Top 10 Universities in US for Masters: 2025

Do you want to pursue master's but have a thousand of questions regarding it? Does the process of figuring out which university is the best make you feel like you are stuck in a maze? If yes, then worry not. Amber is always here to help you out. Here is a list of the top ten universities in US for master's programs. Why US, if you may ask? Besides the fact that the US is a hub of different cultures and innovative ideas, it has some of the best universities worldwide.

In this blog, we will be talking about different universities, their best courses, locations, acceptance rates, and so many more interesting things. 

Let’s dive into it:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

‍Location: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

‍Acceptance rate: 4%

‍Tuition fees: $53,450 - $59,750

The academic programs at MIT are regarded for being extremely challenging and competitive, particularly in the areas of science and technology. It stands first in the QS ranking so now you know the reason why it is so tough to get into MIT. The university is renowned for emphasizing innovation and research. MIT offers various multidisciplinary courses and research opportunities in addition to its standard academic programs, allowing students to pursue their interests and work with teachers and other students. The top courses for masters at MIT are Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. A wide number of extracurricular activities are also available at this one of the top universities in US, including sports, clubs, and student organizations. These activities give students the chance to develop their leadership abilities, socialize with others, and pursue their interests.

2. Stanford University

‍Location: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

‍Acceptance rate: 3%

‍Tuition fees: $51,022 - $56,169

Stanford is a well-regarded research university for masters with a long history of entrepreneurship and innovation. It stands third in the QS ranking. The institution has a distinctive culture of teamwork and interdisciplinary research, and it offers many masters level programmes that connect various academic disciplines. Stanford is recognized for its computer science and engineering programs and many other courses, which have given rise to numerous prosperous companies and business titans. Additionally, Stanford provides a wealth of tools and assistance for student innovation and entrepreneurship, including its well-known "StartX" startup accelerator program.

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3. Harvard University

‍Location: Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States

‍Acceptance rate: 4%

‍Tuition fees: $55,850 - $57,256

One of the oldest and most famous universities in US, Harvard is renowned for its demanding academic curriculum and long history of outstanding research and scholarship. In the QS list of universities, it is ranked fifth. The school is especially well-known for its business and law programs. Harvard was established in 1636, and it has produced a long list of notable alumni, including eight U.S. presidents, more than 150 Nobel laureates, and innumerable figures in the fields of commerce, law, and the arts. In addition, Harvard places a high priority on social justice and public service, and there are numerous initiatives and programs in place to encourage inclusiveness, diversity, and civic participation.

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4. California Institute of Technology

‍Location: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

‍Acceptance rate: 6%

‍Tuition fees: $54,600 - $60,657

The world-famous research university Caltech is renowned for its emphasis on the applied sciences and engineering. With an acceptance rate of just 6%, the university's application process is extremely difficult. The top courses here are Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Applied Science, and Chemistry. The institution also provides a variety of possibilities for students to conduct research, including independent study, internships, and summer research programs. 

5. University of Chicago

‍Location: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States

‍Acceptance rate: 7%

‍Tuition fees: $62,088 - $66,692

The institution of Chicago; a leading research institution, is renowned for its intellectually stimulating environment and demanding academic programs. The university's "Core Curriculum" is unique, and it mandates that all students take courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, giving them a well-rounded education. The school is notably well-known for its programs in Law, Medicine, and Economics, which are frequently ranked among the best in the world. With numerous interdisciplinary research centers and programs, the institution is also strongly committed to different research and collaboration.

6. University of Pennsylvania

‍Location: Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

‍Acceptance rate: 8%

‍Tuition fees: $51,464 - $54.008

The University of Pennsylvania is a highly selective research institution famous for its strong focus on entrepreneurship and business. The university is notably well-known for having one of the greatest business schools in the world, the Wharton School of Business. Strong programs are also offered in computer science, nursing, and economics. The university boasts a thriving campus life with several student clubs, organizations, and events in addition to a strong commitment to civic participation and community service. 

7. Princeton University

‍Location: Princeton, NJ 08544, United States

‍Acceptance rate: 5%

‍Tuition fees: $54,370 - $61,081

‍Princeton University is renowned for its demanding academic programs, and esteemed low student-to-faculty ratio and plenty of options for individual study. Princeton University also has a strong commitment to postgraduate-level education. The university is especially well-known for its programs in Economics, Computer Science, and Mathematics, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. For students pursuing post-graduation, the institution also provides a wealth of resources and assistance, including fellowships, research assistantships, and professional development courses.

8. Yale University

‍Location: New Haven, CT 06520, USA

‍Acceptance rate: 5%

‍Tuition fees: $43,300 - $48,000 

Yale University is situated in New Haven, Connecticut, and it is a private Ivy League research university. What Are The Ivy League Schools? You can get all your doubts cleared here. It was established in 1701 and is renowned for both its outstanding academic offerings and elegant architecture, with renowned programs in Medicine, Law, Business Administration, Computer Science, and Economics. Students at the university come from more than 120 different countries and all 50 US states.

9. Cornell University

‍Location: Ithaca, NY 14850, United States

‍Acceptance rate: 10%

‍Tuition fees: $60,268 - $65,204

One of the nation's oldest universities, Cornell University, was established in 1865. With the university being split into seven schools and dispersed across its expansive campus, Cornell is renowned for its distinctive campus design. When submitting an application to Cornell, students have the option to select the college of their choice. Each college has its distinctive academic concentration and culture. The top courses here are Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Hotel Administration, Applied Economics and Management. The university is renowned for its dedication to sustainability, with many eco-friendly programs and LEED-certified structures on campus. Toni Morrison, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and other well-known alumni of Cornell are all Cornell graduates.

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10. Columbia University

‍Location: New York, NY 10027, United States

‍Acceptance rate: 5%

‍Tuition fees: $60,000 - $62,112

Students from all over the world can enroll at Columbia University, which is situated in the lively metropolis of New York and offers. The top courses here are Social Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Film, and Psychology. The university's location in the center of New York City, an intellectual hotspot that provides limitless opportunities for exploration and inspiration, is another advantage for Columbia students. Columbia University is a top choice for students looking for a fulfilling educational experience due to its strong dedication to academic quality.

Phew, we understand that it is a lot to take. Take your time and analyze all the factors mentioned above carefully. It definitely depends on your personal choices and preferences but do not forget that going for master's in a different country changes your life completely. Feeling homesickness is going to be a part of that journey. At amber, we understand your problems, and hence we provide some amazing student accommodation in US to make your path less stressful. If you are planning to move to US or UK for studies you need to check our student city guides for Boston and students city guides for Chicago.