352 US schools are featured in the recently released QS World University Rankings: USA.
The state with the most schools featured is New York, followed by California.
The university or college you choose to go to can have a major impact on the rest of your life, so it's probably a good idea to do some research first. To help with the process, we've compiled a ranking of the best 100 US universities and colleges, according to the recently released QS World University Rankings: USA 2021.
We've also broken down the complete list of top US universities by state, so you can find a leading study destination that's close to home (and probably more affordable than expensive out-of-state options).
University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Alabama Birmingham, University of South Alabama
Alaska – 2
University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage
Arizona – 3
Arizona State University, Arizona State University Tempe, The University of Arizona
Arkansas – 1
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
California – 38
Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UCB), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), University of California, Davis (UCD), University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of California, Irvine (UCI), University of California, Riverside (UCR), University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Santa Clara University, University of the Pacific, San Diego State University, University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, Loyola Marymount University, Pepperdine University, San Jose State University, University of San Diego, Chapman University, Dominican University of California, California Lutheran University, California State University – Fullerton, California State Polytechnic University – Pomona, California State University - Los Angeles, Sonoma State University, University of Redlands, California State University - San Marcos, California State University Northridge, California State University Sacramento, California State University, Long Beach, California State University, San Bernardino, Saint Marys College of California, University of La Verne, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California State University – Stanislaus, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Colorado – 5
University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, University of Denver, Regis University
Connecticut – 5
Yale University, University of Connecticut, Fairfield University, University of Bridgeport, University of Hartford, Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, Western Connecticut State University
Delaware – 2
University of Delaware, Delaware State University
Florida – 16
University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, Rollins College, Stetson University, Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, University of North Florida, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida Institute of Technology, Jacksonville University, Lynn University, University of Tampa
Georgia – 7
Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, University of North Georgia, Mercer University
Guam – 1
University of Guam
Hawaii – 3
University of Hawai'i at Mañoa, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University
Idaho – 2
University of Idaho, Boise State University
Illinois – 14
University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC), Illinois Institute of Technology, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Dominican University, Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University, Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, University of Illinois, Springfield (UIS)
Indiana – 8
Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Ball State University, Butler University, University of Evansville, Valparaiso University
Iowa – 2
University of Iowa, Iowa State University
Kansas – 3
University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University
Kentucky – 2
University of Kentucky, University of Louisville
Louisiana – 3
Tulane University, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Xavier University of Louisiana
Maine – 1
University of Maine
Maryland – 10
Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Loyola University Maryland, Morgan State University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Frostburg State University, Mount St Mary's College, Salisbury University, Towson University
Massachusetts – 16
Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, Boston College, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Brandeis University, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Bentley University, Clark University, Suffolk University, Simmons University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Michigan – 12
University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Michigan Technological University, Andrews University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland University, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University, Madonna University, University of Michigan-Flint
Minnesota – 4
University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Saint Thomas, Augsburg University, Hamline University
Mississippi – 2
University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University
Missouri – 7
Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri, Columbia, St. Louis University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Kansas City, University of Missouri Saint Louis, Truman State University
Montana – 2
University of Montana Missoula, Montana State University - Bozeman
Nebraska – 3
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Creighton University, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Nevada – 2
University of Nevada - Las Vegas, University of Nevada – Reno
New Hampshire – 2
Dartmouth College, University of New Hampshire
New Jersey – 11
Princeton University, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rowan University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, The College of New Jersey, Rider University, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Saint Peter's University
New Mexico – 2
University of New Mexico, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
New York – 42
Columbia University, New York University (NYU), Cornell University, University of Rochester, Stony Brook University, University at Buffalo SUNY, Syracuse University, Binghamton University SUNY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Fordham University, Clarkson University, Baruch College, CUNY, Hunter College, Hofstra University, Pace University - New York, St. Johns University, Yeshiva University, CUNY Queens College, New York Institute of Technology, College of Staten Island CUNY, CUNY City College, Ithaca College, State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego), SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, Adelphi University, Alfred University, CUNY Lehman College, Manhattan College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Oneonta, Buffalo State College (SUNY), Manhattanville College, Marist College, Nazareth College, Niagara University, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Potsdam
North Carolina – 10
Duke University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Elon University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University (ASU), Campbell University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
North Dakota – 2
North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota
Ohio – 9
Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University, Columbus, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Miami University, University of Dayton, Kent State University, University of Toledo, John Carroll University
Oklahoma – 3
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa
Oregon – 4
Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University, University of Portland
Pennsylvania – 18
University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Lehigh University, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, University of Scranton, Immaculata University, La Salle University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Wilkes University, Chestnut Hill College, Duquesne University, Eastern University, King's College, Waynesburg University
Rhode Island – 4
Brown University, University of Rhode Island, Bryant University, Providence College
South Carolina – 3
University of South Carolina at Columbia, Clemson University, College of Charleston
South Dakota – 2
South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota
Tennessee – 4
Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University
Texas – 19
Rice University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, University of Texas Dallas, Baylor University, University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University, University of St Thomas – Houston, St. Edward's University, University of Texas Arlington, Lamar University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Sam Houston State University, University of the Incarnate Word
Utah – 3
University of Utah, Brigham Young University-Provo, Utah State University
Vermont – 1
University of Vermont
Virginia – 11
University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), George Mason University, College of William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, Marymount University, Old Dominion University, Hampton University, Radford University, Shenandoah University
Washington – 7
University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle University, Washington State University, Seattle Pacific University, Western Washington University, Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University
Washington D.C. – 5
Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, American University, Catholic University of America
West Virginia – 1
West Virginia University
Wisconsin – 5
University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Carthage College
Wyoming – 1
University of Wyoming
Hopefully, this ranking will help you decide where to study. For more information about US universities, sign up to our site (it's free and takes less than two minutes) and enjoy exclusive member benefits, including access to helpful tips and guides.
This article was originally published in April 2017 and was updated in May 2021 to reflect the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings: USA 2021.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
Our expert teams can help start your academic journey by guiding you through the application process.
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Ranked: The Top 100 Universities In The USA
By Craig O
Updated April 29, 2022 Updated April 29, 2022The university or college you choose to go to can have a major impact on the rest of your life, so it's probably a good idea to do some research first. To help with the process, we've compiled a ranking of the best 100 US universities and colleges, according to the recently released QS World University Rankings: USA 2021.
We've also broken down the complete list of top US universities by state, so you can find a leading study destination that's close to home (and probably more affordable than expensive out-of-state options).
Top 100 US Universities 2020
Rank
University
1
Harvard University
2
Stanford University
3
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4
University of California Berkeley (UCB)
5
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
6
Yale University
7
Columbia University
8
Princeton University
9
New York University (NYU)
10
University of Pennsylvania
11
University of Chicago
12
Cornell University
13
Duke University
14 =
Johns Hopkins University
14 =
University of Southern California
16
Northwestern University
17
Carnegie Mellon University
18
University of Michigan
19
Brown University
20
Boston University
21
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
22
Emory University
23
Rice University
24
University of Washington, Seattle
25
Washington University in St. Louis
26
Georgetown University
27
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
28
Vanderbilt University
29
University of Texas at Austin
30 =
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
30 =
University of Rochester
32 =
Dartmouth College
32 =
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
34
University of California, Davis (UCD)
35
University of Florida
36 =
Tufts University
36 =
University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)
38
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
39
Stony Brook University
40
University of Virginia
41
Case Western Reserve University
42
Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
43
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
44
Pennsylvania State University, University Park
45 =
George Washington University
45 =
University of California, Irvine (UCI)
47
University of Notre Dame
48
University of Miami
49
Northeastern University
50 =
Ohio State University, Columbus
50 =
University at Buffalo SUNY
52
University of Maryland, College Park
53
Purdue University
54
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
55 =
Boston College
55 =
Michigan State University
57
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
58
University of Wisconsin-Madison
59
Syracuse University
60 =
Lehigh University
60 =
University of Pittsburgh
62 =
Arizona State University, Tempe
62 =
Brandeis University
63
Temple University
64 =
Texas A&M University
64 =
University of Arizona
66
University of Houston
67 =
Binghamton University, SUNY
67 =
Drexel University
67 =
North Carolina State University
67 =
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
71
University of Connecticut
72
University of Georgia
73
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech)
74
University of New Mexico
75
Indiana University Bloomington
76
Tulane University
77
University of Colorado at Boulder
78 =
Florida State University
78 =
University of South Florida
80 =
Illinois Institute of Technology
80 =
University of California, Riverside (UCR)
80 =
University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
83 =
Howard University
83 =
University of Texas Dallas
85 =
Santa Clara University
85 =
Wake Forest University
87 =
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
87 =
University of Utah
89
George Mason University
90 =
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
90 =
University of Massachusetts, Boston
92
University of Kansas
93
University at Albany SUNY
94
Oregon State University
95
University of Delaware
96
University of the Pacific
97 =
Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
99 =
San Diego State University
99 =
University of Iowa
99 =
University of Oklahoma, Norman
Top US universities by state
Alabama – 4
University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Alabama Birmingham, University of South Alabama
Alaska – 2
University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage
Arizona – 3
Arizona State University, Arizona State University Tempe, The University of Arizona
Arkansas – 1
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
California – 38
Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UCB), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), University of California, Davis (UCD), University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of California, Irvine (UCI), University of California, Riverside (UCR), University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Santa Clara University, University of the Pacific, San Diego State University, University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, Loyola Marymount University, Pepperdine University, San Jose State University, University of San Diego, Chapman University, Dominican University of California, California Lutheran University, California State University – Fullerton, California State Polytechnic University – Pomona, California State University - Los Angeles, Sonoma State University, University of Redlands, California State University - San Marcos, California State University Northridge, California State University Sacramento, California State University, Long Beach, California State University, San Bernardino, Saint Marys College of California, University of La Verne, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California State University – Stanislaus, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Colorado – 5
University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, University of Denver, Regis University
Connecticut – 5
Yale University, University of Connecticut, Fairfield University, University of Bridgeport, University of Hartford, Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, Western Connecticut State University
Delaware – 2
University of Delaware, Delaware State University
Florida – 16
University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, Rollins College, Stetson University, Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, University of North Florida, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida Institute of Technology, Jacksonville University, Lynn University, University of Tampa
Georgia – 7
Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, University of North Georgia, Mercer University
Guam – 1
University of Guam
Hawaii – 3
University of Hawai'i at Mañoa, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University
Idaho – 2
University of Idaho, Boise State University
Illinois – 14
University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC), Illinois Institute of Technology, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Dominican University, Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University, Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, University of Illinois, Springfield (UIS)
Indiana – 8
Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Ball State University, Butler University, University of Evansville, Valparaiso University
Iowa – 2
University of Iowa, Iowa State University
Kansas – 3
University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University
Kentucky – 2
University of Kentucky, University of Louisville
Louisiana – 3
Tulane University, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Xavier University of Louisiana
Maine – 1
University of Maine
Maryland – 10
Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Loyola University Maryland, Morgan State University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Frostburg State University, Mount St Mary's College, Salisbury University, Towson University
Massachusetts – 16
Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, Tufts University, Northeastern University, Boston College, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Brandeis University, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Bentley University, Clark University, Suffolk University, Simmons University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Michigan – 12
University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Michigan Technological University, Andrews University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland University, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Lawrence Technological University, Madonna University, University of Michigan-Flint
Minnesota – 4
University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Saint Thomas, Augsburg University, Hamline University
Mississippi – 2
University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University
Missouri – 7
Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri, Columbia, St. Louis University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Kansas City, University of Missouri Saint Louis, Truman State University
Montana – 2
University of Montana Missoula, Montana State University - Bozeman
Nebraska – 3
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Creighton University, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Nevada – 2
University of Nevada - Las Vegas, University of Nevada – Reno
New Hampshire – 2
Dartmouth College, University of New Hampshire
New Jersey – 11
Princeton University, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Newark, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rowan University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, The College of New Jersey, Rider University, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Saint Peter's University
New Mexico – 2
University of New Mexico, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
New York – 42
Columbia University, New York University (NYU), Cornell University, University of Rochester, Stony Brook University, University at Buffalo SUNY, Syracuse University, Binghamton University SUNY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University at Albany SUNY, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Fordham University, Clarkson University, Baruch College, CUNY, Hunter College, Hofstra University, Pace University - New York, St. Johns University, Yeshiva University, CUNY Queens College, New York Institute of Technology, College of Staten Island CUNY, CUNY City College, Ithaca College, State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego), SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, Adelphi University, Alfred University, CUNY Lehman College, Manhattan College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Oneonta, Buffalo State College (SUNY), Manhattanville College, Marist College, Nazareth College, Niagara University, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Potsdam
North Carolina – 10
Duke University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Elon University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University (ASU), Campbell University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
North Dakota – 2
North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota
Ohio – 9
Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University, Columbus, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Miami University, University of Dayton, Kent State University, University of Toledo, John Carroll University
Oklahoma – 3
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa
Oregon – 4
Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University, University of Portland
Pennsylvania – 18
University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Lehigh University, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, University of Scranton, Immaculata University, La Salle University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Wilkes University, Chestnut Hill College, Duquesne University, Eastern University, King's College, Waynesburg University
Rhode Island – 4
Brown University, University of Rhode Island, Bryant University, Providence College
South Carolina – 3
University of South Carolina at Columbia, Clemson University, College of Charleston
South Dakota – 2
South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota
Tennessee – 4
Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University
Texas – 19
Rice University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, University of Texas Dallas, Baylor University, University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University, University of St Thomas – Houston, St. Edward's University, University of Texas Arlington, Lamar University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Sam Houston State University, University of the Incarnate Word
Utah – 3
University of Utah, Brigham Young University-Provo, Utah State University
Vermont – 1
University of Vermont
Virginia – 11
University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), George Mason University, College of William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, Marymount University, Old Dominion University, Hampton University, Radford University, Shenandoah University
Washington – 7
University of Washington, Seattle, Seattle University, Washington State University, Seattle Pacific University, Western Washington University, Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University
Washington D.C. – 5
Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, American University, Catholic University of America
West Virginia – 1
West Virginia University
Wisconsin – 5
University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Carthage College
Wyoming – 1
University of Wyoming
Hopefully, this ranking will help you decide where to study. For more information about US universities, sign up to our site (it's free and takes less than two minutes) and enjoy exclusive member benefits, including access to helpful tips and guides.
This article was originally published in April 2017 and was updated in May 2021 to reflect the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings: USA 2021.
This article was originally published in April 2017 . It was last updated in April 2022
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As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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