Top 10 Universities in the USA for Indian Students

When it comes to studying in America, there is no doubt that the most number of options in terms of universities, courses and fields, especially for Indian students who aspire to further themselves. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), over 140,000 Indian students pursued higher education in the USA in 2023. 

Regardless, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to applications. To avoid this, proper research and consultation is a must- this not only helps you figure out exactly what kind of institute will meet your needs, but also gives you a clearer idea of other aspects such as living cost and community.

To help you on this journey, take a look at the top ten universities that students from India have on their radar, and what each one can offer you in terms of education and enrichment.

List of top universities in the US for Indian Students

1. University of Washington
2. New York University
3. University of Texas at Austin
4. Columbia University
5. University of Michigan
6. Georgia Institute of Technology
7. Northwestern University
8. Johns Hopkins University
9. University of Pennsylvania
10. Cornell University

Among the prime universities for computer science, engineering, and business studies in the United States, this one stands out: the University of Washington in Seattle. The ‘Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering’ is particularly prestigious. The fact that the campus is located in Seattle, with tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft nearby, gives students fantastic internship options that can lead to further full-time employment. 

Student life on campus here has great diversity, with a lot of Indian students, and generally supportive. It is strong on research and projects to boost innovation, and is attractive for budding technologists and entrepreneurs.

New York University

New York University affords excellent access to professional and cultural resources, for which a big reason is its prime location in New York City. It is known for business programs, law programs, and arts programs- more specifically, the Tisch School of the Arts and the Stern School of Business. The vibrant atmosphere of the city affords many opportunities for good internships, networking, and global professional experiences. 

NYU has a rich campus culture, along with the presence of a diverse student body. There’s an active Indian community hosting cultural events and supporting members in various academic and social pursuits.

University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

UT Austin is a university that is well-known for its engineering, business, and computer science programs. It offers quality education at a relatively affordable price, a great advantage for many out-of-state students. This university also benefits from its location in Austin, the booming tech hub called Silicon Valley, an incredible source of opportunities for internships and employment in the tech industry. 

Life on campus at UT Austin is definitely active, with a number of student organizations that include the Indian Students Association, which welcomes Indian students with culture-related activities and community support.

Columbia University

Nestled in the very heart of Manhattan is Columbia University, one of the famous Ivy League schools. This institute places most of its focus on both learning as well as professional opportunities. CU is particularly famous for the business, law, journalism and engineering faculties. Being a part of central Manhattan is perfect for students to have access to one of the most active, diverse and encouraging cities. 

Columbia embraces an attitude of diversity and inclusion and has an active Indian student presence. Indian students have access to events maintaining the culture that they are used to, as well as academic networks, all of which assist them in their studies, which are quite demanding.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan , situated in the city of Ann Arbor, is famous for its engineering, business, public health, and law schools, all around the world. The strong emphasis on research allows students to participate in a lot of innovative projects. UMich is home to over 51,000 students, including 8,861 international students from more than 130 countries. International students account for over 17% of the total student body. 

Since 2019, U-M has consistently ranked among the top 25 universities worldwide.The Indian Graduate Students Association (IGSA) is an important entity that’s involved in organising various cultural activities and providing support.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is among the foremost institutions for engineering, computing, and business in the world. The institute is situated in Atlanta, Georgia which is an emerging technology hub with a wide range of job prospects. With a reputation for a competitive learning environment, Georgia Tech has a culture that encourages working as a tram and equips students with skills that lead to successful careers in technology and innovation. 

The Indian Students Association takes pride in offering assistance to Indian Students by organising cultural events and networking activities. At Georgia Tech, where there is a great deal of emphasis on co-op and internship programs for the students, it comes particularly handy for those who are looking forward to making a concrete professionally sound portfolio.

Northwestern University

This University hosts more than 8,000 undergraduates and over 14,000 graduate students. It has 500+ student organisations and clubs along with 19 intercollegiate athletic teams as well. In terms of academics, the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern has been a top pick for many aspiring students, especially from India. Northwestern’s main campuses are located along Lake Michigan in Evanston and Chicago.

Northwestern is also largely considered to be a research university, encouraging students to hone their skills in the field. With a large community of Indian students, Northwestern is known to have a cultural mix in the student population and a diverse atmosphere in general.

Johns Hopkins University

Also well-known as a research university, Johns Hopkins University also stands out for its courses in arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and health areas as well. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the location is a hub of social, cultural, and economic activity.

In order to apply to courses here, applicants require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (85%). It is a considerably selective institution as it is also competitive globally and ranks in the top 10 universities in the US. Many Indian students aspire to be students at Johns Hopkins and each academic year sees an influx of such students into a variety of courses.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania comprises 12 schools, with five offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, and seven dedicated solely to graduate studies. Among its highly ranked graduate programs are the Wharton School, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Law School, and School of Medicine. Additionally, Penn is renowned for its School of Design and School of Dental Medicine.

The South Asia Society and Indian student organisations actively engage in fostering a welcoming community through cultural events and support services, making Penn an attractive destination for Indian students.

Cornell University

Cornell University, located in the scenic town of Ithaca, New York, is known for its diverse academic offerings, including engineering, business, and hotel management. The university’s unique programs, such as the School of Hotel Administration, attract students from around the world. Cornell’s campus provides a supportive environment with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research. 

The Indian community at Cornell is vibrant, with cultural associations like the Cornell India Association organising events and providing support, creating a home away from home for Indian students.