- Top 10 Programs to Study in the USA and Their Fees
- What are the Top Universities in the USA for MIS?
- What are the top MBA Colleges in the USA?
- Top Universities in the USA without the GRE
- Which is the right program for you?
- What are the top majors, Fields of Study, and popular Programs?
Studying in the USA is a dream for many students worldwide. With its world-class universities and a wide range of programs, the United States offers incredible opportunities for learning and growth. If you are planning to study in the USA, choosing the right program is crucial. In this BLOG, we explore the top 10 programs to study in the USA, covering the best universities, costs, and popular fields of study. Whether you are looking at STEM programs, business degrees, or top MBA schools, this list will help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 Programs to Study in the USA and Their Fees
Each ranking organization measures institutions in different ways, using different criteria and weightages of ranking parameters.
These are the popular global university ranking institutions: The US News and World Report, Times Higher Education – World University Rankings, The QS World University Rankings, ARWU, or Shanghai Ranking.
Some of the common elements across the rankings are academic research output, expert opinion, and faculty-student ratio. Other variable parameters include learning environment, Employer reputation, Industry income–innovation, and international outlook, among others.
TOP Universities in the USA
| UG Estimated cost per Year | PG Estimated cost per Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | $51,925 | $54,880 |
| Stanford University | $53,529 | $55,905 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $53,790 | $53,450 |
| University of California, Berkeley | $43,176 | $26,544 |
| Princeton University | $51,870 | $53,770 |
| Columbia University | $61,850 | $50,496 |
| California Institute of Technology | $54,600 | $54,537 |
| University of Chicago | $59,298 | $64,241 |
| Yale University | $55,500 | $43,300 |
| Cornell University | $57,222 | $29,500 |
What are the Top Universities in the USA for MIS?
Each of the ranking systems discussed above also has subject-wise rankings. Subject-wise rankings are available for a variety of sciences and engineering, and social science and MBA disciplines. The ranking of the program will vary by program and will change periodically. It is advisable to refer to the rankings before selecting programs for your application.
Top universities in the U.S. for MIS programs:
| University Name | Estimated Cost Per Year | Average GMAT score |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) | $77,168 | 727 |
| Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) | $68,000 | 687 |
| University of Arizona (Eller) | $32,065 | 659 |
| University of Texas–Austin (McCombs) | $54,924 | 704 |
| University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (Carlson) | $51,456 | 675 |
| Stanford University | $73,062 | 734 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller) | $40,752 | 681 |
| Georgia State University (Robinson) | $23,544 | N/A |
| New York University (Stern) | $74,184 | 721 |
| University of Maryland–College Park (Smith) | $56,646 | 643 |
What are the top MBA Colleges in the USA?
Top 10 MBA Programs. ( US News Rankings)
| University Name | Estimated Cost Per Year | Average GMAT score |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | $73,062 | 734 |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | $74,500 | 732 |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | $73,404 | 730 |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | $72,000 | 730 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) | $77,168 | 727 |
| Harvard University | $73,440 | 728 |
| University of California–Berkeley (Haas) | $64,656 | 725 |
| Columbia University | $77,376 | 732 |
| Yale University | $72,350 | 721 |
| New York University (Stern) | $74,184 | 721 |
Top Universities in the USA without the GRE
The GRE is daunting for many applicants, but it should not be a deterrent to your university admissions process. While programs vary in their GRE requirement, here are some of the top universities that do not require the GRE for select programs.
For further verification of your specific program’s admissions requirements, please visit the program website or a Galvanize admissions counselor.
| University Name | Estimated Tuition cost per year |
|---|---|
| Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri | $21,710 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin | $24,898 |
| University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama | $19,282 |
| University of Colorado Denver, Colorado | $20,755 |
| Adelphi University, Garden City, New York | $31,520 |
| University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho | $29,112 |
| Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana | $15,418 |
| Auburn University, Montgomery, Alabama | $16,892 |
| California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California | $19,665 |
| Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York | $15,300 |
| Charleston Southern University, South Carolina | $8,250 |
| National University, San Diego, Los Angeles | $17,941 |
| Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois | $28,275 |
| Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia | $24,518 |
| Rivier University, Nashua, New Hampshire | $10,206 |
| Monroe College, Bronx, New York | $15,624 |
| Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | $19,560 |
| DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois | $27,680 |
| Saint Leo University, St. Leo, Florida | $10,260 |
Which is the right program for you?
If the US is the right place for you, then begin by finding the right program that fits your goals. The US Department of Education has more than 4000 post-secondary institutions listed (U.S. News), which provide a host of programs that are both general and specialized.
Considering the innumerable options in every field of study, it’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone. You may choose a program based on a variety of factors.
For example, you may be more research-oriented and may opt for a thesis-based program, and choosing between Data Science or Machine Learning may depend on your technical competence and interest. The choice is very personal based on your interests, skill sets, and career goals.
The Admission Counselling team at Galvanize can help you shortlist the best universities to suit your goals.
What are the various options for study?
These are associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
| Degree | Duration | Common subtypes of degree |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | 2 years | AA (Associate of Arts) AAA (Associate of Applied Arts) AS (Associate of Science) AAS (Associate of Applied Science) |
| Bachelor’s | 4 years | BA (Bachelor of Arts) BS (Bachelor of Science) BPhil (Bachelor of Philosophy) BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) BDes (Bachelor of Design) BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) BSPA (Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs) BArch (Bachelor of Architecture) BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) |
| Masters | 1-2 years | MA (Master of Arts) MS (Master of Science) MPhil (Master of Philosophy) MPA (Master of Public Administration) MBA (Master of Business Administration) MPH (Master of Public Health) LLM (Master of Laws) MFA (Master of Fine Arts) MLA (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies) MEng (Master of Engineering) MArch (Master of Architecture) MEd (Master of Education) |
| Doctoral | 2 years | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) EdD (Doctor of Education) MD (Doctor of Medicine) JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence) DProf (Doctor of Professional Studies) DArch (Doctor of Architecture) |
Apart from these, several universities also offer dual or joint degree programs. In a joint degree program, credit from a single course may count toward both degrees. Your degrees must be conferred simultaneously, upon completion of degree requirements for both programs, e.g., MS Computer Science/MBA. Combined or accelerated degree programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s + master’s (4+1) studies in a specific field. The type of program you choose will depend on your learning and career goals.
What are the top majors, Fields of Study, and popular Programs?
Areas of study
While there are dozens of specific and generalized areas of study offered by US universities, the top major fields of study are:
Most popular programs
Many popular courses are favored by international students. Here is a report presented by the IIE on the most commonly chosen majors by international students:
STEM Courses in the USA
What are the STEM courses in the USA?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The STEM classified fields typically include programs that emphasize courses containing engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences, or a related field involving research, innovation, or development of new technologies.
Students who choose a STEM field of study are eligible for STEM-OPT extension. Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
This STEM OPT extension allows the student an additional 24 months to maintain off-campus employment in the United States. Here you will find the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program list.
In-Demand Courses in the USA
Which are the best courses to study for a good job abroad?
According to the PayScale college salary report for 2019, the top 10 majors that provide the highest paying jobs are:
Applied Economics and Management
Petroleum Engineering
Operations Research
Political Economy
Actuarial Mathematics
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS)
Electrical Power Engineering
Business Analysis
Pharmacy
Aeronautics & Astronautics
This by no means implies that other majors or degrees have low employability. This list is only to give you insight into which domains are providing the highest-paying jobs.
Deciding on the top 10 programs to study in the USA can be challenging, but it’s an important step towards building a successful career. The universities listed here are known for their academic excellence and global recognition. Studying in one of these top programs not only gives you a quality education but also opens up career opportunities around the world. With the right choice, you can set the foundation for a bright future.




