There are 154 top universities in the US featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017, far more than any other country in the world. Of these, 32 are in the global top 100, and five in the top 10. Read on to discover the top universities in the US by state this year, separated into tables for your viewing pleasure…
Top universities in Alabama
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Alabama
| 601-650 in the world
| Joint 113th
|
University of Auburn
| 701+ in the world
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Arizona
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Arizona
| 222nd
| 53rd
|
Arizona State University
| 223rd
| 54th
|
Top universities in Arkansas
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Arkansas
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in California
There are many reasons to study in California: world-class universities with a welcoming attitude towards international students, a sun-kissed climate, world-famous beaches, exciting cities, a high standard of living, an assortment of cultural riches and an undisputed position at the cutting edge of modern technology.
The home of Los Angeles – the entertainment capital of the world and the US’s second-largest city by population – California is known as the ‘golden state’ due to its history in gold mining and its characteristic golden-brown hills in the summer. Nowadays, this golden nickname also seems an apt reference to the state’s renowned glamour; from 2003 to 2011 it was even run by a movie star – Arnold Schwarzenegger (‘the Governator’), famous for his roles in action films such as The Terminator and Predator.
California is also famed for its prestigious universities, which include the world-famous Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), amongst many more.
As you might expect, given the state’s impressive track record in innovation, universities in California include many of the most prestigious institutions in the US. In the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017, California’s Stanford University is ranked second in both the world and the US, while the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is ranked 5th in the world.
Stanford is located in the northwest of the Silicon Valley region, while Caltech is in Pasadena, close to Los Angeles. Both are the top private research universities in California – but another two of the top universities in California are part of the state’s public university system. The public University of California system has 10 campuses, and its two main universities, the University of California, Berkeley (known as UCS, UC Berkeley or just Berkeley, and widely known as ‘Cal’) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) rank at 28th and 31st in the world respectively.
In addition to vibrant metropolises like Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco (all three of which rank among the world’s top 75 cities for students), California also has some of the US’s most stunning and diverse natural scenery, ranging from blissful beaches to snow-capped mountains. It’s no wonder, then, that California also has a reputation for its environmentalism and conservation efforts, and some of the strongest environmental laws in the US.
In short, whatever your passion – be it technology, music, world cultures, conservation, acting, photography or computer programming – if you study in California you’ll find an environment conducive to all forms of discovery, exploration, adventure and entrepreneurship.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Stanford University
| 2nd
| 2nd
|
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
| 5th
| 4th
|
University of California, Berkeley
| 28th
| 15th
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
| 31st
| 16th
|
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
| 40th
| 17th
|
University of California, Davis (UCD)
| Joint 85th
| 27th
|
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
| 118th
| 34th
|
University of Southern California
| 136th
| 36th
|
University of California, Irvine (UCI)
| 156th
| 40th
|
University of California, Riverside (UCR)
| 271st
| 58th
|
University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
| 296th
| 61st
|
San Diego State University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
University of San Diego
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
University of San Francisco
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
University of the Pacific
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Colorado
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Colorado at Boulder
| 170th
| 44th
|
Colorado State University
| Joint 386th
| 75th
|
University of Colorado, Denver
| Joint 374th
| 72nd
|
University of Denver
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Top universities in Connecticut
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Yale University
| 15th
| 7th
|
University of Connecticut
| 421-430
| Joint 84th
|
Top universities in Delaware
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Delaware
| 411-420
| Joint 82nd
|
Top universities in Florida
Famed for its theme parks (including Disney World), sunny weather, miles of beaches, nightlife and arts scenes, Florida is a hugely popular holiday destination – and it’s also a great place to be a student. Read on to discover the top universities in Florida, and find out more about their locations.
Located on the far south-eastern peninsula of the US, Florida has over 1,200 miles of coastline, and a climate that ranges from subtropical to tropical with a strong chance of humidity, hurricanes and unabating heat.
Five universities in Florida feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, and these are widely spread across the state. Choosing exactly where to study in Florida will largely be down to which institution best matches your academic background and ambitions, but you may also want to consider which part of the state you’d most like to live in.
Of the five top universities in Florida featured in the QS World University Rankings, four are public universities and one (the University of Miami) is private. All of these are comprehensive institutions, offering courses in a wide range of subject areas.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Florida
| Joint 185th .
| 46th
|
University of Miami
| Joint 252nd
| 57th
|
Florida State University
| 431-440
| Joint 86th
|
University of South Florida
| 491-500
| Joint 96th
|
University of Central Florida
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Georgia
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
| 71st
| 25th
|
Emory University
| Joint 149th
| 39th
|
University of Georgia
| 431-440
| Joint 86th
|
Georgia State University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Hawaii
A paradisiacal Polynesian archipelago 2,000 miles from the southwest coast of the US mainland, Hawaii feels a world away from the rest of America. Its combination of tropical weather, beautiful beaches and unique natural landscapes makes Hawaii a coveted destination for vacationers – and it’s also a great place to spend your student years.
Inaugurated as an official US state in 1959, Hawaii retains a distinct culture influenced heavily by its Polynesian roots. Although only vestiges of the more traditional aspects of Hawaiian culture can be glimpsed in modern day Hawaii, the traditions of Hula and Luau, examples of Hawaiian dance and party, are just two examples of the cultural exports Hawaii is famous for.
The only US state made up entirely of islands, Hawaii’s capital city Honolulu can be found on the island of O‘ahu. The high quality of life here is reflected across the state’s islands, with residents enjoying the natural beauty of white sand beaches, vast coral reefs, rainforests and volcanoes.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Hawaii at Mā Noa
| Joint 343rd
| 67th
|
Top universities in Illinois
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Chicago
| 10th
| 5th
|
Northwestern University
| 26th
| 14th
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| 66th
| 23rd
|
University of Illinois, Chicago
| Joint 187th
| 47th
|
Illinois Institute of Technology
| 401-410
| 79th
|
Loyola University Chicago
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Indiana
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Purdue University
| 92nd
| 31st
|
University of Notre Dame
| Joint 203rd
| Joint 50th
|
Indiana University Bloomington
| Joint 291st
| 60th
|
Top universities in Iowa
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Iowa
| Joint 393rd
| 77th
|
Iowa State University
| 421-430
| Joint 84th
|
Top universities in Kansas
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Kansas
| Joint 373rd
| 71st
|
Kansas State University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Kentucky
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Kentucky
| 501-550
| Joint 98th
|
Top universities in Louisiana
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Tulane University
| 501-550
| Joint 98th
|
Louisiana State University
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Top universities in Maryland
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Johns Hopkins University
| 17th
| 9th
|
University of Maryland, College Park
| Joint 131st
| 35th
|
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
| 441-450
| 88th
|
Top universities in Massachusetts
Home to two of the world’s top three universities and a further nine ranked within the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017, the US state of Massachusetts is a true hub of higher education, featuring eclectic university towns and forward-looking yet historical metropolises.
The state capital, Boston, took joint 13th place in QS Best Student Cities 2016, consolidating its reputation as one of the world’s best places to live and study. Nicknamed the ‘Athens of America’ due to its long-established association with academic excellence and social development, Boston is known as a progressive city with liberal politics and a strong community culture.
Not all universities in Massachusetts are located in Boston – but many of the state’s leading institutions are found either here or in the nearby student-centered city of Cambridge. Beyond these urban centers, those who study in Massachusetts will also find plenty of natural settings to explore, from Cape Cod’s beaches to the popular summer island resort, Martha’s Vineyard.
With one Ivy League institution and a myriad of public universities in Boston and across Massachusetts, it’s difficult to know where to start. Despite this, when choosing where to study, remember that not all universities in Massachusetts offer the same programs, lifestyle or subject strengths, so their appeal will vary depending on your own priorities.
While a number of the top universities in Massachusetts have the advantage of being located in or close to the thriving city of Boston, a few are found further out in smaller cities. The state’s two top universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, are both located in the city of Cambridge, just a short drive from Boston.
Subject strengths at universities in Massachusetts vary, allowing prospective students to search for a school which best matches their own interests. For example, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016, MIT is ranked 1st in the world in an impressive 12 out of 42 possible subjects, most of which are engineering and technology specializations. Harvard also ranks 1st in the world for 12 subjects, which are mainly in the social sciences and life sciences.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
| 1st
| 1st
|
Harvard University
| 3rd
| 3rd
|
Boston University
| 89th
| 29th
|
Tufts University
| 238th
| 55th
|
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
| 251st
| 56th
|
Boston College
| Joint 299th
| 62nd
|
Northeastern University
| Joint 361st
| Joint 68th
|
Brandeis University
| 401-410
| Joint 79th
|
Clark University
| 471-480
| 94th
|
University of Massachusetts, Boston
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
| 601-650
| Joint 113th
|
Smith College
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Michigan
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Michigan
| 23rd
| 12th
|
Michigan State University
| Joint 160th
| Joint 42nd
|
Wayne State University
| 461-470
| Joint 90th
|
Michigan Technological University
| 501-550
| Joint 98th
|
Top universities in Minnesota
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Minnesota
| 137th
| 37th
|
Top universities in Mississippi
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Mississippi
| 601-650
| Joint 113th
|
Top universities in Missouri
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Washington University in St. Louis
| Joint 106th
| 33rd
|
Missouri University of Science and Technology
| 501-550
| Joint 98th
|
University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou)
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Top universities in Montana
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Montana, Missoula
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Nebraska
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
| 491-500
| Joint 96th
|
Top universities in New Hampshire
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Dartmouth College
| 158th
| 41st
|
University of New Hampshire
| 601-650
| Joint 113th
|
Top universities in New Jersey
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Princeton University
| 11th
| 6th
|
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| 301st
| 63rd
|
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Stevens Institute of Technology
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
New Jersey Institute of Technology
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in New Mexico
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of New Mexico
| 461-470
| Joint 90th
|
Top universities in New York
New York State has a lot to offer: world-renowned universities, including two Ivy League colleges (no other state has more than one!), a wide range of prospering industries and career paths, a wealth of recreational and cultural opportunities, and a diverse mix of attractive rural and urban landscapes. It is also home to some of the most diverse, progressive and creative communities in the US.
Often referred to as New York State to avoid confusion with New York City, New York is also known as the Empire State (the origins of this nickname are unclear). Meanwhile NYC is traditionally nicknamed the Big Apple, a term that loosely signifies an abundance of rich rewards.
Home to nearly 20 million people, New York State is known for its long history as a gateway for immigration to the United States, and is often seen as the home of the American Dream. Indeed, the promise of opportunity, prosperity, individuality, self-determination and freedom are all likely to be attractions for those who want to study in New York.
There’s plenty of choice for those who want to study in New York – there are more highly ranked universities in New York State than some entire countries can claim. New York’s state-wide public university system is called the State University of New York (SUNY), while New York City has its own public university system, the City University of New York (CUNY).
The illustrious Cornell University is the state’s highest ranking institution overall, at 16th in the QS World University Rankings. Based in picturesque college town Ithaca in upstate New York, Cornell offers some of the country’s most highly regarded architecture, engineering and international relations programs, and also has a branch campus in Education City, Qatar.
The state’s other Ivy League institution, Columbia University, follows close behind in the rankings, at 20th in the world. Columbia claims connections with more than 100 Nobel Prize laureates, as well as 29 heads of state, 26 Academy Award winners and 20 living billionaires. Columbia University has been the site of some of the world’s most significant research and discoveries, including the laser, FM radio and revolutionary drugs to treat glaucoma and cancer. As a research-focused institution, the university enrolls more students at graduate level than at undergraduate.
New York University (NYU), another of the top private universities in New York, is ranked joint 46th in the world. Its fashionable Greenwich Village campus houses the largest student body of any non-profit private US university, while its 18 colleges and schools offer 2,500 different courses and 25 different types of degree (that’s type, not subject!). More than 50,000 students representing 138 countries are currently enrolled at its three campuses. Click here for a comparison of NYU and Columbia.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Cornell University
| 16th
| 8th
|
Columbia University
| 20th
| 11th
|
New York University (NYU)
| Joint 46th
| 18th
|
University of Rochester
| 194th
| 48th
|
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
| Joint 310th
| 64th
|
Yeshiva University
| Joint 330th
| 65th
|
University at Buffalo SUNY
| 342nd
| 66th
|
Stony Brook University
| Joint 390th
| 76th
|
City University of New York
| 501-550
| Joint 98th
|
Syracuse University
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
New School University
| 601-650
| Joint 113th
|
Clarkson University
| 601-650
| Joint 113th
|
University at Albany SUNY
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Binghamton University SUNY
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Fordham University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in North Carolina
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Duke University
| Joint 24th
| 13th
|
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| 78th
| 26th
|
North Carolina State University
| 277th
| 59th
|
Wake Forest University
| 401-410
| Joint 79th
|
Top universities in Ohio
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Ohio State University
| 88th
| 28th
|
Case Western Reserve University
| 202nd
| 49th
|
University of Cincinnati
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Kent State University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Miami University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Ohio University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Oklahoma
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Oklahoma
| 461-470
| Joint 90th
|
Oklahoma State University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
University of Tulsa
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Oregon
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Oregon State University
| 451-460
| 89th
|
University of Oregon
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Top universities in Pennsylvania
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Pennsylvania
| 18th
| 10th
|
Carnegie Mellon University
| 58th
| 21st
|
Pennsylvania State University
| Joint 95th
| 32nd
|
University of Pittsburgh
| 145th
| 38th
|
Lehigh University
| 481-490
| 95th
|
Drexel University
| 501-550
| Joint 98th
|
Temple University
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Top universities in Rhode Island
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Brown University
| Joint 49th
| 19th
|
Top universities in South Carolina
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of South Carolina
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Clemson University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Tennessee
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Vanderbilt University
| Joint 203rd
| Joint 50th
|
University of Tennessee
| 461-470
| Joint 90th
|
Top universities in Texas
Part of the Deep South region, Texas has a significant global reach, through its distinctive culture and heritage – from rodeos to Texan barbecues, and country music to cowboys. Due to its large scale (it’s the second-biggest US state, after Alaska), Texas differs significantly in climate and geography depending on where you are. The east is swampy and forested, while the southeastern Gulf Coast is tropical and often uncomfortably humid. There are mountainous deserts in the west and the snowy plains of Panhandle in the north.
Largely due to its petroleum reserves, discovered in the early 1900s, Texas has a thriving energy industry. This has underpinned the economic growth of the state, helping other industries and the state’s higher education system to develop in turn. Texas also has a strong standing in the technology, biomedical sciences and aerospace sectors.
Keep reading to find out more about the top universities in Texas, and the Texan cities where you could be spending your student years.
Those interested in studying in Texas will find plenty of choice, including seven universities in Texas which feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. The highest ranking is the University of Texas at Austin, placed 77th in the world, which is the flagship institution of the state’s public university system. Boasting 17 libraries and seven museums, the university holds one of the country’s largest research budgets, as well as renowned sports teams.
Another of the state’s leading institutions is Rice University, ranked 106th in the world. A private research university, Rice University has an enrolment of just over 6,600 students. It’s best known for its applied science programs and is situated on a 295 acre campus near the Houston Museum District.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Texas at Austin
| 67th
| 24th
|
Rice University
| 90th .
| 30th
|
Texas A&M University
| Joint 160th
| 73rd
|
University of Texas at Dallas
| Joint 380th
| Joint 129th
|
University of Houston
| 601-650
| Joint 113th
|
Baylor University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Southern Methodist University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Utah
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Utah
| 411-420
| Joint 82nd
|
Brigham Young University
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Utah State University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Vermont
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Vermont
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Top universities in Virginia
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Virginia
| 172nd
| 45th
|
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech)
| Joint 361st
| Joint 68th
|
College of William & Mary
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
George Mason University
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Virginia Commonwealth University
| 651-700
| Joint 120th
|
Top universities in Washington
Not to be confused with Washington DC, below!
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Washington
| 59th
| 22nd
|
Washington State University
| Joint 395th
| 78th
|
Top universities in Washington DC
Although a federal district rather than a state, Washington DC is home to a number of the top universities in the US.
Home to the US federal government, Washington DC is the perfect place to study if you’re interested in politics and US history. Packed full of grandiose monuments, buzzing with political debate, and with a great cultural scene to boot, the federal district also offers some of the best universities in the US. Read on for an overview of the top universities in Washington DC, plus information about local life as a student.
Just 68.3 square miles in area, Washington DC arguably boasts more sites and artifacts of cultural, historical and political importance per square mile than any state. Not only is the district home to the White House and 177 foreign embassies, it also offers stunning architecture in the form of the State Capitol and countless government buildings, along with a strong footing in the arts evidenced by institutions such as the Kennedy Center, the National Gallery of Art and the Folger Shakespeare Library. There are also 19 universities in Washington DC, including the four prestigious institutions highlighted above.
History is also a big deal in Washington DC and the vast majority of the Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums, galleries and parks – the world’s largest cluster of museum and research centers, holding over 135 million artifacts in total – are located within the district.
DC residents are renowned for their political vocalism, and if you choose to study here, you should expect to debate and defend your own political leanings with classmates and locals alike. This means plenty of scope for lively intellectual conversations and an increased awareness of both every-day and big-issue politics.
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
Georgetown University
| Joint 214th
| 52nd
|
George Washington University
| Joint 363rd
| 70th
|
American University
| 384th
| 74th
|
Howard University
| 551-600
| Joint 104th
|
Top universities in Wisconsin
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Wisconsin-Madison
| Joint 53rd
| 20th
|
Marquette University
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|
Top universities in Wyoming
University
| International rank
| Rank within the US
|
University of Wyoming
| 701+
| Joint 129th
|