Top 10 Most Prestigious Universities in the U.S.

Known as a prestigious institution for many Hollywood stars, Stanford University is located in California, USA, and was founded in 1885. After many years of existence, it remains consistently ranked as one of the top universities worldwide, enrolling over 6,000 students each year.

Situated in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, Stanford is a leading institution for courses aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs. Many of the founders of famous companies and corporations like Google, Yahoo, Nike, and Instagram are alumni of this renowned university.

Stanford University offers programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, with a wide range of fields including education, law, and economics. Nguyễn Thị Bích Diệp, a talented student from Amsterdam High School in Hanoi, was awarded a scholarship to attend this prestigious institution.

Website: https://www.stanford.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/Stanford/

University of Pennsylvania is a private institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The university is renowned for its programs in areas like basic sciences, anthropology, law, medicine, education, engineering, and business.

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, Penn advocates practical education in fields such as commerce and public administration. As one of the nine oldest universities in the United States, it was established during the colonial period before the Declaration of Independence. Penn is home to four undergraduate schools and twelve graduate and professional schools.

This prestigious institution also boasts the first medical school in North America, Perelman School of Medicine, founded in 1765, the first business school in the world, Wharton School, founded in 1881, and the first student-run organization in the world, established in 1896. In 2019, Penn had an endowment of $14.7 billion, ranking seventh among all U.S. universities, with a research budget of $1.02 billion. The university's athletics program, known as the Quakers, competes in 33 NCAA Division I sports within the Ivy League.

Website: https://www.upenn.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/UnivPennsylvania

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is not only the best university in the U.S. but has also ranked first in global university rankings for four consecutive years. MIT is renowned for its exceptional education quality, not just in technology, but across various fields like architecture, fine arts, music, literature, and sciences.

Founded in 1861 to meet the industrialization needs of the United States, MIT operates as a polytechnic university with a strong emphasis on hands-on, laboratory-based learning. Initially, the university focused on applied technology at both undergraduate and graduate levels, which led to close collaborations with industrial companies.

Under the leadership of Presidents Karl Compton and Vannevar Bush in the 1930s, MIT reformulated its curriculum to emphasize fundamental sciences. MIT and its alumni have played a significant role in numerous groundbreaking technological discoveries. The institute has also been a key research partner for the U.S. government, particularly in projects related to nuclear technology, space science, computer science, and nanotechnology. 41 MIT alumni have gone on to become astronauts for the U.S. and other countries.

Website: https://web.mit.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/MITnews

The California Institute of Technology is renowned for its expertise in technology and engineering in the United States. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide, it is one of the most prestigious institutions in Los Angeles. Caltech is a top destination for international students pursuing degrees in engineering and applied sciences in the U.S.

Founded in 1891 by entrepreneur and politician Amos G. Throop, Caltech began as a preparatory school and vocational training institute. Located in Pasadena, just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Caltech is recognized globally as one of the best places to study science and engineering. Research at Caltech is often funded by major organizations such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Energy.

Students at Caltech are enrolled in a rigorous core program that includes three terms of mathematics and physics, two courses in chemistry, one biology course, two laboratory practice courses, one course in scientific communication, three physical education courses, and 12 terms in the humanities and social sciences.

Website: https://www.caltech.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/californiainstituteoftechnology

According to the QS World University Ranking 2018, University of Chicago ranks 9th globally for its teaching quality and academic environment. Established in 1890, the university is renowned for pioneering work in nuclear reactor technology and has produced 89 Nobel laureates.

The main campus, spanning 85.4 hectares, includes the Hyde Park and Woodlawn neighborhoods, and is just 15 minutes from downtown Chicago. With diverse transportation options, students can easily navigate the campus using bicycles, buses, or cars.

The University of Chicago is also known for its influential academic movements, such as the Chicago School of Economics, Chicago Sociology, Literary Criticism, and the intersection of Law and Economics. It was the site of the world’s first self-sustained nuclear chain reaction and is home to the largest university press in the United States.

Website: https://www.uchicago.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/uchicago

Founded in 1701 and located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is the third oldest university in the United States. It is part of the prestigious Ivy League and is renowned for having one of the best law schools in the world.

Since its inception, Yale has aimed to train the nation's leaders and global thinkers. Each year, the university receives numerous applications from outstanding students worldwide, preparing them for successful careers, especially in law. Yale offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields, with its law school consistently ranked among the best globally. Other highly regarded departments include business, pharmacy, architecture, performing arts, engineering, applied sciences, forestry, environmental studies, and music.

Students can pursue studies at Yale in various formats: full-time, online, summer programs, or non-degree courses. Yale also provides numerous exchange opportunities with universities worldwide, offering an enriching academic experience beyond its own campus.

Website: https://www.yale.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/YaleUniversity

Cornell University is a prestigious private research institution and a partner of the State University of New York. As one of the eight Ivy League schools, it offers top-tier courses across a wide range of disciplines.

Founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is home to over 23,600 students, including 15,182 undergraduates, 5,838 graduate students, and 2,580 professional students. The faculty consists of 1,679 professors, and the university boasts 50 Nobel laureates among its faculty, alumni, and researchers.

Recent data shows that 23% of Cornell's student population comes from abroad, representing a rich diversity of nations and cultures, contributing to a global and inclusive academic environment. At Cornell, the rigorous educational approach is focused on preparing students with the knowledge and skills to make a global impact. Students engage closely with world-class faculty and interact with a vibrant international community, unlocking their full potential.

Website: https://www.cornell.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/Cornell

Harvard University needs little introduction, as its reputation is well-known worldwide. It is the dream institution for students aspiring to study abroad, with a legacy of prestige that is acknowledged by people not only in the United States but across the globe. Harvard has become legendary, featured in numerous famous novels and blockbuster films.

Founded in 1636, Harvard is a private university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With 11 academic units and 10 undergraduate schools, it admits around 6,655 students annually. Harvard’s appeal is immense, though only a select few Vietnamese students are accepted, such as Tôn Hà Anh, a former student from Hanoi’s Amsterdam High School who earned straight A's, and Lê Ngọc Tường Vân, from Huế, who has received multiple recognitions from U.S. Presidents.

The wealth of Harvard University originates from the numerous influential figures it has produced and its vast financial resources. The education here is considered top-tier globally, leading to significant tuition fees for those studying independently. However, the prestige of studying at Harvard, along with its global influence, makes it one of the most renowned universities worldwide. Harvard consistently holds a spot at the top or near the top of university rankings, drawing talented students from all corners of the globe, including many from Vietnam.

Website: https://www.harvard.edu/

Fanpage: ww.facebook.com/Harvard

Princeton University, a private institution located in Princeton, New Jersey, was founded in 1746 after undergoing several name changes. It became the first university in the United States to adopt a tuition-free policy for students, though each year, a large number of applicants compete for spots due to its high educational standards. The graduate programs at Princeton are particularly renowned for their excellence in fields such as mathematics, physics, economics, history, and philosophy. The university admits about 5,275 students annually. However, there are still few Vietnamese international students enrolled here. Princeton offers many graduate research programs, especially its prestigious Ph.D. programs, and ranks highly in disciplines like mathematics, physics, astronomy, plasma physics, economics, history, and philosophy. Despite this, the university does not offer as many professional schools as other institutions, such as medical, law, or business schools. The most famous professional school is the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, established in 1930. It also provides graduate programs in fields like engineering, architecture, and finance.

Website: https://www.princeton.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/PrincetonU

Columbia University is renowned for hosting prestigious awards like the American Literature Prize and the Pulitzer Prize, and it is a core member of the Ivy League. Notably, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh taught at this esteemed institution during the 1960s.

Founded in 1754, Columbia University stands as a distinguished institution in the United States, with an annual intake of 7,743 students and a reputation for academic excellence in both science and the arts. It is particularly accommodating for international students, offering four years of on-campus housing. Columbia is one of the world’s foremost research centers, providing an outstanding academic environment for both undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines.

Columbia attracts a diverse faculty and student body, bringing together individuals from different cultural backgrounds to tackle global challenges. The university fosters academic collaborations with countries and regions worldwide. With over 40,000 members, including students, faculty, and staff, Columbia operates in a vibrant, bustling city, offering an exceptional and diverse community for all its members.

Website: https://www.columbia.edu/

Fanpage: www.facebook.com/columbia