Universities in the United States ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 1726 Universities in the United States

The United States of America is a federal republic divided into 50 states, a federal district (Washington D.C., the capital city), five major territories, and various minor islands. The largest number of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the states of New York, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Massachusetts. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all states that include at least one U.S. higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Alabama (26)  
Alaska (5)  
Arizona (8)  
Arkansas (23)  
California (132)  
Colorado (23)  
Connecticut (22)  
Delaware (4)  
District of Columbia (13)  
Florida (64)  
Georgia (53)  
Hawaii (6)  
Idaho (8)  
Illinois (70)  
Indiana (44)  
Iowa (32)  
Kansas (26)  
Kentucky (28)  
Louisiana (25)  
Maine (18)  
Maryland (28)  
Massachusetts (78)  
Michigan (45)  
Minnesota (35)  
Mississippi (17)  
Missouri (50)  
Montana (9)  
Nebraska (20)  
Nevada (7)  
New Hampshire (12)  
New Jersey (25)  
New Mexico (9)  
New York (148)  
North Carolina (53)  
North Dakota (10)  
Ohio (69)  
Oklahoma (24)  
Oregon (21)  
Pennsylvania (100)  
Rhode Island (10)  
South Carolina (33)  
South Dakota (11)  
Tennessee (45)  
Texas (90)  
Utah (10)  
Vermont (13)  
Virginia (42)  
Washington (26)  
West Virginia (18)  
Wisconsin (37)  
Wyoming (1)  

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Overview of US Universities

The US higher education system is globally recognized for its diversity and academic excellence. It includes public universities (state-funded institutions offering lower tuition for residents) and private universities (independently funded, often with higher tuition but substantial financial aid). Institutions range from comprehensive research universities offering broad programs to specialized schools focused on specific disciplines. Most top-tier universities emphasize research, innovation and interdisciplinary studies across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

Top 10 US Universities

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Founded in 1861, this private research university (Country Rank: 1, World Rank: 1) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A comprehensive institution, it offers STEM-focused programs alongside humanities at all academic levels.
2. Harvard University: Established in 1636, this private research university (Country Rank: 2, World Rank: 2) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provides comprehensive programs in law, medicine, business and arts across undergraduate to doctoral studies.
3. Stanford University: Operating since 1885, this private research university (Country Rank: 3, World Rank: 3) in Stanford, California, offers comprehensive programs in engineering, business and social sciences at all academic levels.
4. Cornell University: Founded in 1865, this private research university (Country Rank: 4, World Rank: 4) in Ithaca, New York, delivers comprehensive programs in agriculture, engineering and hospitality management from undergraduate to PhD levels.
5. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Established in 1868, this public research university (Country Rank: 5, World Rank: 5) in Berkeley, California, offers comprehensive programs in computer science, economics and environmental studies across all academic levels.
6. University of Washington (UW): Founded in 1861, this public research university (Country Rank: 6, World Rank: 6) in Seattle, Washington, provides comprehensive programs in medicine, oceanography and information technology from bachelor's to doctoral levels.
7. University of Michigan (U of M): Operating since 1817, this public research university (Country Rank: 7, World Rank: 7) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers comprehensive programs in engineering, business and social sciences at all academic levels.
8. Columbia University (CU): Established in 1754, this private research university (Country Rank: 8, World Rank: 8) in New York City offers comprehensive programs in journalism, international relations and finance across undergraduate to doctoral studies.
9. University of Pennsylvania (Upenn): Founded in 1740, this private research university (Country Rank: 9, World Rank: 9) in Philadelphia provides comprehensive programs in business, law and health sciences at all academic levels.
10. Yale University (YU): Operating since 1701, this private research university (Country Rank: 10, World Rank: 12) in New Haven, Connecticut, offers comprehensive programs in law, drama and political science from undergraduate to PhD levels.

Analysis of University Types

The United States hosts 1,726 universities, with private institutions dominating at 65.7% (1,133 universities). Public universities comprise 34.3% (593 institutions). This distribution highlights the significant role of private funding in US higher education while maintaining strong public options across all 50 states.

Global Ranking and Standing

US universities dominate global rankings, with 108 institutions (6.3% of all US universities) in the top 200 worldwide. Additionally, 387 US universities (22.4%) rank within the top 1,000 globally, underscoring their international academic influence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between public and private US universities?
Public universities receive state funding and offer lower tuition for residents. Private universities rely on endowments and tuition, often providing larger financial aid packages.

How important are university rankings for choosing a US school?
While rankings indicate academic reputation, factors like program strength, location, cost and campus culture should also guide decisions.

Do all top US universities emphasize research?
Most top-ranked institutions are research-intensive, but liberal arts colleges focus more on undergraduate teaching.

What academic levels do US universities typically offer?
Most provide undergraduate (bachelor's), graduate (master's) and doctoral programs, with some offering professional certificates.

How diverse are fields of study at comprehensive US universities?
They typically offer 100+ majors across STEM, humanities, social sciences and professional disciplines.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about US universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in the United States
  Explore the most traditional and long-established US post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in the United States
  Search for US higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• US Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular US town or city.
• Top Public Universities in the United States
  Discover US public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in the United States
  Find out about US private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in the United States
  Explore US not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in the United States
  Look for US for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top US Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in the United States have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top US Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in the United States that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top US Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in the United States are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top US Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in the United States with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.