The USA is the best study abroad destination, with more than 30 universities ranking under QS Top 100 2025, higher than any other country. This clearly shows that higher education in the USA is not only the most sought-after, but the US also offers the highest quality education for international students. There’s a saying that - studying abroad is not worth it if you’re not doing it from a top 100 university. While it may sound elitist, it is true. How? We’ll discuss below.
Until then, check out this list of tier 1 universities in the US for 2025 - that you should consider applying to - with 杏吧论坛’s help.
| Table of Contents |
What Are Tier 1 Universities in the USA?
The term “Tier 1” emerged to recognise a larger group of universities with exceptional academic and research standards.
For example, the University of Texas at Austin, not part of the Ivy League, is now classified as a Tier 1 university due to its research output and academic excellence. Tier 1 universities contribute significantly to academic fields and have extensive alumni networks, adding prestige and influence.
Why Study in Tier 1 Universities in the USA?
You should study in tier 1 universities for many reasons, but let’s start with the most important one. It’s much easier to break into a high-paying job if you attend a top-ranking university in the US. The reasons could be various:
-
Strong alumni network
-
University’s resources
-
Mentorship and excellent faculty
-
Industry-specific curriculum and more!
In top B-schools, such as Wharton, HBS, and other M7 universities, you get the opportunity to work very closely with mentors. Mentors are generally school alumni with multiple years of industry experience and successful candidates who help students develop a practical approach to careers, and give insights and valuable feedback. This is one of the most important things that distinguish a Tier 1 university from others.
Top 15 Tier 1 Universities in the USA
Studying in a Tier 1 university in the US is going to open a world of opportunities for you. Be it in excellent curriculum design, industry-specific skills, or career opportunities, the difference between a Tier 1 university and others is stark. Here are the top 15 Tier 1 universities that you should consider in the US:
|
Tier 1 Universities in the USA |
QS 2025 Ranking |
|---|---|
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
1 |
|
Harvard University |
4 |
|
Stanford University |
6 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
10 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
11 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
12 |
|
Cornell University |
16 |
|
University of Chicago |
21 |
|
Princeton University |
22 |
|
Yale University |
23 |
|
John Hopkins University |
32 |
|
Columbia University |
34 |
|
University of California, Los Angeles |
42 |
|
New York University |
43 |
|
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
44 |
Let’s discuss them in detail:
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been the 1 institution for the last 13 years. The institute is not just a place for academics but everything you need. With over 65 research centers, labs, and programs the institute has around 700 companies collaborating with faculty and student research.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 71,34,676 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
Harvard University
At Harvard University you can participate in over 450 student organizations and 42 varsity sports. The institute offers more than 3,700 courses and even provides financial aid for students from all around the world.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 71,47,071 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
Stanford University
At Stanford University 2,323 faculty members are maintaining a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The Institute offers around 200 graduate programs and offers opportunities from pre-K to college.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 56,05,448.84 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology will offer you cutting-edge technology with 28 undergraduate majors and 12 minors. The Institute has over 50 research centers and institutes, including 5 NASA facilities.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 54,67,883.58 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania was established in 1740 and has grown to have 5,093 faculty members. The university maintains a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring individual attention and development.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 76,78,097.39 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
University of California, Berkeley
The institute has had 35 Nobel Prize winners and 28 recipients of the National Medal of Science. The University of California, Berkeley has multidisciplinary labs, research centers, museums, and institutes all on one campus. Every year, at least 10 companies are founded by Berkeley students or innovations.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 41,19,490.05 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
Cornell University
Cornell University offers 4000 classes, 100+ academic departments, and 80+ majors. The institute has award-winning facilities and a diverse student community. At Cornell University the research focuses on sustainability, climate change, and other areas.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 53,88,569.40 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago has had some notable alumni like Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Moungi Bawendi. At UChicago, you will have a transformative education and a choice between 53 majors and 53 minors.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 58,19,095.87 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
Princeton University
Princeton University houses over 1,000 faculty members and around 70% of the students receive financial aid. The institute focuses on building a better society through connecting learning and services.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 74,80,289.59 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
Yale University
Yale University has over 8,000 graduate and professional students with 30% international students. There are 11,590 staff members at Yale. The best part is that 54% of undergraduates at Yale receive financial aid.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 58,02,185.41 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is America’s first research university. The institute is home to nine top-class academic divisions and over 400 student clubs. At JHU students experience research opportunities, reputation, and community involvement.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 55,79,157.17 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
Columbia University
The Columbia University has over 80 Nobel Laureates and 400 new inventions per year. The Institute offers more than 80 different fields of study that provide a range of interdisciplinary options and join programs.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 61,40,394.58 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA has 16 Nobel Laureates and 17 MacArthur fellows. The institute has won over 100 NCAA championships and even had some Olympic medals. At UCLA you have the opportunity to participate in leading research and foster a critical thinking and creative mindset.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 14,53,522.94 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
New York University
NYU is a top producer of patents and revenue from licensing among US universities. The institute has a vast network of alumni and has 14 global academic centers. At NYU you are offered academic excellence, global reach, and networking opportunities.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 80,39,715.17 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
-
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is one of the first public universities in the world accredited by the High Learning Commission. The institute offers a top pre-med program and neuroscience courses.
|
Cost of Studying |
INR 49,79,439.83 |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Scholarships |
|
Eligibility Criteria to Get into Tier 1 Universities in the US
The Tier 1 universities in the US have very strict eligibility criteria and all of them have some specific requirements for their admissions. However, here is a basic overview of the eligibility criteria:
-
A minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher
-
Standardized Tests (/ ) are often optional, but they are highly recommended
1. SAT: A minimum score of 1400 (out of 1600) or higher.
2. ACT: A minimum score of 32 (out of 36) or higher.
-
A high-class rank.
-
At least 2 LORs (professional/ academic)
-
Personal Essay/ SOP
-
English Proficiency Test Scores
-
Transcripts and academic certificate
Cost of Studying at Tier 1 Universities in the US
Tier 1 universities are more expensive than other universities because of their elite status, great faculty, and ROI.Here is a basic breakdown of what your costs might look like:
-
Tuition fee: INR 40 lakhs - 60 lakhs/ year
-
Accommodation: INR 8 lakhs - 16 lakhs/year
-
Transportation: INR 1 lakh - 5 lakhs/year
-
Food: INR 3 lakhs - 6 lakhs/year
-
Other miscellaneous expenses - 4-6 lakhs/ year
If Not Tier 1 Universities, Then What?
Although Tier-1 universities offer unparalleled academic experience and exposure, not receiving an admit is not the end of the world. There are hundreds of universities that offer similar educational, research and career opportunities at lesser costs. Some examples of Tier 2 universities in the USA are NYU, UT Austin, Boston Universities and others.
Although these are tier-2 universities, you must remember that they’re still very competitive. The average acceptance rate of tier 2 universities is only 20%, making it only slightly easier to get into them than into tier 1 universities. Check out more than 30,000 successful alumni profiles here
From the Desk of 杏吧论坛
The tier 1 universities provide not just education and career opportunities but also an environment for personal growth. If you are getting ready for your application process, let 杏吧论坛 help you on the way. With our experienced and expert team, we will make sure that your SOPs and university questions are all set to make a mark on the admission committee. Connect with 杏吧论坛 today and start your application.
