Famous universities in the USA. US Universities

Getting a higher education in this state is prestigious. However, getting into an American institute that is included in the list of the best is not so easy. Only 6-10% of applicants become their students. This list includes such American universities as:

Colorado State University.
Drew University.
George Mason University.
Marshall University.
Montana State University.
Oregon State University.
Saint Louis University.
Tennessee Tech University.
University of South Florida.

These US universities offer students well-balanced educational programs, compiled by world-renowned teachers. Classes are taught by outstanding professors and heads of major companies. According to statistics, 90-95% of graduates of American universities find high-paying jobs within six months after receiving their diploma. Many of them devote their lives to scientific work and creative activities. The majority (about 80%) of all Nobel Prize laureates graduated from one of the American universities.

Benefits of studying

Modern teaching method. American institutes have excellent technical equipment, and training programs are designed so that students can learn the subject as quickly and easily as possible and acquire certain skills and experience. Everything is aimed at unlocking the potential of each student. Particular importance is given to the practical orientation of training.
Profitable investment. Almost every higher education institution here sets quite high tuition fees, but these costs pay off in the future. A diploma from this country ensures that its holder is in demand in the labor market. US-educated professionals are valued by employers from all over the world.
Favorable educational environment. The preparatory process is based on the equal rights of foreign and local students. They are subject to the same requirements and can apply for scholarship programs. Foreign students can compete with local students both in the labor market and in scientific research.

Types of US higher education institutions

Today there are about 4,000 universities in America. These are mainly private colleges, universities and institutes in the United States. In addition to them, there are higher schools of design, painting and acting, as well as conservatories and ballet academies.

At the same time, the main difference between a university and a college is that the former places great emphasis on research work. Upon completion, the graduate will be awarded a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree. In college everything is a little simpler. Upon completion, the graduate receives an associate's degree (after 2 years of study) or a bachelor's degree.

It is worth noting that students have the opportunity to combine educational institutions. First, they can graduate from college and receive a bachelor’s degree, and then continue their master’s studies at one of the universities in America, and this opportunity is relevant not only for local, but also for Russian students.

Education levels

Study programs in American universities are similar to the European model, since they also involve 3 levels:

bachelor's degree,
master's degree,
doctoral studies

How to enter university?

Each American university has its own requirements for international students. In some universities, you will need test results, existing grades and recommendations for admission; in others, you will need to pass entrance exams and interviews. Therefore, selection criteria should be clarified after an educational institution has been selected. The most common entry requirements are:

availability of a certificate of complete secondary education or a bachelor's diploma;
confirmation of knowledge of the English language - TOEFL/IELTS certificate or their equivalents;
good GPA (diploma/certificate grade point average). In most universities it is at least 2.2.

It is worth noting that many students require additional language or academic preparation for university in the United States.

Cost of education

Important! Education at American institutions for Russian students is paid. This applies to both private and public universities. In addition, the cost of education for foreign students is higher than for residents of the country. We present to your attention the average tuition prices at some American universities:

Colorado State University - from 31 thousand dollars;
Drew University - from 66 thousand dollars;
George Mason University - from 55 thousand dollars;
Marshall University - from 32 thousand dollars;
Montana State University - from 24 thousand dollars;
Saint Louis University - from 56 thousand dollars;
Tennessee Tech University - from 18 thousand dollars;
University of South Florida - from 33 thousand dollars;
Oregon State University - from 34 thousand dollars.

Approximate prices for training programs

Program	Cost ($)
Undergraduate program	18 000-41 000
Graduate program	20 000-55 000
Undergraduate Pathway	22 000-30 000

Also, when planning your budget, it is worth taking into account the additional costs that are inextricably linked with enrolling in an American university. Namely payment:

Entrance exams. Their cost can range from 50 to 500 dollars.
Entry fee. It covers administrative and application processing costs. The amount ranges from 50 to 75 dollars per form.

What determines the cost of education in the USA?

Higher education in America can be obtained at public and private universities. The key factors influencing the cost of study are:

Prestige. Higher educational institutions that occupy high positions in specialized rankings, have weight in the scientific community, famous graduates and modern material and technical equipment, set higher prices for their educational programs.

The leadership of the United States in science, technology, and innovative technologies is undeniable. The foundation of scientific and technological progress is the country's higher education. Seemingly haphazard, US university education leads all world rankings.

It is natural for Russian youth to want to receive the best education, the opportunity for an interesting, well-paid job, and an international diploma. But studying in America is associated with significant difficulties, starting from the first stages.

US university education

Americans include not only traditional universities in the system. The second place in the rankings is occupied by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and there are also business schools and higher colleges in it. There are quite a lot of rating studies, so beloved in America. They determine rankings based on many factors, including dropout rates, tuition fees, and post-graduation salary levels.

It is significant that in all classifications, American universities occupy at least 70% of the world list. For several decades, the top ten has consistently included Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of California, Princeton University, Berkeley University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the California Institute of Technology. Only three universities from other countries are constantly fighting to get into this top ten - Cambridge, Oxford (England), and the University of Tokyo.

In America itself, the Ivy League universities (the eight oldest educational institutions in seven states) are considered the most privileged and authoritative. It is extremely difficult to enter them, tuition is very expensive (up to $50,000 per year), and living costs are high.

In addition, you need to choose a university not only by prestige and rating, but also by your future specialty. In some specialties, prestigious universities are by no means the best. Thus, the best journalism education is provided by the University of Illinois, and the University of Chicago is considered the leading business school.

Entrance exams, studies

There is no common entrance examination system for US educational institutions. Many universities are focused on their staff; for natives, admission benefits and reduced fees are provided. For foreign applicants coming from other states, a certain quota is introduced.

It is necessary to prepare for admission several years in advance. From a huge list of universities (there are practically no Russian-speaking ones), you need to select several suitable ones and collect information about them. It is necessary to take into account the future specialty (whether it is available at the university), since enrollment is made for a general course (specialization is determined from the third year).

For foreign students, the English language test is considered the most important; it is mandatory for foreigners. A wide variety of tests may be required (TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT), some can be taken in the CIS, others must be taken locally. Written tests with detailed answers are also possible.

A number of additional documents may be required - essays (Statement of Purpose), questionnaires, transcripts, bank statements. You can apply to multiple colleges. If the answer is positive, you need to choose one educational institution, and notify the others of the refusal. After this, you can reserve housing and apply for a student visa.

The process of studying at a distance seems simple, but in fact it is built on fierce competition. Constant performance ratings are maintained from the first to the last day of school. Employers will use their amount as a guideline when hiring. For the best students (even foreign ones) it is possible to receive a scholarship (from a university, research center, supervising company) or an invitation to work.

You should not rely on earning money on your own to pay for your studies. Job opportunities for a foreigner in the United States are few and the pay is low. Intense study does not leave time for work, although for American students working during the holidays is a common occurrence. With average graduation rates, finding a job in the States is not easy, but in other countries an American diploma is highly regarded.

The USA is one of the world leaders in the export of higher education. This is where applicants from different countries come to master the specialties that are most in demand on the global labor market. The main areas for which American universities are famous are a variety of business professions and technologies.

There are over 4,000 higher education institutions in the United States. Despite the fact that they are all colloquially referred to as “college”, there is still a difference between the types of institutions. Typically, a college is a small institution focused on academic preparation. Universities are more inclined towards research work. For which, by the way, American universities have all the conditions: the technical equipment of US universities keeps pace with the latest technologies. Colleges are also called educational institutions that are part of large universities - here we can draw an analogy with the Russian concept of “faculty”.

Colleges issue bachelor's degrees - studies last 4 years. Universities can offer bachelor's degree programs (4 years), master's degrees (2 years), and PhD degrees (doctoral studies, lasting 5-7 years).

Universities are also divided into private and public. The former are distinguished by their small size, the highest standards of education and the high cost of education - in addition to sponsorship donations, tuition fees are one of the main sources of income for private universities. Public universities are funded by the state in which they are located. The cost of the academic year here is much lower than in private ones. In addition, education for citizens of this state is cheaper than for other Americans and foreign students. As a rule, state universities are large educational institutions: one of the disadvantages is the large number of students in the class. However, even among state universities there are universities with outstanding academic performance.

If we consider the US higher education system as a whole, we cannot fail to note its highest level. Thus, 157 American universities are included in the World University Rankings THE 2017-2018.

Ranking of American Universities

University	International ranking 2019	International ranking 2018
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	1
Stanford University	2	2
Harvard University	3	3
California Institute of Technology	4	4
University of Chicago	9	9
Princeton University	13	13
Cornell University	14	14
Yale University	15	16
Columbia University	16	18
University of Pennsylvania	19	19

Most of these universities are well known to everyone. Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford are the most famous and most prestigious educational institutions in the USA, but it is almost impossible to enter them - the competition is too great. But, in addition to these famous universities, in America there are many lesser-known educational institutions that provide a thorough, high-quality education.

How to enter an American university?

There are no entrance exams to US universities - admission is based on the results of the final school SAT tests. If we are talking about the admission of a foreign student - that is, a Russian, the situation is somewhat more complicated: American and Russian school education is very different and without intensive long-term preparation (at least 1-2 years), the student cannot pass the SAT with the required score.

A Russian schoolchild can take several paths:

Enroll in preparatory courses in the USA, which differ from Foundation programs in the UK, as they allow you to complete almost the entire first course in one year of the preparatory program, and upon completion, transfer to the second year of the bachelor's degree.
If a student has not yet graduated from a Russian school, you can enroll in an American school and study there for 1-2 years. Having an American certificate with good grades will be your ticket to university life.

In addition, a confident knowledge of the English language, confirmed by a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, is required.

Tuition fees at US universities

The cost of higher education in the United States varies greatly and depends not only on the choice of the educational institution itself, but also on the specific faculty. On average, the cost of a year of study in a bachelor's program ranges from $30,000.

The cost of living can also vary: living in a university dormitory is usually cheaper than renting an apartment. However, if you rent housing for 3-4 students, this may be more profitable than living on campus.

Scholarship programs will help you save on your studies: they are widespread in the States. Both students with excellent academic performance and students who demonstrate outstanding achievements in sports or the arts are encouraged.

Studying at a US university

The diploma course, upon completion of which students receive a bachelor's degree, lasts on average 4 years. During this time, you need to have time to master about 30 subjects, each of which is taught during the semester. From the third year, specialization begins - in-depth study of a number of subjects directly related to the future profession.

Thanks to the ability of students to “independently” choose courses, the American educational system makes it possible to prepare the most rare and exotic specialists. This is ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge in any field and obtain a second higher education in the United States. Foreign students can also continue their postgraduate education in America: obtaining a doctorate in the USA takes 5-7 years.

An equally popular, albeit higher cost, second higher education in the USA is, of course, business training. The world's first business school - Tuck's School of Business - was founded here, and today about 60% of the world's leading business schools are concentrated in the country. A prestigious business education, for example, an MBA degree obtained in the USA, is, as a rule, a guarantee of a subsequent successful career. Which, by the way, can be said about other types of higher education in America. The main thing is to choose the right university where you will study.

FAQ

Below we provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about higher education in the United States.

What is the difference between school, college and university?

In many countries, the word "college" means a secondary school and is very different from a university. In the USA, the concepts of college and university are very close. Often both colleges and universities are referred to as "schools". In general, both colleges and universities in the United States are four-year institutions that offer a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree. This is the commonly known higher education diploma, or bachelor's degree.

The main difference is that many universities also offer higher levels of study beyond the bachelor's degree, leading to a master's or doctorate degree.

The word "college" can also be heard in reference to two-year institutions. These colleges (community colleges, junior colleges) offer a degree called "Associate degree". Many international students in the United States choose this type of institution and then transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree.

What does "major" mean?

Major is the main area of academic interests of the student. There comes a time during the bachelor's degree when the student is required to select a major area of study. Many international students choose to take a variety of classes, or courses, during their first two years of study, which helps them decide which field of study they will major in (journalism, art, forestry, computer science, business, etc.). ). In some educational institutions, it is also possible to choose a “minor” (additional field of knowledge). The major and minor areas of knowledge may not be related to each other. The choice is up to the student. Once a major field of study has been determined, the student will be required to take a certain number of prerequisite courses in order to earn a degree in that field.

What are loans?

To earn a degree, you must complete a certain number of credits, or Credit hours. Some courses will provide a higher number of credit hours than others. Sometimes this indicates the difficulty of the subject, but more often the number of hours indicates the time allocated to attend classes in the subject each week.

What does "academic year" mean in the US?

Each college and university defines its own academic year, so this concept varies depending on where you study. The academic year in the United States usually begins in late August or early September and continues until May or June. The academic year is divided into periods (“terms”). Typically, an educational institution will have two semesters, three periods (trimesters), or four (quarters). Many schools divide the calendar year into four quarters, then designate three of them (usually fall, winter, spring) as the academic year.

What is G.P.A.?

This is an abbreviation of the words Grade Point Average, that is, the average score. At the end of the study period, each professor or instructor evaluates the student's work and test scores to determine a course grade. At most American universities and colleges, students receive a letter grade with a numerical equivalent. This number, along with other estimates, is used to calculate the G.P.A. Students in the USA aim to obtain a G.P.A. above average. In many cases, this information is provided to future employers upon completion. Graduate schools also use this indicator when selecting candidates for further studies.

Although there is now a lot of debate about the quality of higher education received in the United States, many people from abroad would like to study at American universities (for example, at Harvard University). However, the high cost of education and other problems do not allow Americans themselves, not to mention foreign students, to become students of more or less prestigious institutions.

Everyone wants to get there, but only a few get there. The main obstacle to enrolling in one of the universities is very strict requirements for candidates and exorbitant prices - from 35 thousand dollars for a year of study for a bachelor's or master's degree. They also don’t take everyone there who has that kind of money, but It is very difficult to get free education at these universities. However, especially for those who have the opportunity to enroll, a list of the best has been prepared:

Harvard University. One of the most famous universities in the world, the first mention of which was in 1636, the university has a very rich history. Applies to private educational institutions. It is located in Boston. Of all those who want to study within the walls of this institution, only 6% are included in the number of students. The cost of studying for a bachelor's degree is almost 44 thousand dollars a year, a master's degree will cost $500 less. However, Harvard University is far from the most expensive in the United States.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The institute is very famous in America for introducing new teaching methods into the higher education system. The date of its opening is 1861. MIT is also a private educational institution. The institute is located in Boston. Compared to Harvard, it is more realistic to enroll in this university; out of all those who want to enroll, more than 8% of those who want to enroll become students. A bachelor's degree here will cost much less than a master's degree - only 37 thousand dollars per year. A master's degree costs 43 thousand dollars. Getting a higher education at MIT is cheaper and easier than at Harvard.
Stanford University. This university is also known throughout the world for the quality of teaching. The university was founded in 1891 in the town of Stanford (California). The university belongs to the private type of educational institutions. However, getting into the student body at Stanford University is even more difficult than getting accepted into Harvard. Out of 100% of those wishing to enroll, only 5.6–5.8% are admitted. Bachelor's and master's degrees at this university cost a little more than 44 thousand dollars per year of study.
University of California (UC). Essentially, UC is an association of several universities in the state of California, which includes the most popular and prestigious institutes and universities. The first mention of the University of California appeared in 1868. All UC universities have public status, which means that the institutions receive funding from various foundations and the state government, therefore, it is much easier to get into a budget place. It is not so difficult to enter this university; 11–15% of all applicants are admitted. The cost of a bachelor's degree is 35 thousand dollars, the cost of a master's degree is about 41 thousand dollars.
University of Chicago. Founded in 1890 in Chicago. It has the status of the most expensive university in the USA. It is also a private educational institution. It is almost impossible to enroll in budget places at this university, however, if you have money, it will be much easier for you to enroll. The percentage of admissions ranges from 12 to 16. Education at the University of Chicago is 48 thousand dollars per year for a bachelor's degree and 45 thousand for a master's degree.

As you may have noticed, universities are divided into two main types - private and public. It is very difficult to enter private universities and institutes for free, and the cost of tuition per year is very high (if the university is in a high position). Public universities provide more hope for smart people who have little money, since such educational institutions receive their main income from sponsors and the government. Tuition fees at public universities are slightly lower than at private institutions.

However, few foreigners manage to enroll in these five universities; most often, immigrants from Russia or Ukraine enroll in lesser-known and expensive universities. The main obstacles to admission to the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States are high requirements for students, high prices and high competition.

Main types of US universities

In this country today, all higher education institutions are divided into 3 professional types - universities, institutes and colleges. Now there are a total of about 4 thousand universities in the country. Among all this number, universities and colleges are in the lead; institutes occupy only a small part. Alas, the overwhelming majority of all institutions are private, that is, it is very difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to enroll for free. However public universities have some exaggerated requirements for future students.

So, what is the difference between universities, colleges and institutes? The main differences can be seen between a university and a college. At the university, you can conduct various scientific research at the official level and receive degrees - associate, bachelor, master and doctor. The main emphasis at universities is on the creative thinking of students. With colleges, everything is simpler - there you can be awarded an associate and bachelor's degree, but not higher.

Also, no research work is carried out within the walls of the college, and for the most part only “cramming” of material takes place.

If we talk about institutions, then in the USA there is not much difference between them and universities. The only thing that can be noted is that the institutes study a specific science. For example, if you entered the Institute of Chemistry and Biology, you will study and experiment only in this scientific direction. Universities in this country, as a rule, have a more expanded scientific horizon.

Arrangement and form of education in universities

The institutes and universities of this country are usually famous for their well-developed infrastructure. Campuses and dormitories are always located within close proximity to the educational institution or close to major transport routes. As a rule, campuses are located in prosperous areas, not far from a hospital, a police station and some kind of public garden or park.

The quality of life in many residence halls is maintained at a high level, even if the residence hall or campus belongs to a low-cost educational institution. Rooms and blocks are regularly renovated, and furniture and equipment on campuses are also replaced when broken. Near the dormitories or directly in the same building there are gyms, swimming pools, libraries, laboratories, and parks. Some universities may have churches, theaters, and cafes.

The universities themselves are located in prosperous areas, not far from a park and a bus stop/metro station. Some university buildings may be examples of architectural art.

If we talk about the form of education, then in many US universities the form of presentation of material from one institution may be slightly different from the form of presentation of knowledge from another. However, throughout there is an emphasis on the development of creative thinking and free will. For example, after admission, you will be able to choose for yourself which subjects you want to study in more depth, and you can even refuse to study subjects that are less necessary for you.

Of course, if you entered the Faculty of Law, then you will not be allowed to skip lectures on law and justice, but you can quite “legally” skip a lecture on higher mathematics.

But there is still a certain norm for visiting objects - unit. One unit is one hour or one lecture on any subject. Their minimum number per year is different at all universities. On average, in order to obtain a bachelor's degree, you must study each subject for 115–150 hours throughout the year. For a master's degree, the number of hours required for study is less – 50–70. If the number of units in any subject is below the permissible level, then you may have problems obtaining your degree and certificate.

It is also worth mentioning the teaching staff of universities. In the USA, very large amounts of money are poured into the development of science and universities, thanks to which all teachers receive good salaries, which serves as a very big incentive. However, working as a teacher at an institute, college or university is considered very responsible and elite, so it is very difficult to get a job there. As a rule, each teacher knows his subject perfectly and is able to quickly and clearly explain a complex topic to a student. Quite often, warm and friendly relations are established between students and teachers at US universities.

University admission mechanism
In America there is no procedure for selecting applicants as such. To enroll in prestigious universities, interviews are held with potential students, which are the basis for enrollment. SAT (School Final Test) scores also matter. Less rated universities and colleges willingly accept all applicants who have completed higher education.

The category of documents provided by future students, regardless of the chosen university, includes: a certificate with a list of subjects studied and scores on them, interview results, as well as characteristics of the school director and teaching staff. All documents are submitted for consideration by the university commission in two copies - in the language of the applicant’s country of residence (if he is not a resident of the States) and in English.

When entering a prestigious American university, applicants are required to fill out an application form - a document containing a number of questions, which must be answered in the form of an essay. The questions can be varied - which people the potential student admires, what character qualities, in his opinion, are necessary for various professions, what are his plans for the future. The answers allow us to learn about the talents and potential qualities of the prospective applicant, about his ability to formulate and express his view of life.

In addition, foreign citizens wishing to enter the university undergo testing that shows the depth of their knowledge of the English language. You can find out which specific test is required directly from the university. Foreigners usually take the TOEFL, with a passing minimum of 550 points, or IELTS - 5.5 points.

Universities of America

A bachelor's degree is awarded in 4 years (on average). During their studies, students study about 30 disciplines, and subjects directly related to the profession are studied in depth from the third year. Having received a bachelor's degree, those interested can continue their studies in a master's program - here the training takes 1-2 years. The final stage of master's studies is scientific work in the form of a dissertation, which must be defended. The final stage of study is doctoral studies, which can be completed upon completion of the master's degree (another 2 to 3 years of study). In some universities, bachelors are also enrolled in doctoral studies, which increases the period of study to 4-5 years.

The academic year in American universities begins in August-September and ends in May-June.

The flow of students often reaches 1 thousand. Classes are usually conducted in lecture format, and students demonstrate the quality of acquired knowledge at various seminars and laboratory work. The program for each student is developed individually; there is no such thing as a “study group” in US universities - everyone attends only the specific subjects they need.

Grades are usually inserted at the end of the semester or, much less frequently, at the end of the trimester. The grade for the subject consists of the student’s work during the semester (the level of completion of various projects, presentations, essays), the exam grade (the exam is taken in the middle of the semester) and the grade received during the session at the end of the course.

Top US Universities

According to the QS World University rankings, as well as the results of ratings, some US universities are world leaders in education. According to the published ranking, currently the top five universities in the world are the California Institute of Technology and the University of California. The assessment of universities was carried out on the basis of several criteria: the quality of teaching, the demand for graduates, the opinion of employers about them, the degree of citation and fame of scientific works.

The richest and most prestigious universities in America are united in the famous Ivy League - an association of eight universities. The League includes Princeton and Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, as well as some colleges - Cornell College and Dartmouth College. Each of the above educational institutions has its own history. Cornell University (), the youngest, was founded in 1865, and Harvard () is the oldest of the universities, founded in 1636.

College in the USA

In addition to universities, there are also colleges in the United States. There is almost no difference between these educational institutions for American residents. Students receive higher education at both universities and colleges. The only difference between them is size. And since a very large number of students study at universities, universities often consist of colleges.

US colleges and universities for Russian citizens
At the moment, any Russian citizen who has received a diploma confirming completion of high school and who wants to receive a diploma can enroll in a US university or college. For admission you need: a certificate of secondary education, or a report card with current grades, recommendations from the director of the educational institution and an English teacher, TOEFL test results. All documents require translation into English. Those wishing to enroll in a master's or MBA program are required to provide proof of higher education (diploma), TOEFL test results, resumes and recommendations from teachers from a previous higher education institution.

Those wishing to reduce the cost of education should preferably apply to private educational institutions (colleges and universities) in the United States. These institutions can accommodate applicants halfway and reduce the cost of education, while US public universities almost never reduce tuition fees.

List of the best