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Top universities in the USA 2025
The USA is currently the most popular overseas study destination, with over 750,000 international students pursuing their dream course in a wide variety of quality universities.
A number of American institutions are ranked highly by university ranking providers such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings, achieving high consistency in aspects like research output and stellar contributions to respective industries.
Apart from its excellent higher education offerings, the USA offers an abundance of activities - both city-bound and nature-themed - to satisfy the needs of those who wish to explore and immerse in new experiences.
For those who are seeking to pursue your foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate pathways in the USA, university rankings can provide a sense of whether the institution is right for you.
Ranking providers like the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World (THE) University Rankings are globally recognised, often used by students as part of their research before applying to study abroad.
With that, we’ve compiled the top universities in the USA for 2025 below, with data from the latest QS World University Rankings and THE World University Rankings.
QS Top 20 Universities in the USA 2025
Rank | University | Global Rank |
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
2 | Stanford University | 2 |
3 | Harvard University | 3 |
4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 4 |
5 | University of Chicago | 5 |
6 | Princeton University | 6 |
7 | Yale University | 8 |
8 | Columbia University | 9 |
9 | University of Pennsylvania | 10 |
10 | University of California, Berkeley | 12 |
11 | University of Michigan | 13 |
12 | University of California, Los Angeles | 14 |
13 | Duke University | 15 |
14 | University of California, San Diego | 17 |
15 | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 18 |
16 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | 19 |
17 | University of Texas at Austin | 20 |
18 | Johns Hopkins University | 21 |
19 | Northwestern University | 22 |
20 | University of California, Irvine | 23 |
THE Top 20 Universities in the USA 2025
Rank | University | Global Rank |
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
2 | Stanford University | 2 |
3 | Harvard University | 3 |
4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 5 |
5 | University of Chicago | 6 |
6 | Princeton University | 7 |
7 | Yale University | 9 |
8 | Columbia University | 10 |
9 | University of Pennsylvania | 12 |
10 | University of California, Berkeley | 13 |
11 | University of Michigan | 14 |
12 | Duke University | 16 |
13 | University of California, Los Angeles | 17 |
14 | Johns Hopkins University | 19 |
15 | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 20 |
16 | University of California, San Diego | 22 |
17 | University of California, Irvine | 23 |
18 | Northwestern University | 24 |
19 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | 25 |
20 | University of Southern California | 26 |
Studying in the USA opens doors to countless opportunities, and understanding the top universities and their rankings can help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious program or exploring various fields of study, there's a perfect fit for everyone.
IDP is here to support you every step of the way in your journey to study in the USA. Our experienced advisors can guide you through the application process, help you choose the right university, and provide insights into scholarships and student visas. Contact IDP today to kickstart your academic adventure!
Why Choose IDP for Studying in the US
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