offered

• Business & Management Studies

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Science 

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 52, 510 to USD 58, 480 

5. University of Chicago

QS World Ranking - 10

Courses Offered

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 22,760 to USD 1,11,000 

6. University of Pennsylvania

QS World Ranking - 13

Courses Offered

• Accounting & Commerce

• Animation

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 17,140 to USD 87,370

7. Princeton University

QS World Ranking - 16

Courses Offered

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts 

• Business & Management Studies

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• Law

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 51,870 to USD 57,690

8. Yale University

QS World Ranking - 18

Courses Offered

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 14,090 to USD 1,03,000 

9. Cornell University

QS World Ranking - 20

Courses Offered 

• Accounting & Commerce

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Hospitality & Travel

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 20,008 to USD 1,11,000

10. Columbia University

QS World Ranking - 22

Courses Offered

• Accounting & Commerce

• Animation

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education 

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 23,670 to USD 1,28,000 

11. Johns Hopkins University

QS World Ranking - 24

Courses Offered

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 14,110 to USD 77,780

12. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

QS World Ranking – 25

Courses Offered

• Accounting & Commerce

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 33,320 to USD 75,390

13. University of California, Berkley

QS World Ranking - 27

Courses Offered

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 26,540 to USD 1,23,000 

14. Northwestern University

QS World Ranking - 32

Courses Offered

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 19,880 to USD 78,760 

15. New York University

QS World Ranking - 39

Courses Offered

• Accounting & Commerce

• Animation

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Hospitality & Travel

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 14,930 to USD 1,02,000 

16. University of California, Los Angeles

QS World Ranking - 44

Courses Offered

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 23,950 to USD 84,000 

17. Duke University

QS World Ranking - 50

Courses Offered

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD19,650 to USD 75,000

18. Carnegie Mellon University

QS World Ranking - 52 

Courses Offered

• Animation
• Architecture & Planning
• Arts
• Business & Management Studies
• Design
• Engineering
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• IT & Software
• Mass Communication & Media
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Science

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 10,560 to USD 93,080

19. University of California, San Diego

QS World Ranking - 53

Courses Offered

• Accounting & Commerce

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 26,380 to USD 68,640

20. University of Washington

QS World Ranking - 80

Courses Offered

• Accounting & Commerce

• Animation

• Architecture & Planning

• Arts

• Business & Management Studies

• Design

• Engineering

• Humanities & Social Sciences

• IT & Software

• Law

• Mass Communication & Media

• Medicine & Health Sciences

• Nursing

• Science

• Teaching & Education

Tuition Fees – Approximately USD 8,050 to USD 73,650

• Academic Qualifications: Students are required to present valid proof of academic qualification like 12th Grade results, a bachelor's or master's degree, etc. 

• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. 

• Language Proficiency: Students from non-English speaking countries need to submit their IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo test scores as proof of English language proficiency. 

• Standardized Tests: Students must present scores for standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, SAT or LSAT, depending on the level and requirement of the chosen course and university.  

• Medical Exam: In some cases, a medical examination may be required. 

• Statement of Purpose: Students must write a statement of purpose, stating their reason to study in a particular university.

• Personal Interview: Some candidates might be required to attend a personal interview with the admissions committee in their choice of university. 

• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation for college admission is a short document typically written by a teacher, counsellor, or mentor highlighting your strengths and potential contributions to a university. 

• Location of the University: It is essential to check your university's site, the climate in that area and safety.  

• Course Content: Check the curricula of your desired route and if they offer any options to switch a few subjects that you do not wish to study.  

• Extracurriculars: Most universities offer different clubs and societies for their students to participate in, e.g., drama, sports, debate, books, etc. 

• Student Resources: Check if the university offers resources like medical care, student unions, etc.  

• Costing: Find out about the tuition fees, cost of living, other expenses, etc. Before choosing a university. 

• Work Opportunities: Find out about the work policies of the university as a student and work opportunities after you graduate.

• Books and Study Material: Students living in the U.S.A will spend approximately USD 900 - USD 2,000 per year on books and study material. 

• Travel: Travel in the U.S.A will cost approximately USD 300 - USD 700 per year for students. 

• Accommodation: Depending on the mode of accommodation that the student opts for, the approximate cost would be USD 9,800 - USD 11,100 per year. 

• Electricity: An essential expenditure like the electricity will cost students approximately USD 100 - USD 150 per month. 

• Food: On campus: USD 250 per month, Off-campus: USD 400 - USD 600 per month. 

• Phone Subscription: On an average considering local and international costs, phone subscriptions in the U.S.A can cost approximately USD 50 per month. 

• Home Internet: Approximately USD 45 - USD 50 per month. 

• Health Insurance: Depending on the insurance provider, health insurance for international students can range from USD 700 - USD 1,100 per year. 

• Clothes: Approximately USD 500 per year. 

• Water, Trash and Sewer: Public services can cost approximately USD 50 - USD 75 per month. 

With their top-notch educational programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and diverse student populations, these American universities are an excellent fit for Indian students who want to achieve their full potential. You won't regret your decision to attend one of these universities!